HBO Max Launches in Germany, Heating Up Streaming Competition

HBO Max officially launched in Germany on January 14, 2026, entering an already crowded streaming market dominated by players such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and local providers like Joyn and RTL+.

The service brings a rich catalog of acclaimed US series including "The Sopranos," "Game of Thrones," "Succession," and "The White Lotus," alongside new offerings like the hospital drama "The Pitt," the historical series "The Seduction" starring Diane Kruger, and the award-winning show "One Battle After Another." Importantly, HBO Max also features German productions such as the series "Banksters," reflecting a strategy to appeal locally.

HBO Max enters the German market with competitive subscription pricing. The most affordable ad-supported tier costs six euros per month, while an ad-free package is available for 11.99 euros monthly, enabling offline viewing. A premium tier priced at 17 euros allows multiple simultaneous streams. This pricing is considered mid-range compared to other streaming services in Germany.

In addition to direct subscriptions, HBO Max will maintain collaborations with platforms like Sky and WOW, which will continue to broadcast many HBO series. The launch intensifies rivalry among streaming platforms, potentially offering German viewers greater content diversity and choice.

There remains uncertainty surrounding the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the owner of HBO Max, as US competition authorities have yet to approve any deal. Such a takeover would have implications given Warner Bros. Discovery's 130 million HBO Max customers globally and its vast content rights portfolio.

HBO Max’s entry is set to reshape the streaming landscape in Germany, challenging established players and expanding viewers’ options with a blend of international hits and local productions.