You've probably heard of HBO, as it brought you countless movies and TV shows including the well-known Game of Thrones. The television network launched on this day, back in 1972. Here are things you might not know about Home Box Office.
1. The Green Channel
No, it did not use to feature nature, but it certainly looks that way. It's a good move that Charles Dolan, a cable television advocate, changed it to Home Box Office.
He renamed it after getting an investment from Time, Inc., so it would highlight the channel's purpose, which is Hollywood and event programming.
2. Signals via Microwaves
HBO used to distribute its signal using microwaves. Although satellite technology was cheaper and had better coverage, it was unreliable in the 70s, according to Mental Floss.
However, HBO saw an increase in subscribers in 1977, gaining over 600,000 households paying for their service. This forced them to switch to satellite technology in order to reach all the subscribers.
3. First to the Race
In 1983, Fox sold the premium television right to the still-hit Star Wars. It was a non-exclusive sale meaning that HBO was not the only channel to premiere it. The deal was all the channels should show it no earlier than 6 AM on February 1st.
However, HBO paid Fox so they can air it six hours earlier than other channels. They didn't even advertise the early premiere. So basically, they just wanted to be the first to show the movie.
4. HBO Around the World
The company's programming has been sold in more than 155 countries, according to its website. The branded services are available in more than 85 countries coming from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Other than the HBO Channel, there's also HBO on Demand, the HBO app, and the famed HBO Max, where you can watch HBO original TV shows among others.
5. Who're You Gonna Call?
In the 80s, it was important for channels to show hit films. Especially when competitors like VHS are slowly gaining market shares for home television viewing.
Since the movie "Ghostbusters" was a hit, it was expected to cost a lot. Bill Mesce, an HBO employee, allegedly paid $40 million for broadcast rights.
6. Staying a Little Longer
It makes sense to cancel a subscription when there's nothing to watch anymore. HBO offers exclusive shows like "Euphoria," "House of the Dragon," and "Game of Thrones," but after you finished the show, what else is there?
Well, according to NBC and research firm Parks Associates, people actually keep their subscription for about 18 months.
7. Not Immune to Hackers
People used to have giant satellite dishes so they could catch the signal for programming. However, they were expensive, and then add the bill that came from TV channels.
One of the people who hated the idea, John MacDougall, decided to do something about it. He interrupted a show that HBO was broadcasting and showed a message saying: "$12.95/month? No Way!"
8. Imagine a Life Without 'Game of Thrones'
HBO didn't like the original pilot episode of "Game of Thrones." It's a good thing that they didn't scrap the show for good, as it is now one of the biggest shows out there, that even spawned a prequel.
They re-shot the episode, and re-casted some actors including the actress who played Daenerys. If only they could re-shoot the last season. (kidding)
9. No Stranger to Big Hits
HBO's The Sopranos snatched up a lot of awards in its day. Before the debut of the series, not one cable drama has been nominated for a Best Drama Series Emmy.
In its first season, the show garnered 16 nominations. Overall as the show aired its final episode, it has already been nominated 112 times and won 21 times.
10. HBO Sports?
According to Factinate, the first live sporting event that HBO aired was an NHL hockey game in 1972. It was between the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.
