COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) – The US streaming service HBO Max will launch in Germany next Tuesday (January 13). This intensifies the competition for viewers in the fiercely contested German streaming market. The most important questions and answers:
Who is behind the new streaming service?
HBO Max is part of the media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes the Warner Bros. film studio, the Discovery+ streaming service, news networks like CNN, channels such as HBO and Eurosport, as well as the DC Comics universe. HBO Max has been available in the United States since 2020 and currently has around 128 million subscribers. Now, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein are joining, with the UK and Ireland to follow in March.
What content is available at launch – and what's coming soon?
The US pay-TV channel HBO (Home Box Office) is renowned for its high-quality, award-winning series such as "The Sopranos," "Game of Thrones," "Succession," "The White Lotus," "Euphoria," and "The Last of Us." In addition to cult comedies like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," the streamer also features blockbusters such as "Superman," "The Batman," "Dune," the "Harry Potter" films, and horror movies like "Weapons." Also available:
* "The Pitt": This Emmy-winning series depicts a 24-hour shift in a fictional trauma clinic in real time. The German premiere of the first season will launch on January 13, accompanied immediately by season two.
* "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms": The second "Game of Thrones" spinoff returns fans to Westeros. The six episodes follow the adventures of Sir Duncan the Tall and are available from January 19. The prequel series "House of the Dragon" enters its third season this summer.
* "Heated Rivalry": This Canadian series about the love between two ice hockey players has caused a sensation in America. Global star Miley Cyrus is eager to contribute a song for the second season. The six episodes debut in Germany on February 6.
* "Banksters": This German production about a bank trainee who turns to crime premieres on February 20. In the fall, the eight-part prequel to the acclaimed gangster drama "4 Blocks" focusing on clan boss Toni Hamady (Kida Ramadan) will be released – in "4 Blocks Zero," the role is played by up-and-coming actor Tareq Nassery.
* Thanks to partnerships with German media companies, films like "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" and the "Fack ju Göhte" series are available on HBO Max. Next year, the blockbuster "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," set for theatrical release in November 2026, will also be featured.
* Sports fans can watch the competitions of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics starting February 6, as rights-holder Eurosport is also part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
How much does a subscription cost?
The most affordable option is quite reasonable at €5.99 per month. To stream ad-free and download content, you'll need to pay €11.99 per month. The premium subscription costs €16.99 per month and includes more simultaneous streams, better picture quality (4K UHD), and a higher download limit. A sports package (including the Tour de France, winter sports, and the Australian Open) can be added for an extra €3 per month. However, all customers can access the Winter Olympics. After one year, prices increase by one euro per month. Subscriptions can be canceled monthly.
How can I access HBO Max?
HBO Max is available via browser at hbomax.com and through all common app stores. The streaming service can also be used on various smart TVs and streaming devices such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Roku.
How are other streaming services responding?
RTL has already responded by announcing a deal shortly before launch: those who subscribe to both RTL+ and HBO Max as a bundle will get a discount – in the first few months, sometimes for a combined total of around ten euros per month.
Sky/Wow has so far aired many HBO formats in Germany – and that will continue, as the company confirmed to dpa. Upcoming seasons of series like "The White Lotus," "Euphoria," and "House of the Dragon" will be available – in parallel with HBO Max.
Plans by RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland to strengthen the German streaming market against major US providers became public months ago. Regulatory authorities still need to approve the deal.
Warner Bros. Discovery itself is currently the subject of a bidding war. Media giants Paramount and Netflix are vying to acquire the Hollywood rival. Nothing has been decided yet, but Warner's board is advising shareholders to accept the deal with Netflix. What such an acquisition would mean for HBO Max and other services remains unclear. The process would in any case likely take at least a year./tbm/DP/zb
