HBO Max has launched in the UK, bringing with it a host of popular shows including Friends, which had been unavailable on British streaming services since leaving Netflix at Christmas. The Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) service aims to compete in a crowded market by offering a competitive price and bundling deals with Sky.
The streaming platform features a vast library of Warner Bros films, including DC superhero movies and Harry Potter, as well as HBO classics like The Sopranos and Succession. New content such as the Harry Potter TV series, now set for a Christmas release, and medical drama The Pitt are expected to attract subscribers.
HBO Max's cheapest ad-supported package costs £4.99 a month, undercutting rivals Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+ by £1. For an extra £1, users can access new Hollywood releases without additional charges. A bundle with Sky, including Netflix, Disney+, and Hayu, is available for £24 a month.
The launch comes as UK streaming subscriber growth slows, with only a 7% increase last year. WBD hopes partnerships and exclusive content will help it gain scale quickly. The Harry Potter series is seen as a key driver, being a major exclusive property outside of the Sky deal.
