HBO goes direct in CEE

HBO hit Game of Thrones

US network HBO has launched a direct-to-consumer offering in four Central European countries.

The cablenet’s HBO Go service is now accessible in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The online platform contains HBO’s entire library of original series, films and documentaries, as well as movies and kids’ programming.

Original HBO content such as Game of Thrones, Westworld and Silicon Valley features on the service alongside classic series like Sex & the City, The Sopranos and The Wire.

Subscribers will also get access to HBO’s local European programming, including all seasons of series such as Shadows, Silent Valley, Burning Bush, Wasteland and Golden Life, plus a selection of documentaries.

HBO Go’s recent movie titles include Beauty & the Beast, Trainspotting 2, Jackie and Assassin’s Creed, while the service also offers a range of kids’ programming as well as series from other content providers.

“HBO Go via affiliates is already a huge success in Central Europe, but our goal is to make it even easier for the many series lovers in these countries to access HBO’s premium content,” said Hervé Payan, CEO of HBO Europe.

“The launch of HBO Go direct to consumers in Central Europe is a natural step for us after successful launches of HBO streaming services in Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.”

The new OTT service is available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs and Sony PlayStation consoles. Up to five devices may be added, with two concurrent streams possible.

The direct-to-consumer offering is in addition to the already established HBO channels and services in Central European territories. HBO Go will continue to be available through local distribution partners with TV and internet packages.