HBO Max launched in the UK in March 2026, bringing together award-winning HBO dramas, blockbuster Warner Bros. films, DC superheroes, Max Originals and Discovery content in one streaming service.
Home to some of the biggest TV shows in the world, including The Sopranos, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus and The Pitt, HBO Max has quickly become one of the UK's leading streaming platforms.
There are several ways to watch HBO Max in the UK. You can subscribe directly through HBO Max, access it through Sky TV and NOW memberships, or add it to selected third-party services. Depending on how you subscribe, you may also be able to bundle HBO Max with TNT Sports.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about HBO Max in the UK, including what it costs, what you can watch and all of the different ways to access it.
What is HBO Max?
HBO Max is Warner Bros. Discovery's premium streaming service. It combines content from some of the world's biggest entertainment brands, including HBO, Warner Bros., DC Studios, Discovery, Cartoon Network and Max Originals.
Unlike traditional TV services, HBO Max is available on-demand, allowing you to stream thousands of hours of films, TV shows and documentaries whenever you want.
For UK viewers, HBO Max has also become the new home of TNT Sports, replacing discovery+ as the standalone streaming home of TNT Sports content.
What can I watch on HBO Max?
HBO Max offers one of the largest content libraries available from any UK streaming service. Its catalogue includes critically acclaimed HBO dramas, blockbuster films, documentaries, reality TV and children's programming.
Popular HBO Max shows include:
- House of the Dragon
- The Last of Us
- The White Lotus
- The Pitt
- Succession
- Euphoria
- The Sopranos
- The Penguin
- Peacemaker
- True Detective
- Friends
- And Just Like That...
- The Gilded Age
You'll also find films from Warner Bros. Pictures, including recent theatrical releases, alongside popular franchises such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and DC Studios titles.
Other content available on HBO Max includes:
- Max Originals
- Discovery documentaries and factual programming
- Cartoon Network children's shows
- Adult Swim programming
- Reality TV series from Warner Bros. Discovery's entertainment brands
- TNT Sports (available as an optional add-on in the UK)
New titles are added throughout the year, with HBO Max regularly releasing exclusive series that aren't available on any other UK streaming service.
How can I watch HBO Max in the UK?
There are several ways to access HBO Max in the UK.
HBO Max through Sky
Sky is one of the easiest ways to access HBO Max in the UK, with HBO Max Basic with Ads included at no extra cost for millions of eligible Sky TV customers.
If you have Sky Ultimate TV on Sky Stream or Sky Glass, HBO Max Basic with Ads is included alongside Netflix Standard with Ads, Disney+ Standard with Ads and selected Hayu content. Eligible Sky Q packages, including Sky Signature and Sky Entertainment, also include HBO Max Basic with Ads, while many Sky+ customers receive access to HBO Max's integrated content as part of their TV subscription.
It's worth noting that HBO Max isn't included with Sky Essential TV or Sky Basics. If you're on one of these packages, you can still subscribe to HBO Max separately through Sky.
The version of HBO Max included with Sky is the Basic with Ads plan. This includes thousands of TV shows and films from HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, DC Studios and Max Originals. However, it doesn't include every movie available on HBO Max, with selected blockbuster films arriving on higher-tier plans following their cinema release.
If you'd like access to HBO Max's complete film library, Sky customers can upgrade to HBO Max Standard with Ads for an additional £1 per month. Alternatively, you can choose one of HBO Max's ad-free plans for even more features, including offline downloads, 4K Ultra HD streaming and Dolby Atmos support on compatible content.
Once activated, you'll be able to watch HBO Max through the app on your Sky device, as well as on compatible smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and streaming devices using your HBO Max account.
View Sky TV dealsHBO Max through NOW
NOW offers one of the most flexible ways to watch HBO Max in the UK, making it ideal for anyone who doesn't want to commit to a longer TV contract.
In March 2026, NOW Entertainment Membership became NOW Entertainment & HBO Max Membership, with existing customers automatically receiving HBO Max Basic with Ads at no extra cost. New customers can simply sign up to NOW Entertainment & HBO Max to access both services through a single monthly membership.
