When will HBO Max be available? - HBO Max Set to Launch in Germany in Early 2026, Challenging RTL+
HBO Max, the popular streaming service, is set to launch in Germany in early 2026. The service will directly compete with RTL+, which is expected to enter the market around the same time. While subscription prices are yet to be announced, they are likely to fall within the range of 6.99 to 17 euros per month, as seen in other European markets.
The launch of HBO Max in Germany is scheduled for the first weeks of the new year, following the expiration of its current content agreement with Sky Deutschland at the end of 2025. The service will offer a cheaper, ad-supported tier, as confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery. However, not all HBO content and Warner Bros. films will be exclusive to HBO Max, as RTL has secured certain rights.
HBO Max's Germany launch could significantly boost subscriber numbers, as it will also include the Discovery+ offering and have broadcasting rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fans of popular HBO shows like 'Game of Thrones', 'The White Lotus', 'The Last of Us', 'House of the Dragon', and 'Succession' can look forward to streaming these series in Germany. The second 'Game of Thrones' spin-off series, 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', is set to premiere on HBO Max in the US on January 18, suggesting a simultaneous launch in Germany.
HBO Max's entry into the German streaming market in early 2026 is poised to shake up the competition, with RTL+ as its main rival. While pricing details are still unclear, the service's extensive content library and ad-supported tier are expected to attract a significant number of subscribers. The Germany launch of HBO Max is anticipated to be a major event in the streaming landscape.
