Max UK Launch Confirmed: Good News for Sky Customers

For years, viewers in the UK have been able to watch most HBO content through Sky and Now’s Entertainment Membership, with a few exceptions like the comedy show Hacks. Recently, there has been talk about the global expansion of HBO’s streaming service, Max, and now we have some exciting news for UK viewers.

It has been confirmed that HBO Max will be coming to the UK in 2026. While we don’t have an exact launch date yet, we know it’s on the way. Sky has announced that Sky TV customers will be able to access the cheapest ad-supported tier of HBO Max at no additional cost. This offer will also be extended to Now Entertainment Membership holders.

But don’t worry if you’re not a Sky customer. HBO Max will also be launched as a standalone streaming platform, with a Premium ad-free tier available. The exact pricing for HBO Max in the UK has not been disclosed, but in the US, it ranges from $9.99 to $19.99 per month, depending on the tier.

If you’re wondering if Sky and Now customers will be able to upgrade to an ad-free version of HBO Max, it’s not yet clear. While the free tier available to them is ad-supported, there’s speculation about the possibility of an upgrade option in the future. Rest assured, you will still be able to watch HBO content through Sky until the end of 2025, even after HBO Max launches in the UK.

So, should you subscribe to Sky, Now, or wait for HBO Max? Since HBO Max won’t be available until 2026, you have some time to decide. In the meantime, if you’re unsure about the best option for watching HBO content, you can check out our Sky buying guide for more information.