CNN Max changes on HBO Max: live news ends Nov. 17, 2025

TL;DR:

CNN Max’s live channel leaves HBO Max on November 17, 2025.
CNN says a new standalone streaming service is coming later in 2025.
Select CNN Originals stay on HBO Max after the switch.
In Europe, CNN International remains on Max in select markets for now.
Your options: cable/satellite, live TV bundles, the CNN app, or wait for CNN’s new service.

On October 3, 2025, CNN confirmed it will end its 24/7 live news stream on HBO Max on November 17, 2025. The network said this clears the way for its own subscription streaming product later this year. TheWrap reported the date and carried CNN’s statement from Alex MacCallum, who leads CNN’s digital products and services.

What is CNN Max

CNN Max launched for U.S. subscribers on September 27, 2023. It gave HBO Max users a 24/7 live news stream, live editions of CNN Newsroom, and access to a hub of CNN Originals. CNN framed the launch as a “News” area inside the app. That history comes from CNN’s press room note on launch day.

What ends on November 17, 2025

The 24/7 live CNN news feed inside HBO Max ends in the U.S.
“CNN Max” as a live channel goes dark that day.
Live breaking news and live rolling coverage will no longer be in the HBO Max app.

TheWrap first reported the cutoff date and CNN’s reasoning. Other trade outlets have echoed the same timing today.

What stays after November 17

HBO Max says select CNN Originals, such as documentaries and series, will remain part of the catalog. Trade coverage today, citing company communication, notes that the scripted and doc slate stays while the live feed leaves.

Why CNN is doing this

CNN wants to sell its own direct-to-consumer news service. The company has tried streaming before with CNN+, which launched and shut down in 2022. Leaders now see a clearer path, using lessons from the two years of CNN Max. TheWrap quoted MacCallum saying they “learned from HBO Max’s large base of subscribers” and will build on that with the new product.

How this affects you

If you watch in the United States

You will lose the live CNN feed in HBO Max on November 17, 2025.
You can still watch select CNN Originals in the app.
For live CNN, switch to a pay TV provider, a live TV bundle, or use CNN’s own app with a pay TV login until CNN’s new service arrives.

If you watch in Europe

Max carries CNN International as a 24/7 channel in 22 European countries, including Spain, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Central and Eastern Europe, an offering that began on August 29, 2024. Today’s U.S. change does not announce a Europe change. Expect local updates from Max if that shifts.

Note: Availability varies by country and by Max’s local rollout. Always check your app’s Live News row and local help pages.

Where to watch CNN after November 17

Here are reliable paths to live CNN while we wait for CNN’s new service.

Cable or satellite
If you already pay for TV, use the CNN channel as usual. You can also sign in to the CNN app for live streaming with your provider credentials. CNN’s help and press materials confirm broad global carriage.
Live TV streaming bundles
Services that include CNN in the U.S. typically include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. Lineups change, so confirm CNN is in your tier before you switch.
The CNN app
Use your pay TV credentials to watch live CNN in the app on mobile, TV devices, and the web. If you do not have pay TV, this path will not unlock the live feed.
Wait for CNN’s own service
CNN says a new direct-to-consumer subscription is coming later in 2025. Pricing, plan names, and supported devices were not announced today. Expect more details from CNN.

Background: CNN Max’s short timeline

August 2023. CNN announces a news hub and live feed on Max.
September 27, 2023. CNN Max debuts in open beta in the U.S. with a 24/7 stream and a hub of CNN Originals.
August 27, 2024. Max adds a 24/7 CNN International feed in 22 European countries.
October 3, 2025. CNN says the U.S. live stream leaves HBO Max on November 17, 2025, ahead of a new CNN streaming service.

Pricing, plans, and tiers

Today’s change is about content, not HBO Max plan prices. HBO Max has shifted which tiers include live sports or news at times. If you rely on live content, double check your current plan’s features before your next billing cycle. Trade coverage has tracked prior tier changes related to live add ons.

Quick checklist

Do you watch CNN live inside HBO Max?
Mark November 17, 2025 as the last day in the U.S.
Pick your backup: pay TV, live TV bundle, or the CNN app with a login.
If in Europe, check the Max Live News row for “CNN International.”
Watch for CNN’s new service details later in 2025.

Common questions

Will my HBO Max subscription price change because CNN Max is leaving?
No price change was announced today. Content libraries change often. Review your plan details in the app.

Will CNN Originals stay on HBO Max?
Yes, select CNN Originals will remain, according to company messaging cited in today’s coverage.

If I travel abroad, will I see CNN International in Max?
Maybe. Max offers CNN International live in specific European countries. Your access depends on location, rights, and local rollouts.

When will CNN’s new streaming service launch?
CNN says later in 2025. No date, price, or device list yet.

Why it matters

Live news is a key reason people keep a streaming app. Removing the CNN live feed from HBO Max on November 17 forces U.S. viewers to pick a new path for breaking news. It also signals that CNN wants a direct relationship with subscribers, not just carriage inside a larger app. Watch for bundle deals and launch promos when CNN’s new service arrives.

Regional picture at a glance

Region	Live CNN in HBO Max/Max	Notes
United States	Ends Nov 17, 2025	CNN Originals remain. New CNN streaming service coming in 2025.
Europe (22 countries)	Available via CNN International feed on Max	Started Aug 29, 2024. Check local app.

What happens next

CNN will announce product name, price, markets, and devices for its new service.
HBO Max will keep select CNN Originals for on demand viewing.
European availability of CNN International on Max could update closer to CNN’s launch. Watch for local notices.

Sources: