HBO Max is taking a chance and going all-in on adult animated shows. 

HBO Max is taking a chance and going all-in on adult animated shows. When HBO Max paid an estimated $500 million for exclusive domestic streaming rights to South Park in 2019, it was the start of something new for the streamer. Soon after, they picked up three adult animated comedies: a revival of MTV’s Clone High, the Scooby-Doo prequel Velma, and original series Fired on Mars. More shows on their slate include Harley Quinn and the upcoming takes on Gremlins, The Boondocks, and The Prince as well as an adult-focused Game of Thrones animated series. While animated content takes longer to craft, they’re “ultimately cheaper to make than scripted originals and can be safely produced during a pandemic.” They also perform well on streaming services where they have a “timelessness” that makes them appeal to new viewers. (Just look at the success of Rick & Morty, Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Bob’s Burgers.) According to one executive, they’re investing to “ensur[e] that HBO Max is the destination for adult animation content.” (THR)