HBO Max confirms UK launch date and this is how much it will cost
After years of waiting, HBO Max is finally coming to the UK...
HBO Max is finally coming to the UK, and you’ll finally be able to stream one of the most beloved shows in the world after its removal from Netflix.
In the simplest terms, HBO Max (formerly known as just… Max) is Warner Bros Discovery’s streaming platform.
It launched in North America in 2020, coming at the height of the streaming boom that also saw the arrival of Disney Plus and Apple TV.
Next month, after years of HBO shows awkwardly releasing between Sky’s channels (and, sometimes, not at all, like The Pitt), it’ll finally come to the UK.
When is HBO Max coming to the UK?
HBO Max will officially launch in the UK on March 26, 2026.
This comes two months after the platform’s expanded European rollout in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
According to Warner Bros, the streamer boasts the “ultimate mix of best-in-class series, blockbuster movies, extraordinary real-life stories, and live sport”.
How much will HBO Max cost?
You will be able to choose between four HBO Max plans, with the cheapest plan costing £4.99 and the most expensive being £14.99 per month. You can find full details below:
Basic with ads – £4.99 per month
- Ad-supported subscription
- Stream on two devices in full HD
- “All the best HBO Max shows and movies, excluding movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.”
Standard with ads – £5.99 per month
- Ad-supported subscription
- Stream on two devices in full HD
- Up to 30 downloads
- “All the best HBO Max shows and movies, including movies that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window.”
Standard – £9.99 per month
- No ads
- Stream on two devices in full HD
- Up to 30 downloads
- All movies and TV shows
Premium – £14.99 per month
- No ads
- Stream on four devices in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (where available)
- Up to 100 downloads
- All movies and TV shows
In comparison to Netflix, its premium equivalent costs £18.99 per month. Curiously, HBO Max hasn’t included any conditions regarding password sharing, so keep your eyes peeled for more information.
What you watch on HBO Max
When HBO Max launches, expect it to feature shows like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus. Its library will also include Superman, The Batman, Dune, and other Warner Bros movies.
Observe them in their natural habitat. They've found their way home. HBO Max, streaming in the UK and Ireland from March 26. pic.twitter.com/EpeTzTrvux
— HBO Max UK & Ireland (@HBOMax_UK) February 9, 2026
In short, it will be the home of Warner Bros’ decorated back catalogue – including Friends, which was taken off Netflix last year. You’ll also be able to watch the Harry Potter movies on HBO Max.
The Pitt, the Emmy-winning spiritual successor to ER, will be available to stream for the first day of launch.
What if I already have Sky and NOW TV?
Sky’s partnership with HBO still stands, so you’ll still be able to access its programming (like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) via Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.
Movies will also still come to Sky Cinema, as well as HBO Max.
Sky Q, Sky Ultimate TV, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream customers will automatically get basic ad-supported access to HBO Max. Similarly, NOW TV customers will now be able to access HBO Max’s ad-supported selection.
How to sign up for HBO Max
More information about signing up for HBO Max can be found on its website – but you’ll ultimately have a few choices.
You can either go directly via HBO Max and its app, access it through Sky and NOW TV, or add it to your Prime Video subscription. The cost remains the same no matter which way you sign up.
Read more: The best shows on Netflix you can watch right now
