HBO Max has announced its arrival in the United Kingdom and Ireland, expanding to over 110 territories worldwide. The streaming service will offer a range of original content starting March 26, with subscription plans beginning at £5 per month. This launch comes amid reports of Netflix's impending acquisition of Warner Bros.
HBO Max, the streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery, is set to debut in the UK and Ireland on Thursday, March 26. This marks a significant expansion, joining more than 110 countries already offering the service. While some HBO titles, such as Euphoria, have been accessible in these regions via other platforms, HBO Max will introduce exclusive content including The Pitt, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and the upcoming Harry Potter series.
Subscription options cater to different preferences. The Basic with Ads plan costs £5 per month and provides access to most titles, excluding movies that premiere on HBO Max post-theatrical release; it supports streaming on two devices. The Standard with Ads tier, at £6 per month, includes those theatrical releases and allows up to 30 downloads, also on two devices. For an ad-free experience, the Standard plan offers full access on two devices with 30 downloads. The Premium plan supports four devices in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos, provided the user's setup is compatible.
The pricing positions HBO Max as cheaper than Netflix's standard offerings in the region. This rollout occurs as Netflix prepares to acquire Warner Bros., which includes HBO and HBO Max, though no direct influence on the launch has been indicated. The move bolsters streaming competition in the UK and Ireland, where Netflix has long been established.
