HBO Max is approaching full availability across Europe as it gears up for January 13 launches in several key markets, notably Germany and Italy.
January 13 sees HBO Max’s arrival in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.
In addition to the platform’s deep well of feature films and series, subscribers will be able to access every live broadcast event from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Plus, a sports add-on delivers Eurosport’s coverage and premium sports programming, including the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Tour de France. Italian viewers can also access FA Cup and UFC coverage.
In line with the expansion, HBO Max has unveiled new original commissions in Germany and Italy as well as local content acquisitions.
The German slate includes a 4 Blocks prequel, 4 Blocks Zero, and Banksters, a true-crime-based heist drama. Both hail from W&B Television. Beetz Brothers is producing a doc about the theft of the “Big Maple Leaf” gold coin from Berlin’s Bode Museum, and Jantje Friese and Baran Bo Odar from Dark Ways will produce a new thriller for the platform. Meanwhile, HBO Max has landed output deals with Leonine Studios and Constantin Film for domestic films. There will also be a curated selection of film premieres from DCM and other local partners.
A drama exploring the 2011 murder of Melania Rea is part of the Italian originals lineup, as is Marco Bellocchio’s Portobello, starring Fabrizio Gifuni. The Italian lineup will also consist of a slate of docuseries, among them Gina Lollobrigida: Diva Contesa and Saman. The Italian launch slate also includes the features Nonostante, directed by and starring Valerio Mastandrea, and Squali.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “We are thrilled to bring HBO Max and the stories that stick with you to new countries across Europe this January. With our strongest line-up of U.S. and local HBO series yet, blockbuster local and international movies, and the Olympic Winter Games, it is the perfect time to make HBO Max available directly to subscribers. It has never been easier to enjoy the most talked-about series, hit movies, unmissable live sports, and extraordinary real-life stories.”
