HBO Max streaming service to be included with Sky subscription in 2026
Sky has struck a new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery that will bring HBO’s Max streaming service to Sky Q, Stream, and Glass in the UK and Ireland starting in 2026. This is exciting news because it means that popular HBO shows like House of the Dragon and The White Lotus will no longer disappear from Sky when the current deal ends. Instead, both existing shows and new seasons will continue to be available on Sky Atlantic, but users will also have access to the ad-supported version of Max at no extra cost.
This move opens up a whole new world of entertainment for Sky customers and introduces them to the ad-supported version of Max, much like how they can currently enjoy Discovery+. However, it’s essential to note that new HBO programs, including the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, slated for release after 2025, will be exclusive to Max. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially since Max will have immediate access to millions of screens in the UK and Ireland upon launch.
The future of Sky Atlantic remains uncertain, with the possibility that it may transition to showing reruns of older shows. There could be some series that make their way to Sky Atlantic after premiering on Max, but that’s just speculation for now. Additionally, Sky has confirmed that popular WBD kids channels such as Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and Boomerang will continue to be part of Sky packages.
For those looking at their Sky TV options, there are different packages to choose from. Sky Essential TV at £15 per month includes Sky Atlantic, Netflix Standard with Ads, Discovery+, and free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky News, and Sky Arts. On the other hand, Sky Ultimate TV at £22 a month offers everything in Sky Essential TV and Sky Stream, along with additional channels such as Sky Max, Sky Comedy, and Sky Documentaries. Sky Glass can also be added on for an additional cost starting at £14 a month.
These new developments are sure to enhance the streaming experience for Sky customers and bring a diverse range of entertainment options right to their screens.