HBO Max shows heading to Sky TV after it extends and expands Warner deal
Friday, 27 August 2021
Sky Television will be able to add programmes that are normally streamed by HBO overseas to its line-up, including Raised by Wolves and drama The Flight Attendant, after signing an expanded and extended content deal with WarnerMedia.
The deal is commercially significant for Sky as it appears to head off the threat of HBO launching its HBO Max streaming service in New Zealand in the near term and competing directly with Sky.
The agreement secures Sky’s existing content rights to shows and movies owned by HBO and its parent WarnerMedia, as well as the HBO shows that currently stream on HBO Max overseas.
The former include upcoming Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, and new seasons of Succession and Westworld.
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The agreement also enables Sky to continue to screen CNN and The Cartoon Network, both of which are also owned by Warner.
Sky TV spokeswoman Aimee Gulliver said it would show new content from HBO and HBO Max on its SoHo channel and through its Neon streaming service.
The first of that content will be available through Sky Go and Neon from 3pm on Friday.
Chief executive Sophie Moloney said the renewed deal was “very important for us to secure”.
Sky said the agreement would also see Sky and Warner Bros co-produce more original New Zealand programming, though as yet there are no specifics about what those shows might be.
The length of the new agreement, as well as its cost have not been disclosed.
Sky would not confirm whether the cost to Sky would rise, fall, or stay the same.