Table of Contents
- Future of HBO Max in the UK and Ireland
- Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix
- Launch Plans for HBO Max
- Impact on Sky Viewers
- Access for Sky Customers
Questions have arisen regarding the future of HBO Max’s launch plans in the UK and Ireland in light of a significant Netflix acquisition.
Netflix is known for major hits including , and .
Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery will need to receive regulatory approval firstCredit: Getty
Netflix recently informed customers that no immediate changes are happeningCredit: AFP
The popular US streaming service HBO Max is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is currently being pursued by Netflix.
In a competitive move, Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile counter-bid of £77 billion to acquire the entire company.
This development coincides with HBO Max's plans for a significant expansion into Europe, including the UK and Ireland.
HBO’s existing agreements with Sky have hindered the broadcaster's ability to broaden its reach.
However, next year, the current arrangement with Sky is set to conclude, clearing the path for HBO Max’s launch.
Despite this, the ongoing conflict regarding Warner Bros. Discovery’s ownership has led some to question whether HBO Max will indeed make its way across the Atlantic.
Nevertheless, Warner Bros. Discovery has clarified its intentions.
A representative informed Cord Busters that they plan to proceed with the UK and Ireland launch next year.
Executives recently announced that they are preparing to introduce HBO Max in late March 2026.
In the meantime, it is scheduled to launch in Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland first on January 13.
The platform's arrival will bring some changes for Sky viewers, but they will still have access to their favorite shows.
Highly popular series that have already started on Sky Atlantic, such as House of the Dragon, will continue to air on the channel.
Additionally, shows agreed upon before the current arrangement concludes between the two companies will also be available, including the new Game of Thrones .
However, new shows released after that will be exclusive to HBO Max.
This includes the series scheduled for release in 2027.
As part of a new agreement, Sky customers will be able to access HBO Max at no additional cost.
However, this will be an ad-supported plan, and they will need to pay more to remove advertisements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will HBO Max launch in the UK and Ireland?
HBO Max is set to launch in the UK and Ireland in late March 2026.
Will Sky viewers lose access to their favorite shows?
No, Sky viewers will continue to have access to their favorite shows, including those currently airing on Sky Atlantic.
Will Sky customers have to pay for HBO Max?
Sky customers will have access to HBO Max at no additional cost, but they will have an ad-supported plan and will need to pay more to remove ads.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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