The sobriquet Max, derived from the Latin Maximus, which connotes supreme excellence or preeminence, carries with it a storied lineage steeped in the annals of time. Its origins can be traced back to the hallowed realms of ancient Rome, where it found resonance as a cognomen employed to signify extraordinary strength and accomplishment. Roman emperors, military commanders, and even gladiators were adorned with this epithet, an apposite tribute to their lofty stature and illustrious deeds.
As epochs unfurled, the name Max traversed distant lands and linguistic boundaries, permeating the tapestry of diverse European tongues. Its ascendancy was particularly pronounced in the Germanic realms, where it attained eminence as an abbreviated variant of grandiloquent designations such as Maximilian and Maximus. Within the borders of Germany, several noble figures of yore, encompassing monarchs and princes, favored the resplendent title of Max.
The tempestuous tides of the 19th and 20th centuries ushered in a resplendent era for the name Max, for it burgeoned in popularity, embracing autonomy and shedding the tether to its longer counterparts. Simplicity and concision marked this era of nomenclature.
Furthermore, the Jewish community embraced Max as an anglicized rendition of the Hebrew name Mordechai, endowing the appellation with a symbolism of fortitude, valiance, and the indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Presently, Max stands as a ubiquitous and cherished name, celebrated across manifold cultures. Its versatility and universal appeal have imbued it with an enduring charm. From the realms of illustrious cinema stars to the glories of sporting arenas, Max has metamorphosed into the veritable choice for parents seeking a name that exudes confidence and charisma.
And now, it’s the only word you’ll read when you want to watch The Batman or Game of Thrones on your phone.
Today, “HBO” was officially dropped by streaming service HBO Max. Now known only as “Max,” the rebranding comes as Warner Bros. Discovery simplifies its streaming service operations by merging HBO Max and Discovery Plus together, creating a much more appealing product than either service was on its own for a single monthly price of $9.99.
With more 4K content, less ads than other streaming platforms, and a solid app experience, Max is shaping up to be a star in the endless sea of subscription services and entertainment outlets.
But that’s not what’s important to me. What’s important is the fact that my name, Max, is now the face of a streaming service.
It’s an important day for every human being, puppy dog, goldfish, and inanimate object named Max. Finally, we’re given the recognition we all equally crave and deserve.
As many of you know, I was President of the Council of Max’s group chat on Twitter before being unlawfully banned. To commemorate this special occasion, I reached out to my fellow Max’s by proxy to understand how they were reacting to the news that our great name would be the first thing people see when they stream Euphoria or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Here are their statements.
From Max Stoiber:
The decision to name the merged service "Max" not only demonstrates the wide appeal of our name, but also serves as a reminder of our shared identity and camaraderie among Max's worldwide. In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, this unifying gesture represents a small but significant victory for us, bringing our name to the forefront of the global entertainment stage. As we anticipate the exciting developments this merger will bring, we can all take pride in the knowledge that, in some small way, our name has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and the future of streaming entertainment.
From Max Kennerly:
HBO Discovery's decision confirms, once again, that the best way to maximize shareholder value is to choose Max. Literally.
From Max Roman:
No longer shall our name be the domain of large dogs and small children - heretofore it shall be the brand of the most ruthless and cost-conscious producer of filmed entertainment. And it was good.
From Max Weinbach:
Max as a platform exemplifies what we all know: Max’s rule the world. This is our first step to the public plan of world domination. First, Max. The media platform with highest quality shows from HBO. Then, larger iPhone sizes everyone wants. Then into more and more places, until Max is everywhere, everywhere everyone will see and respect and know us. Max wins.
And finally, from me, Max Buondonno:
With great humility and honor, I’m proud to stand as one of the millions of folks around the world who shares a name so grand, so inviolable, and so magnificent as Max. And now, our legacy will forever live on in the form of an app tied to a content library full of Hollywood classics, new age short series, cooking dramas, realtors, and The Looney Tunes Show.
Let us all rejoice in glad tidings as our name continues to break barriers and strengthen its influence around the world.
Long live Max, and may God save us all.