David Farnor | On 31, Oct 2019

Sky and WarnerMedia are expanding their partnership as Warner prepares to launch its new streaming service HBO Max.

HBO Max will launch in the USA in May 2020, bringing together all of the HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. library into one online platform. But in the UK, where Sky and HBO have enjoyed a long history of exclusivity and co-productions, it looks to be business as usual, with the duo extending their partnership for years to come, including new co-production and programming agreements.

The extension to their deals across Sky’s European markets means that Sky and NOW customers will continue to be the place to enjoy award-winning content from HBO and Warner Bros. as well as from Turner channels for many years to come.

Sky and HBO first agreed to an output deal in 2010, making Sky the home of HBO in Europe. Since then, Sky customers have enjoyed such HBO hits as Watchmen, Succession and Big Little Lies, alongside acclaimed Sky original productions such as Patrick Melrose, Babylon Berlin and Gomorrah on Sky’s flagship channel Sky Atlantic.

The new expanded deal also extends the pay TV rights for Warner Bros. first-run feature films adding to the strong relationship already in place and brings Sky customers more movies from Warner Bros. than ever before. The deal also includes richer on-demand content under the Cartoon Network and Boomerang brands.

This extension confirms Sky’s position as rights owners in Europe, and will also see Sky Studios and HBO Max collaborate on original content for viewers.

Sky and HBO’s co-production partnership paid off handsomely this year, with Chernobyl picking up 10 wins at last month’s Emmy Awards making it the most-awarded British series this year. Sky and HBO’s latest co-production, Catherine the Great starring Helen Mirren, debuted earlier this month.

Building on that relationship with HBO, Sky Studios will now also work with WarnerMedia’s HBO Max programming team to produce premium drama and scripted entertainment for Sky and HBO customers across Europe and beyond, as part of a multi-year co-production deal.

Gary Davey, CEO Sky Studios, says: “Our partnership with HBO, and now Warner Media, has never been stronger as Sky continues to thrive as Europe’s leading direct-to-consumer media and entertainment business. Customers love our Sky original productions and together, Sky Studios and HBO Max will bring them more unique stories that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution, adds: “We are thrilled to find new ways to deepen our longstanding relationship with Sky, and bring a fresh dimension to the great content we continue to bring to consumers.”

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