HBO Max will attempt to lure in subscribers with free episodes

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HBO Max will let non-subscribers watch a limited number of episodes of some its biggest original shows for free.

The service, owned by WarnerMedia, says it will periodically rotate what’s available for free, but for now includes pilot episodes of HBO and HBO Max original series such as “Game of Thrones,” “The Flight Attendant,” “Batwoman” and others. In total, 13 episodes of free content will be available to start.

The move follows Apple TV+’s strategy of letting viewers watch the first episode of each of its original series for free — obviously hoping to get them hooked and subscribe.

Apple TV+ is unique among streamers in that it focuses solely on original content — there’s no catalog of TV shows and movies from other production companies — so offering free previews of shows was likely seen as necessary since viewers wouldn’t be familiar with the offerings.

HBO Max acknowledges the move is ultimately to help it entice new subscribers to the service.