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How to avoid watching that sex scene next to mom: HBO Go

There's one very good reason for HBO Go, the company infers in a new ad campaign. It's the one way you can avoid awkward moments watching HBO with the rest of your family.

Chris Matyszczyk
2 min read

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The family that watches together, embarrasses together. HBO/YouTube screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET

Have you ever watched a lesbian sex scene with your mother?

Please, I'm not trying to pry. I just wondered because HBO is wondering the same thing.

Would your mom turn away? Would she start up a conversation about how approving she is of same-sex relationships? Or would she start asking questions? You know, those sorts of questions?

And would this really, really, get on your last wick?

HBO understands your dilemma. Indeed, it may be the only reason why it created HBO Go. At least that's what you might conclude from the very funny new campaign the company has released.

In several executions, we see the members of the family watching HBO's progressive, sometimes risque shows in the public areas of their house. (Some NSFW, clearly for effect, so be forewarned.)


What ensues are, naturally, embarrassing situations.

The parents are all too keen to show their liberal stances on social issues. The kids are all too keen to roll their eyes in supplication.

The teen daughter is watching an especially frank sex scene from "Girls." Dad stumbles by and uses it as a fine way to show his support for a woman's right to say no. Or yes. Or perhaps.

Then there's the whole family watching "Curb Your Enthusiasm." What else would mom and dad do but use a scene about divorce to expose their own extremely happy and frisky 27-year sex life?

"Next thing I know I'm bringing something home to your mother and it ain't flowers," is dad's explanation for why he didn't have an affair while on the road for business.

Yes, of course he's watching "True Detective" with his son.

He'd never have told his daughter that. It's her body, after all. She has the right to say yes and no.

And then there's the "True Blood" ad featuring mom and son. And absolutely no words whatsoever. The ad leaves the faces and the sounds to express everything that needs to be expressed.

The whole campaign is masterfully thought out and played. And an excellent advertisement for the privacy that Messrs Zuckerberg and Page keep telling me is dead.