With NOW Entertainment & HBO Max, you'll be able to enjoy award-winning HBO dramas, Max Originals and Warner Bros. Discovery content alongside NOW's existing entertainment catalogue. This includes popular shows such as The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus and The Pitt.
There are two ways to watch HBO Max through NOW. You can stream eligible content directly through the NOW app or activate your HBO Max account to access the dedicated HBO Max app on compatible devices. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy HBO Max across smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and streaming devices.
The version of HBO Max included with NOW is the Basic with Ads plan, which offers Full HD streaming on up to two devices simultaneously. While this includes thousands of TV shows and films, some blockbuster Warner Bros. movies that arrive on HBO Max following their cinema release are reserved for higher-tier plans.
Customers can upgrade from HBO Max Basic with Ads to HBO Max Standard with Ads for an additional monthly fee if they'd like access to HBO Max's complete movie catalogue. Higher-tier HBO Max plans are also available directly from HBO Max for those wanting features such as ad-free viewing, 4K Ultra HD streaming and Dolby Atmos support on compatible content.
One of the biggest advantages of NOW is its flexibility. Memberships are contract-free, allowing you to cancel or change your package whenever you like. This makes NOW an excellent option for viewers who want access to HBO Max's latest shows without signing up to a longer-term TV subscription.
View NOW TV dealsHBO Max through Virgin Media
Virgin Media customers can access HBO Max through compatible Virgin TV devices by downloading the HBO Max app and signing in with their subscription.
While HBO Max isn't currently included with Virgin Media's TV bundles, subscribing separately is quick and easy, giving you access to award-winning HBO dramas, blockbuster Warner Bros. films and Max Originals directly through your Virgin TV box.
One of the biggest advantages of watching HBO Max through Virgin Media is having all of your favourite entertainment in one place. Alongside live TV channels, you'll be able to seamlessly switch between popular streaming services such as HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+, without needing additional hardware or devices.
Virgin Media customers are free to choose whichever HBO Max plan best suits their needs, from the entry-level Basic with Ads plan through to Premium, which includes 4K Ultra HD streaming and Dolby Atmos on supported content.
If you're a sports fan, TNT Sports is also available as an optional add-on subscription through HBO Max, allowing you to enjoy premium live sport alongside HBO Max's extensive entertainment library.
Once you've activated your HBO Max account, you'll also be able to stream on compatible smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and streaming devices both at home and on the go.
View Virgin Media TV dealsHBO Max through BT TV and EE TV
BT TV and EE TV customers have several ways to watch HBO Max in the UK, with many customers receiving access through their NOW membership.
If you have an EE TV Entertainment, Big Entertainment or Full Works package, you'll receive NOW Entertainment & HBO Max included as part of your subscription. This gives you access to HBO Max Basic with Ads at no extra cost, alongside NOW's entertainment content, including Sky Originals and exclusive US shows. Existing customers with a NOW Entertainment membership were automatically upgraded when HBO Max launched in March 2026.
Unlike subscribing directly to HBO Max, EE TV customers receive their HBO Max subscription through NOW. This means you can watch HBO Max content directly in the NOW app or activate your HBO Max account to stream through the dedicated HBO Max app on compatible devices.
The HBO Max Basic with Ads plan includes thousands of hours of entertainment, including popular HBO series such as House of the Dragon, The Last of Us and The Pitt. You'll also be able to stream in Full HD on up to two devices simultaneously.
It's worth noting that the Basic with Ads plan doesn't include every film available on HBO Max. Selected blockbuster movies that arrive on HBO Max following their cinema release are reserved for higher-tier plans. Customers can upgrade to HBO Max Standard with Ads for an additional monthly fee if they'd like access to HBO Max's complete movie library.
Subscribe Directly to HBO Max
You don't need a TV package to watch HBO Max.
Customers can subscribe directly through HBO Max's website or app and choose from several different subscription plans. This is often the most flexible option if you simply want access to HBO Max without taking out an additional TV package.
How much does HBO Max cost in the UK?
