Is HBO Max available in the UK?

As HBO announced its rebranding to Max, it was also officially confirmed that a new series based on JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books is in the works.

The new live-action series, which will star a brand new cast, is expected to come to the newly branded platform in 2025/26 and, naturally, UK fans are wondering how they can watch the series.

HBO Max began its European launch back in 2021, launching the platform in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain and Andorra – but not the UK.

That said, many HBO titles air in the UK on Sky Atlantic as well as becoming available on Sky’s streaming service NOW, which is the UK home of HBO original content such as Euphoria, Succession, House of the Dragon and the 'Return to Hogwarts' reunion special.

This was also the case for The Last of Us, which aired weekly in the UK on Sky Atlantic at 2am BST and became available on Sky and NOW.

So, for viewers worried about finding a way to watch HBO original content in the UK, read on for more details and everything you need to know about the platform.

Is HBO Max available in the UK?

Unfortunately, HBO Max is not currently available in the UK and there are no plans for the service to launch on our shores anytime soon.

How can I watch HBO Max shows in the UK?

Many HBO titles are available to watch on Sky and its streaming service NOW. Shows such as Westworld are available to watch on the platform.

• Find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV

What is the HBO Max price in the UK?

As detailed above, HBO Max is not available in the UK, so no pricing information is available.

In the US, the service is currently available for $15.99 a month. This is a higher price than Disney Plus ($7,99 a month) and Netflix ($9.99 a month).

When the newly branded platform Max launches in May, there will be three separate subscription plans, the first two of which are the same as the two current payment plans on HBO Max.

The first and cheapest plan, Max Ad Light, will be $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

Meanwhile, the middle plan, Max Ad Free, will be available for $15.99 a month or $149.99 a year, and the last and most expensive Max plan, Max Ultimate Ad Free, will be $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year.

When will HBO Max launch in the UK?

As it stands, it doesn't appear HBO Max will launch in the UK in the foreseeable future.

This is because Sky has an exclusivity deal with HBO, meaning HBO TV shows are first broadcast on Sky channels (usually on Sky Atlantic). This deal also means many HBO titles are available to watch on NOW (the streaming service from Sky).

In 2019, both HBO and Sky extended their partnership for another five years. It is very unlikely HBO Max will launch in the UK without its core HBO programming during this time.

Will Warner Bros release movies on streaming in the UK?

As HBO Max is not available in the UK, some film fans may understandably be frustrated that they are missing out on streaming the biggest new releases from the comfort of their home - particularly during this pandemic.

Warner Bros did make Wonder Woman 1984 available on Sky just one month after its cinema release on 16th December 2020, but similar strategies weren’t employed for other 2021 movies including Dune, which remained exclusive to cinemas in the UK.

Watch this space for more developments.

What HBO Max shows are available on the service?

The service launched with a host of original content, including Anna Kendrick rom-com Love Life and On the Record, a documentary delving in the #MeToo movement and record producer Russell Simmons.

Subscribers can also find shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Rick & Morty, South Park and big-budget HBO dramas such as Game of Thrones and Westworld.

There's also the reunion special for the Harry Potter film franchise cast available on the platform, titled Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.

In addition, there are a lot of new shows on the way as the platform rebrands to Max, including the new Harry Potter TV show, The Penguin, True Detective: Night Country and even an animated series focused on Gremlins.

If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide and Streaming Guide.

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