HBO Max Expands Again: Germany, Italy, and 6 More Countries Finally Join the Party
For anyone who lives for prestige TV, big-screen movies, and must-watch sports, this week brought some seriously good news. HBO Max has officially launched in eight new countries, opening the doors to millions of new viewers who’ve been waiting—sometimes very patiently—for access to one of the most talked-about streaming libraries around.
As of January 13, 2026, HBO Max is now live in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Israel, and Greece. And yes, that means the same HBO shows people argue about on social media, binge in one weekend, and recommend endlessly in group chats are now just a download away.
All the Big Names, Finally in One Place
This expansion brings a familiar promise: a lot of really good stuff to watch. Viewers in these countries now get access to HBO’s biggest hits, Max Originals, Warner Bros. movies, iconic franchises, and plenty of hidden gems.
We’re talking about shows like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, Succession, Euphoria, and upcoming titles like It: Welcome to Derry. On the movie side, the lineup includes DC favorites, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and a steady flow of recent theatrical releases.
Basically, if it’s the kind of show or movie that dominates online conversations, there’s a strong chance it lives on HBO Max.
Sports Are Part of the Deal Too
HBO Max isn’t just about scripted drama and blockbuster films. Starting next month, the platform will stream the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 live—bringing a major global sports event straight into the app.
On top of that, viewers can add sports coverage from Eurosport, which includes major events like the Tour de France, Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and more. It’s a smart move that makes the service feel less like “just another streamer” and more like an all-around entertainment hub.
Local Stories, Global Reach
One of the more interesting parts of this launch is HBO Max’s focus on local originals—stories created in Europe but designed to travel far beyond their home countries.
Italy gets Portobello, a dramatic retelling of the real-life case of Enzo Tortora, one of the country’s most famous television hosts. Germany is rolling out titles like Banksters, inspired by real financial scandals, and 4 Blocks Zero, a continuation of a fan-favorite crime universe.
These projects give HBO Max something extra: stories that feel authentic to local audiences while still fitting the platform’s reputation for high-quality storytelling.
Easy Access Through Streaming Partners
HBO Max is also keeping things simple when it comes to access. In several regions, the service is available directly through popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video, RTL+, TIM, Vodafone, Swisscom, and others. That means viewers don’t always need another app—just another reason to stay glued to the screen.
HBO Max isn’t just available as a standalone app. In some of the new countries, you can also access it through partners:
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Amazon Prime Video in Germany, Italy, and Austria,
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RTL+ and waipu.tv in Germany,
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TIM in Italy,
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Sunrise and Swisscom in Switzerland,
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Hot and Yes in Israel,
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and Vodafone in Greece.
What’s Still Coming?
With this rollout, HBO Max is now live across most of Europe. The final big pieces of the puzzle—the UK and Ireland—are expected to follow in March 2026, which will complete the streamer’s long-anticipated European expansion.
The Bigger Picture
For entertainment fans, this launch is about more than geography. It’s about access. HBO Max has built a reputation for shows that feel like events, movies that look cinematic at home, and storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Now, a whole new audience gets to join that conversation.
And if history tells us anything, it won’t be long before the next HBO Max series has everyone talking again.
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