How to watch HBO shows in the UK
Where and how to watch all the top shows from the US network.
Over the last few years, some of the entertainment industry’s most popular content has been delivered by the sharp minds at HBO. Their series have received hundreds of awards, and many have now become household names.
From the likes of Chernobyl to The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones to its prequel House of the Dragon, the American network knows a thing or two about creating a stand-out show.
However, because HBO is a US network and is not a listed channel on regular British television, much of its great content can prove tricky to find outside of the United States.
Luckily, HBO's output is still available in the UK, thanks to a deal with Sky. To help you access their stellar content, we've got this guide - which explains how to watch HBO in the UK and some of the best shows to get stuck into.
Watch HBO for no extra cost with Sky
Jump to:
- What is HBO?
- Is HBO available in the UK?
- How to watch HBO shows in the UK
- Popular HBO shows and where to find them in the UK
What is HBO?
HBO is a US network from Warner Bros, with the lettering standing for "Home Box Office". It has been producing some of the most recognisable shows and characters for decades and its often award-winning content has been watched all over the world. Some of their most famous productions include Game of Thrones, Succession, The Sopranos, and Chernobyl.
HBO is still centred around a US audience, and there are a range of HBO channels and streaming options. The first is HBO Max, which has all the network’s films and shows in addition to other content made by Warner Bros, who own HBO. While HBO Max launched in the US, it is not currently available to access in the UK and is not expected anytime soon.
The second is HBO GO which is an app and online version of HBO’s network. It allows users who are already subscribed to any TV service which offers HBO, to stream their content on various devices.
The last is HBO Now which is a stand-alone version of the channel, which users can access directly without having to have an existing subscription to a TV service. None of these three options are available in the UK but don't worry, there are other ways to catch HBO shows in the UK.
Is HBO available in the UK?
Not as a broadcast channel. However, you can still watch plenty of HBO shows, because they make their way onto the Sky Atlantic channel and can be accessed through both Sky and NOW TV.
Watch HBO for no extra cost with Sky
How to watch HBO shows in the UK
In the UK, viewers can access HBO shows through their existing Sky subscription or through a NOW TV pass. There are various packages, deals and trials available for both services, depending on what other content you are also interested in.
Watch HBO in the UK with Sky Atlantic
HBO and Sky have teamed up to allow HBO content to be shown on Sky Atlantic in the UK. If you have a Sky subscription, which includes entertainment channels, you will be able to watch HBO shows in the UK just as easily as you would any other series.
Shows like The Last of Us and Succession air on Sky Atlantic in line with their American release. Even though not all of HBO's shows are available on Sky, most of their major productions are broadcast by the UK channel.
Watch HBO for no extra cost with Sky
Watch HBO in the UK with NOW TV
If you don’t have a subscription to Sky, you could also consider a NOW TV Entertainment Pass. This pass allows you to access HBO shows on Sky Atlantic as well as channels including Comedy Central, Gold and National Geographic.
Whether you decide to go for the Sky or NOW TV option depends on the rest of the content offered on both platforms and which would suit your household better.
Watch HBO with a NOW TV Entertainment pass
Popular HBO shows and where to find them in the UK
HBO has been creating stellar entertainment for years and many of their shows have gone down in entertainment history, making household names out of their stars in the process.
Here are some of the most popular HBO shows and where you can watch them:
The Last of Us
One of HBO's hottest releases stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us has taken its audiences by storm.
Succession
Succession is an intense drama about the Roy family's media empire — and the uncertainty of who will take over.
House of the Dragon
Dive back into the fantasy world of Game of Thrones with the new prequel, House of the Dragon.
- Watch House of the Dragon on Sky
- Watch House of the Dragon on NOW TV
- Watch House of the Dragon on Prime Video
- Watch House of the Dragon on Apple TV
Westworld
The dystopian sci-fi drama Westworld, featuring Thandiwe Newton, Tessa Thompson and Aaron Paul, can be watched on Sky.
True Detective
The multi-awarding winning crime drama True Detective can be found on a variety of platforms.
The Wire
American crime drama The Wire was written by a former crime reporter, and the star-studded cast includes Idris Elba, Dominic West and Michael B Jordan.
The Sopranos
Often cited as one of the best television series ever made is The Sopranos, which follows a New Jersey based mafia boss as he negotiates his family and a life of crime.
Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under is a series focusing on a family who run their own funeral parlour in Los Angeles.
Friends
Hang out with Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe at Central Perk on a variety of platforms.
Watch HBO for no extra cost with Sky
For more how to watch content, check out how to watch ViaPlay and how to watch Apple TV on a smart TV. Or if you're looking for more information on Sky, take a look at what is Sky Stream or the best Sky Sports offers.
Authors
Finn Byrne is a Digital Writer for Immediate Media. He works across several brands including The Recommended, RadioTimes.com, MadeforMums and BBC Gardeners’ World. Finn has previously written for publications including MyLondon, The Mirror, The Express, and The Star. When not writing Finn enjoys spending time on the football pitch and getting stuck into a book.
