What's Happening?
HBO Max is expanding its reach in Europe by partnering with RTL+ to offer a bundled streaming service in Germany. This collaboration will allow customers to access both HBO Max and RTL+ content under a single subscription. The bundle will be available
when HBO Max launches in Germany on January 13, 2026. The partnership aims to combine HBO's popular series like 'The White Lotus' and 'House of the Dragon' with RTL+'s local offerings, including 'Neue Geschichten vom Pumuckl' and UEFA Europa League coverage. The bundle is priced at €11.99 ($14) per month for the basic version with ads, and €17.99 for the ad-free version. This move comes as HBO Max seeks to establish a strong presence in European markets, following a delay due to a long-standing deal with Sky.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between HBO Max and RTL+ is significant as it represents a strategic move to capture a larger share of the European streaming market. By offering a combined service, the companies aim to attract a diverse audience with a mix of international and local content. This could potentially increase subscriber numbers and enhance market competitiveness against established players like Netflix. The collaboration also highlights the growing trend of media companies forming alliances to expand their content distribution and reach new audiences. For consumers, this means more content options and potentially better value for their subscription dollars.
What's Next?
As HBO Max prepares for its German launch, the success of this partnership will likely influence its strategies in other European markets. The company plans to extend similar bundled offerings in the UK and Ireland by March 2026. The outcome of this launch could also impact future negotiations and partnerships with other local streaming services across Europe. Additionally, the competitive landscape may prompt other streaming giants to explore similar collaborations to strengthen their foothold in the region.
