Launch Day For HBO Max: Another Streaming Service Enters the Fray

They're back... Five months after leaving Netflix, comfort TV favorite Friends returns to streaming as the centerpiece of today's launch of HBO Max. WarnerMedia's new streaming service is a megaportal to the company's vast catalog of movies and TV shows, anchored by a small selection of buzzy originals (with many more to come). Josh Zyber has the 411 on the new service, which comes free to most current subscribers of HBO and HBO Now, while Aaron Barnhart wonders if today marks the end of the HBO brand as we know it.

Also today: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns for its final season, Venus Wiliams and Rob Gronkowski compete in a new CBS sports/comedy game show, and Netflix drops its Jeffrey Epstein docuseries. Here's what's new and noteworthy on TV this Wednesday:

SERIES PREMIERE: Anna Kendrick stars in the first season of Love Life. From executive producer Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks), this new anthology series will follow the romantic histories of one main character each season, touching upon key moments and relationships in each episode. Read our review. Streaming on HBO Max

SERIES PREMIERE: Voguing gets its turn in the competitive dance spotlight with Legendary. The series sets eight houses of divas against one another in the pursuit of a cash prize and claim to the title of "legend." Dashaun Wesley hosts, with Jameela Jamil, Leiomy Maldonado, Megan Thee Stallion, and Law Roach sitting at the judges table. Watch the trailer. Streaming on HBO Max

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE: Shining a light on an under-reported aspect of the Me Too Movement, On the Record details the experiences of women of color, particularly that of former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, who leveled charges against music executive Russell Simmons. The project made headlines earlier this year when it was suddenly dropped by Oprah Winfrey and Apple TV+, before premiering at Sundance. Watch the trailer. Streaming on HBO Max

SEASON FINALE: If the critically acclaimed historical drama Mrs America has made one thing clear, it's that we're living in Phyllis Schlafly's America. The limited series wraps its nine-episode run as the 1980 presidential election draws near. Watch the preview. Streaming on FX on Hulu

SEASON PREMIERE: Picking up where it left off, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns for its seventh and final season with the team hunting down a new threat in Great Depression-era New York City. Watch the trailer. 10:00 PM ET on ABC

SERIES PREMIERE: Keegan-Michael Key hosts Game On!, this summer's latest sports-themed reality competition in which Venus Williams and Rob Gronkowski captain two teams as they compete in a series of absurd challenges. James Corden hosted the British version of the series for ten years, and serves as executive producer of this adaptation. Watch the preview. 8:00 PM on CBS

DOCUSERIES PREMIERE: Netflix's four-part docuseries Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich examines how the convicted sex offender used his wealth and power to protect himself, featuring first hand accounts from his survivors. Read our review. Streaming on Netflix.

SERIES PREMIERE: Lifetime is adding a new edition of its hit Married at First Sight franchise to its schedule tonight with the Australian version of the series, Married at First Sight: Australia. Featuring twelve couples, the import will air in two-hour blocks Wednesday and Thursday nights. 9:00 PM on Lifetime

SERIES PREMIERE: It's always fun to see a familiar face leap into the world of night time talk shows, especially when its someone you used to fall asleep with as a kid. The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo features everyone's favorite ticklish three-and-a-half year old as he sits down with guests like Jimmy Fallow, John Mulaney, the Jonas Brothers, Jason Sudeikis, Batman, and more. Watch the trailer. Streaming on HBO Max

SERIES PREMIERE: Crafting is an excellent way to pass the hours in quarantine, and Craftopia may be arriving just in time for parents looking for ways to keep their kids entertained. YouTube star LaurDIY hosts this crafting competition that presents kids with a series of escalating creative challenges. Watch the trailer. Streaming on HBO Max

SERIES PREMIERE: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, and the rest of the Looney Tunes Cartoons gang return in a series of fresh animated adventures that sport that classic Warner Animation look, while approaching the Looney Tunes universe from a distinctly modern point of view. Watch the trailer. Streaming on HBO Max

Mike Attebery is Senior Editor at Primetimer and the author of seven mystery thrillers. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeattebery.