HBO Max to finally launch in UK five years after US debut

Emmy-winning drama ‘The Pitt’ is finally getting a UK home

HBO Max is finally set to launch in the UK, five years after the streaming service made its debut in the United States.

From 26 March, the streamer will be officially available in the UK, with content from HBO, Warner Bros Pictures, Warner Bros Television, DC Studios and Max Originals all in one place.

It will launch with critically acclaimed hospital procedural drama The Pitt, which has left UK TV fanatics enraged after not being given a UK home despite its multiple Emmy wins. The entire first season will be available to stream immediately, with episodes of the second season being released weekly.

Later in the year, HBO Max will be home to HBO’s big 2026 launches. This includes the return of Euphoria, House of the Dragon and The Comeback, as well as the highly anticipated Harry Potter series and new DC Studios drama Lanterns.

Many of the year’s biggest films will also be included on the streamer, from Oscar-nominated movies One Battle After Another and Sinners, to crowdpleasers like Superman and A Minecraft Movie.

The platform will also boast a back catalogue of many of HBO and Warner Bros’s biggest shows. Friends, Succession,The Sopranos and Game of Thrones will be exclusively available in the UK on HBO Max.

Three different streaming plans will be available, starting from £4.99 per month for a basic package with ads. This features all HBO Max shows and films (bar movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window), and will allow users to stream on two devices.

'The Pitt' will be arriving on HBO Max (HBO)

For £5.99 per month, there is the standard package with ads, which features all HBO Max shows and films and allows users 30 downloads.

The standard package features the same content and downloads without adverts, and costs £9.99 per month. For the £14.99 premium package, users can stream on four devices in 4K Ultra HD and have 100 downloads.

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'One Battle After Another' is coming to HBO Max (HBO)

The platform will also be launching in Ireland, where prices will range from €5.99 per month to €15.99 per month.

The launch will also impact sports fans, as the TNT Sports streaming subscription will now be available via HBO Max in the UK. This plan can be purchased separately for £30.99 per month.

Launching in the US in May 2020, HBO Max is the fourth-most subscribed to video-on-demand platform. Its original programming has included The Pitt and Hacks.

Currently, the majority of HBO shows and Max Originals are available to stream in the UK on Now.