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HBO Max to launch on Prime Video and Hulu Japan in October

Warner Bros. Discovery and Nippon Television partner to bring HBO Max content, including a new Harry Potter series, to Japanese platforms.

The short version

  • HBO Max will launch as a dedicated hub inside Prime Video and Hulu Japan apps starting Oct. 1.
  • Hulu Japan users will receive the HBO Max Standard Tier at no extra cost, while Prime Video users can purchase it as an add-on subscription.
  • The launch slate features major franchises such as Game of Thrones, DC Studios titles, and a new HBO original Harry Potter series set for Christmas.
  • The two parent companies also intend to explore distributing Nippon TV and Hulu Japan local programming internationally on HBO Max.

Key facts

  • Starting Oct. 1, HBO Max will launch exclusively on Prime Video and Hulu Japan in Japan under a partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Nippon Television.[Variety]
  • Existing Hulu Japan subscribers will get the HBO Max Standard Tier included in their current plans without additional charges.[Variety]
  • Prime Video users in Japan will be able to access HBO Max as a Standard or Premium add-on subscription.[Variety]
  • The content lineup includes Game of Thrones spinoffs, DC Studios series, classic sitcoms, and a new HBO original series titled 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' debuting at Christmas.[Variety]
  • Warner Bros. Discovery and Nippon TV plan to evaluate sending Japanese local content from Nippon TV and Hulu Japan to global audiences via HBO Max.[Variety]

What remains uncertain

  • The specific local Japanese shows from Nippon TV and Hulu Japan selected for international distribution on HBO Max have not yet been detailed.[Variety]

Sources