• WarnerMedia expands YouTube TV deal to include HBO, Cinemax and HBO Max
  • YouTube TV’s mission: “Deliver TV our members how and when they want it”
  • Deal spotlights importance of traditional and new tech services deals

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Available alongside upcoming HBO releases on HBO Max

YouTube TV has struck a deal to deliver HBO and Cinemax content to its members, as well as HBO Max when it launches later this year.

In an existing distribution deal, Google-owned YouTube TV already offers WarnerMedia’s portfolio of entertainment, sports and news networks, but the expanded carriage deal adds HBO and Cinemax content for the first time.

This includes WarnerMedia’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service HBO Max which is set to debut in May, ensuring YouTube TV customers will have direct access to the new service.

WarnerMedia Distribution president Rich Warren said: “As consumers’ media consumption habits continually evolve and the landscape becomes more and more dynamic, our goal remains constant, and that is to make the portfolio of WarnerMedia networks available as widely as possible.

“YouTube has been a valued partner for a number of years, and we’re pleased to not only extend our existing agreement but also make HBO and Cinemax - and soon HBO Max - available to YouTube TV customers for the first time.”

WarnerMedia’s TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, HLN, Turner Classic Movies, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network have been available to YouTube TV customers since 2018 and will continue to be available on the service.

Titles including Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies and The Sopranos will be available alongside upcoming HBO releases such as My Brilliant Friend and High Maintenance.

YouTube TV which is a subscription streaming service that offers both live and on-demand TV from more than 70 networks across genres and available on multiple devices the membership comes with free unlimited cloud DVR storage to record TV series and films as well as personalised recommendations.

The deal highlights the importance of technology platforms and traditional media services deals to gain scale and market reach.

As consumers expect to access content anywhere, anytime, they’re looking for aggregation and ease of navigation.

YouTube TV global head of partnerships Lori Conkling said: “Our commitment at YouTube TV is to deliver TV to our members how and when they want it.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with WarnerMedia to deliver their family of networks that are popular among our members, as well as introduce HBO, Cinemax and HBO Max to our growing line-up of premium content.”