HBO, HBO Max Are Heading To YouTube TV

Google's live TV streaming platform will soon let users sign up for HBO, Cinemax, and HBO Max.

WarnerMedia announced a distribution agreement that'll enhance YouTube TV with linear and on-demand content from the premium services. It'll largely serve as a deal simplifying the sign-up process for consumers interested in both products. Some content will get delivered through YouTube TV, but users also need standalone apps to explore WarnerMedia's full library of series, documentaries, and films.

The deal inserts HBO and Cinemax's content directly into YouTube TV's guide. Users can stream the regular, schedule-based channels or cue on-demand programming released previously. HBO Max, however, will restrict access to its dedicated app. When it's available on all major platforms this spring, HBO Max will offer 10,000 hours of content that draws on WarnerMedia's large number of assets. The direct-to-consumer service will take on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in the never-ending streaming war.

Over-the-top distribution attracts cord cutters without a cable or satellite TV subscription. It also unlocks flexibility to stream on any device. By bundling its premium services with YouTube TV, WarnerMedia hopes to improve access and drive subscriptions. Currently, there are more than 140 million HBO subscribers worldwide.

"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," said Rich Warren, President of WarnerMedia Distribution.

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WarnerMedia's distribution agreement ensures other cable channels remain on the platform, too. Both sides signed a deal in 2018 bolstering YouTube TV's lineup with networks such as CNN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. They'll continue to appear on YouTube TV, and Google won't limit WarnerMedia's networks to a tier that requires an additional monthly fee. Its basic cable channels are included in YouTube TV's $50 starting price. Yet the soon-to-be-added premium services will go for extra.

HBO Max debuts on all major platforms in May, but HBO and Cinemax could join YouTube's lineup of channels earlier. WarnerMedia didn't specify any dates, however. It only mentioned that HBO, Cinemax, and HBO Max will get added to YouTube TV this spring. Pricing for all of the services should be identical to what WarnerMedia charges elsewhere.

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