Ahead of its launch, up-and-coming streaming serviceHBO Maxhas secured a key partnership with BBC Studios. The exclusive partnership sees BBC joining a bevy of WarnerMedia networks — including HBO, Warner Bros., CNN, TNT, TBS — who will all provide content to the streamer.
Per a press release, the BBC deal means HBO Max is going to add hit series likeDoctor Who,The OfficestarringRicky Gervais, andLutherto its library of TV shows and movies. The HBO Max-BBC deal is a formidable one, giving U.S. viewers a new level of access to beloved UK offerings that have been a bit cumbersome or had a limited ability to access in the past. Now, fans and curious newcomers can happily stream these shows and more from BBC to their heart’s content when HBO launches.
The press release notes that all 11 seasons, including the Season 11 premiere, ofDoctor Whowill be made available when the streamer is launched in spring 2020. Additionally, HBO Max will have exclusive SVOD rights to all futureDoctor Whoseasons, including Season 12 after it wraps up on BBC America. As if that bit of news isn’t thoroughly delightful on its own, this deal between HBO Max and BBC means the streamer has licensed over 700 episodes of prime UK material, including the aforementioned originalOfficeseries featuring Gervais andLutheras well as theMaggie Gyllenhaal-led nine-part miniseriesThe Honourable WomanandTop Gear. In addition to securing established series for their library, HBO Max will be the exclusive home of forthcoming series from BBC, includingPure,Trigonometry,Stath LetsFlats,Home,andGhosts. All of the shows will be available upon launch.
This is a major get for HBO Max as its parent, WarnerMedia, wades into the streaming wars waged by networks and media conglomerates everywhere. Over the course of the next year, viewers can expect to be wooed not only by HBO Max but also Disney+ and NBCUniversal’s yet-to-be-named streaming service.
