91% RT Score, 0% Survival Chance: Max Reportedly Pulls Its Best Original Drama as Fans Revolt
The best advice for streaming subscribers today is simple: Watch it while you can, because tomorrow it may be gone.
In recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, and Disney+ have been quietly – and sometimes abruptly – removing their own original movies and TV series. This trend has left many subscribers frustrated, wondering why content they once had access to is suddenly gone.
The Leftovers Is Reportedly Leaving Max in April
Redditor Artistic_Dentist_622 made their own list of TV shows and movies that will be leaving Max in April, since the streaming service doesn't list them in their press releases, and one of the items shocked and stunned fans.
According to the list, The Leftovers will be leaving Max on April 11. Yes, one of HBO's best original dramas that aired from 2014 to 2017.
Fans Are Furious That HBO Original Projects Are Being Removed From Streaming
Apparently, this news caused outrage among subscribers, because even eight years after the finale, The Leftovers still has an impressive fan base, many of whom return to the project. Redditor Economy_Bite24 wrote:
“Removing an HBO original show from the service is not unprecedented, but definitely weird. Part of the reason I subscribe is for the back catalog HBO shows. When they take off The Leftovers and add some Paul brothers reality show bullsh*t, they cheapen the product.”
This may seem like a strange decision at first glance. However, there may be reasons for it, ranging from financial strategies to shifting business priorities.
The Leftovers Might Repeat the Fate of Westworld
One of the biggest reasons for removing original content is, of course, financial. Streaming platforms often license their originals rather than own them, meaning they have to pay fees to creators, actors, and production companies.
By removing a TV show or movie, a company can claim it as a financial loss, resulting in tax benefits.
A notorious example is Warner Bros. Discovery, which removed several HBO Max originals, including Westworld and The Nevers, to secure tax write-offs.
The Leftovers Could Be Removed and Then Returned for Financial Gain
Some streaming originals are removed not because they're unprofitable, but because they can be sold elsewhere. Many shows and movies end up on free streaming services like Tubi or Roku Channel. Others are licensed to competing platforms in different regions, generating additional revenue.
Netflix, for example, has licensed some of its older originals to services like Peacock. This strategy allows studios to monetize content twice – first through subscriptions and later through licensing deals.
If this is the case with The Leftovers, we can expect the show to appear on one of these free platforms soon, but return to Max after some time.
