For a long time, audiences in the UK have been able to access most HBO content from the US through platforms like Sky or a Now Entertainment Membership. However, there are exceptions like the popular comedy series Hacks. The much-anticipated launch of HBO Max in the United Kingdom is finally happening.
The exact details of the launch have been a bit unclear until now. Thanks to a significant deal, we now have a better understanding of what to expect. Here is when HBO Max will be available in the UK and how you can sign up for it.
When is HBO Max launching in the UK?
Warner has officially announced that HBO Max UK will be launched on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
This launch date is later than some may have expected, especially since the popular show Friends left Netflix on 30 December 2025. Friends has been a major draw for viewers in the UK since it arrived on Netflix in 2018.
HBO Max
What are the pricing options for HBO Max in the UK?
Here are the different packages that HBO Max will offer to subscribers in the UK:
- Basic with ads – £4.99 per month, includes two concurrent streams, Full HD, and no offline downloads
- Standard with ads – £5.99 per month, includes two concurrent streams, Full HD, and up to 30 offline downloads
- Standard – £9.99 per month, includes two concurrent streams, Full HD, and up to 30 offline downloads
- Premium – £14.99 per month, includes four concurrent streams, 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (where available), and up to 100 offline downloads
TNT Sports will also be available for £30.99 per month as a standalone plan or as an add-on to any HBO Max tier.
How will HBO Max be available in the UK?
In addition to the standalone streaming platform, it has been confirmed by Sky that the cheapest ad-supported tier of HBO Max will be available to Sky TV customers at no extra charge. This is similar to how customers currently access Paramount+ for free.
This offer will also extend to Now Entertainment Membership subscribers who pay £9.99 per month (with the option for a discounted rate for longer contracts). Sky TV packages start at £15 per month.
Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry
Can Sky and Now customers access HBO Max without ads?
The free tier of HBO Max available to Sky and Now customers will include ads, which is the most affordable option. It’s not clear at this time if these customers will have the option to upgrade to a premium ad-free version. This may be a strategy to attract more standalone subscribers to HBO Max, but this is purely speculation.
Will I still be able to watch HBO shows through Sky?
Until the launch of HBO Max on 26 March 2026, viewers will still be able to stream popular HBO shows like The White Lotus, House of the Dragon, The Penguin, and more through Sky without any changes. Even after HBO Max is available, viewers can continue to watch content through Sky, simply by signing up for an account and accessing it through the HBO Max app.
Existing shows will still be available on Sky Atlantic and on-demand, including Peacemaker. However, new premieres like the Harry Potter TV series are likely to be exclusive to HBO Max.
HBO Max
What content will be available on HBO Max UK?
British subscribers to HBO Max will have access to a wide range of content from HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios, and Max Originals. This includes popular series like The Sopranos, Friends, The Wire, Succession, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Pitt, and Euphoria.
The service will also premiere the Harry Potter series and DC’s Green Lantern show Lanterns. While basic packages won’t include the latest Warner Bros. blockbusters like Sinners or One Battle After Another, there is hope that upcoming films like Wuthering Heights will debut on HBO Max.
Will Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. affect HBO Max in the UK?
Netflix’s recent purchase of Warner Bros. for $82.7B has raised questions about the future of HBO Max. While the deal won’t take effect until Q3 2026, there is speculation that HBO Max shows may eventually be integrated into Netflix’s platform. This could potentially impact viewers not only in the UK but also in other countries where HBO Max is available.
The specifics of the deal are still being worked out, and it’s unclear how exactly it will impact the availability of HBO Max content on Netflix.
HBO Max
Which subscription should I choose: Sky, Now, or HBO Max?
HBO Max won’t be available until March 2026, so if you’re looking to watch HBO content now, you still have options like Sky and Now. If you’re unsure about which platform is best for you, check out our guide to Sky to help you make an informed decision.