Is The Big Bang Theory Coming to HBO Max?

Are you a streamer who loves The Big Bang Theory? If so, we might have some good news for you. I say “might” because as far as I’m concerned, this news is just a rumor. I’m going to need a little more to go on than the reportage of a couple of internet sites before I fully believe anything. Call me skeptical if you wish, that’s just how I roll. So, what’s this possible good news about The Big Bang Theory? It’s possible that HBO Max will have the exclusive streaming rights for all 12 seasons of this show.

Okay. Admittedly, this possible bit of news sounds great for some Big Bang fans who want to watch their favorite show commercial-free. They’ll have to get HBO Max to do it, though, and the streaming service is set for a spring 2020 release. Rumor has it that TBBT episodes will be available for streaming upon launch. Rumor also has it that HBO Max is also making the hit TV show Friends to its streaming service.

So, who’s the source of this rumor? Well, I picked up the story on CordCuttersNews.com, but it looks like the original scoop comes from The Hollywood Reporter. Perhaps that’s why I’m a bit skeptical. I’m not saying that if THR said the sky was blue I’d go outside to check. I’m classier than all that. What I’m saying is that if that particular news organization were to posit an overall azure tint to the atmosphere, this reporter would be compelled to gain first-person confirmation.

To THR’s credit, their reportage on this issue features quotes from Robert Greenblatt, chairman, WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer. The story also featured the quotes from TBBT’s creator, Chuck Lorre. Both men seemed very excited that the show will continue to live on at the soon-to-be HBO Max streaming service. This definitely lends some weight to this story.

Now, this wouldn’t be a Streaming Saturday column if I didn’t throw in my two cents. I have to be honest when I say that I don’t care about The Big Bang Theory. I never did. In fact, you might remember me referring to this sitcom as “The Big Dud” in a past blog post. Like I said then, my wife and I watched an episode after so many people recommended it. We gave up halfway through it because we’ve heard it all before and better in the shows from our youth.

Okay, so I’m not big on TBBT but that doesn’t mean anything. I love HBO Go, and I’m looking forward to the release of HBO Max. Look, no streaming service provider is defined by one series. (Yes, that even applies to Netflix and my beloved Stranger Things.) No matter who the provider is, there will always be the shows I like and the shows I don’t like. I already enjoy my HBO Go, so I’m feeling very bullish about HBO Max. I can’t get it yet, of course, but Mrs. Buckler and I plan will probably get it when it’s available.

Here’s what I expect HBO Max to be. (Caveat: This is just a guess on my part; I have no idea if these things will come to pass.) I envision HBO Max will be the ideal streaming service provider. It will have a healthy library filled with curated content that includes movies and TV series. HBO Max also will continue HBO’s grand tradition of original movies and series. In short, I believe it will give us the best of both worlds.

I guess we’ll have to wait to see what HBO Max will be when it comes out in the spring. I find myself saying that a lot in this weekly column but there is a good reason for this. We’re living in a time where streaming is rapidly going from a baby to a teenager. This is a time of great change and we don’t know what to expect. I predict that streaming TV content will soon play an even bigger part in our day-to-day lives. But that’s about as far as I want to go with any predictions.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.