A brand new streaming service that has not been available in the UK before is set to launch in early 2026.
HBO Max, from Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), launched in the USA in 2020 before expanding across South America, Central Asia, Asia Pacific and some areas of Europe.
Now, the streaming service is set to expand its reach by opening in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein on January 13, 2026.
HBO Max also confirmed that it expected to launch in the UK and Ireland in March 2026, completing its European rollout.
Gather your armor.#HOTD returns Summer 2026. https://t.co/yGRnPH5Zh8
— HBO Max (@hbomax) November 20, 2025
HBO Max to launch in the UK in early 2026
Currently, HBO Max content is available in the UK on Sky services as part of a long-running deal between the two.
WBD has an exclusive deal with Sky, meaning that HBO shows are first broadcast on Sky channels before they go anywhere else.
Many of these shows and films are available to watch on Sky's streaming service NOW TV.
It is not yet confirmed what the future of the deal between Sky and WBD will be following the launch of HBO Max in the UK.
According to WBD, the service already has more than 100 markets worldwide, sharing that it plans to bring the "ultimate mix of best-in-class series, blockbuster movies, extraordinary real-life stories, and live sport" to new subscribers.
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TV content on HBO Max includes The Pitt, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Euphoria, and IT: Welcome to Derry.
Movies on the streaming service include Superman, The Batman, Dune, and the Harry Potter franchise.
HBO Max confirmed that it will launch in the UK with three plan options of Basic with Ads, Standard and Premium, as well as a sports add-on.
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