Warner Bros Discovery to launch Max down under in March, boosted by Foxtel carriage deal

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has confirmed streaming service Max will launch in Australia next month, ending the era of premium HBO content being delivered to the local market by Foxtel streamer Binge.

Michael Brooks

A carriage deal with pay TV outfit Foxtel, however, means existing subscribers with package access to WBD content will be able to watch Max for free, although this excludes Binge users. The Max app will also be available on Foxtel’s aggregator platform Hubbl for a subscription.

The launch partnership gives Max instant access to Foxtel’s 1.4 million subscription users.

Max will launch on March 31 armed with a programming catalogue covering HBO and Max Originals, Warner Bros Discovery, the DC Universe, Harry Potter, Discovery and Cartoon Network.

Michael Brooks, general manager of WBD Australia and New Zealand, said: “WBD has a long history in Australia and we know our world-class content from HBO, Warner Bros Discovery and more is incredibly popular with audiences here. We have a clear strategy to maximise reach through our direct-to-consumer app and distribution partnerships, and our collaboration with Foxtel at launch is a testament to that.”

The launch deal was described by Hilary Perchard, chief of Foxtel retail and Hubbl, as a “renewed collaboration” and extends the 20-year relationship between the two partners.

Perchard said: “We have always said optionality is central to our long-standing partnership. The strength of our products and much-loved brands means we have been able to innovate and evolve our partnership with Warner Bros Discovery in a unique model that enables mutual growth.”

The new streaming service will launch with premium, standard and ad-supported tiers, with pricing yet to be announced.

Max will be available for subscription at www.max.com and from app stores, including the Apple Store and Google Play Store, and will be viewable on all major devices, such as mobiles, tablets, gaming consoles and connected TVs, including Hubbl.

Max’s content highlights will include season two of The Last of Us, which debuts on April 14, plus returning seasons of Euphoria, And Just Like That, House of the Dragon and Peacemaker. New programming will include Welcome to Derry and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Recent Warner Bros Pictures theatrical releases will be included in addition to its film and television back catalogue.