Warner Bros. announced that the television network HBO will be releasing “almost 500 hours” of its programming for free on HBO NOW and HBO GO through the end of April “to provide some entertainment relief” as the world self isolates in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. While the pandemic has led to many productions suffering delays or outright cancellations, it has also resulted in a number of films like Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog releasing on digital earlier than planned.
As far as HBO’s offerings go there is a variety of content available outside of the subscription paywall as of today, including TV series like Silicon Valley and The Sopranos; documentaries like The Apollo and McMillion$; and films like The Lego Movie 2 and Sucker Punch.
One notable addition is 2019’s Detective Pikachu, often compared to Sonic the Hedgehog as both are successful adaptations of popular gaming franchises. All of the content listed by HBO will also be available via their participating distribution partners’ platforms according to the company’s news release.
HBO’s #StayHomeBoxOffice campaign follows many other companies looking to provide home-bound audiences something to do. For instance, Battlefield Community Manager Jeff Braddock recently said the first-person shooter Battlefield 5 is planning to put out events once they are properly tested.
Source: Warner Media
