Sky and Max Agreement: HBO Shows to Continue on Sky TV

Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced a major streaming deal that will change how UK viewers access HBO and Warner Bros. content starting in 2026. The partnership includes bundling Max (formerly HBO Max) with Sky’s services, allowing customers to stream shows like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. For Sky and NOW customers, this means getting access to Max’s streaming service with ads at no extra cost. However, Max will also launch as a standalone streaming service for those not using Sky or NOW.

HBO content has been a key part of Sky’s offerings for years, with shows like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us exclusively available on Sky Atlantic. When Warner Bros. Discovery merged with Discovery+ in 2023 and rebranded HBO Max as “Max,” a new era began for HBO content distribution globally. The recent announcement confirmed that Max will launch in the UK in 2026, raising questions about the future of HBO shows on Sky as existing licensing deals were set to expire around 2025.

The new agreement between Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery will provide Sky customers with bundled access to Max’s ad-supported tier at no additional cost starting in early 2026. This means that Sky subscribers will have access to HBO content, Max Originals, and other exclusive content. The deal also ensures that existing franchises and their future series will be available on Sky Atlantic for customers, alongside new HBO shows premiering before the end of 2025.

Moreover, the partnership extends to NOW Entertainment subscribers, who will also receive bundled access to Max’s ad-supported tier when it launches. This move aims to enhance NOW’s streaming service and make it more appealing to cord-cutters. Max will also be available as a standalone streaming service in 2026, offering an alternative for viewers who are not Sky or NOW customers.

In conclusion, the deal between Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery secures continued access to HBO content for Sky and NOW customers while offering a new streaming experience with Max. For those outside of these services, the standalone option will be available in 2026. The partnership represents a strategic move to meet the changing demands of the streaming market and provide viewers with more choices for accessing premium content.