HBO Max currently offers four entertainment plans in the UK for those customers subscribing directly.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | £4.99 | Full HD on 2 devices, not all movies included |
| Standard with Ads | £5.99 | Full HD, 30 downloads and all HBO Max entertainment content |
| Standard | £9.99 | Ad-free viewing, 30 downloads and Full HD streaming | Premium | £14.99 | 4K UHD, Dolby Atmos where available, streaming on up to 4 devices, 100 downloads |
Customers can also subscribe to TNT Sports through HBO Max from £30.99 per month or bundle TNT Sports with selected HBO Max plans.
Which HBO Max plan should I choose?
The right plan will largely depend on how you watch TV.
Basic with Ads is ideal if you're looking for the lowest monthly price and don't mind advertisements.
Standard with Ads offers excellent value for money and includes access to HBO Max's complete entertainment library, including films that aren't available on the Basic tier.
Standard removes advertisements entirely while maintaining Full HD streaming and download capabilities.
Premium is best suited to households with multiple viewers or anyone wanting the highest picture and sound quality available, including 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos on supported content.
What devices support HBO Max?
HBO Max is available across most major streaming platforms, making it easy to watch your favourite TV shows and films at home or on the go. Compatible devices include:
- Sky Stream
- Sky Glass
- Sky Q
- Virgin TV
- EE TV
- Smart TVs from selected manufacturers
- Amazon Fire TV devices
- Apple TV
- Google TV and Chromecast devices
- iPhone and iPad
- Android smartphones and tablets
- PlayStation consoles
- Xbox consoles
- Windows and Mac web browsers
Frequently asked questions
Is HBO Max available in the UK?
Yes. HBO Max launched in the UK on 26 March 2026 and is available through direct subscriptions, selected Sky TV packages, NOW memberships and eligible EE TV packages. Customers can also access HBO Max on a wide range of compatible devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and streaming devices.
Can I watch HBO Max without Sky?
Yes. While selected Sky TV packages include HBO Max Basic with Ads at no extra cost, you don't need to be a Sky customer to enjoy the service. You can subscribe directly to HBO Max, access it through NOW Entertainment & HBO Max Membership, or watch on eligible EE TV packages. Virgin Media customers can also subscribe to HBO Max and stream through compatible Virgin TV devices.
Is HBO Max included with Sky TV?
Yes, HBO Max Basic with Ads is included with selected Sky TV packages, including Sky Ultimate TV. However, it isn't included with Sky Essential TV or Sky Basics. If your package doesn't include HBO Max, you can still subscribe to the service separately through Sky.
Does HBO Max include TNT Sports?
TNT Sports is available as an optional add-on subscription through HBO Max in the UK.
Adding TNT Sports gives you access to premium sporting events including UEFA Champions League football, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC and more, all within the HBO Max app.
Can I watch HBO Max on Sky Stream?
Yes. HBO Max is available on Sky Stream, Sky Glass and compatible Sky Q devices. If HBO Max is included with your Sky TV package, you'll simply need to activate your subscription before signing in to the HBO Max app.
Can I watch HBO Max in 4K?
Yes, but you'll need HBO Max's Premium plan to watch supported content in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos. HBO Max Basic with Ads and Standard with Ads are limited to Full HD streaming.
What's the difference between Basic with Ads and Standard with Ads?
Although there's only a £1 per month difference in price, there are some important differences between HBO Max's two ad-supported plans.
HBO Max Basic with Ads includes thousands of TV shows and films and allows you to stream in Full HD on up to two devices simultaneously. It's also the version of HBO Max included with selected Sky TV packages, NOW Entertainment & HBO Max Membership and eligible EE TV packages.
However, Basic with Ads doesn't include every film available on HBO Max. Selected blockbuster Warner Bros. movies that arrive on HBO Max following their cinema release are reserved for higher-tier plans.
For an additional £1 per month, HBO Max Standard with Ads unlocks HBO Max's complete entertainment catalogue, including the latest Warner Bros. films available on the service. If you're planning to make HBO Max one of your main streaming services, many viewers will find the small monthly upgrade worthwhile.