HBO Max is seeking major distribution deals as it rolls out to big European territories and the streamer has struck in Germany with RTL+.
RTL+ and HBO Max will offer customers a bundle that combines both services under a single subscription when HBO Max launches in Germany in just five days’ time. RTL’s media sales house Ad Alliance already handles ad sales for the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) streamer.
The offer brings together HBO’s big hitters like The White Lotus, The Last of Us and House of the Dragon with RTL’s local fare including Neue Geschichten vom Pumuckl, Make Love, Fake Love and coverage of UEFA Europa League soccer. HBO is also making German originals for the streamer like Banksters and 4 Blocks prequel 4 Blocks Zero.
Customers can buy an HBO Max Basic with Ads and RTL+ Premium bundle for €11.99 ($14) per month or HBO Max Standard and RTL+ Premium Werbefrei bundle, which is also available for €17.99 per month. Both several several euros per month.
HBO has last mover disadvantage when it comes to launching in certain territories like Germany, the UK and Italy. A long-running deal with Sky has prevented the streamer from launching in these nations until this year. Distribution will therefore be a major factor in HBO Max’s success. Sky will land new HBO shows once HBO Max launches in the UK and Ireland in March. This is all being played out amid the backdrop of Netflix’s audacious swoop for WBD, which will give Netflix control over two of the world’s biggest streaming services.
Matthias Heinze, WBD’s SVP Commercial & Managing Director, Germany, Switzerland & Austria, said: “With the HBO Max and RTL+ bundle, we are combining iconic, internationally acclaimed storytelling from HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery with the strong local roots and most popular hits of RTL+. Together, we are creating an offering that perfectly complements each other and provides entertainment for every taste and every generation in the family. This partnership is a strong signal for the German market and for the future of premium streaming.”
