Sky NZ and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced a new multi-year agreement that will keep HBO content on Sky’s platform in New Zealand.
The move effectively puts on hold plans to launch WBD’s streaming service Max in the New Zealand market and gives hope to Sky and Canal Plus that their own output deals with WBD might still be renewed. Sky NZ is not affiliated to Comcast’s Sky unit.
“This renewed deal reflects the long-standing partnership between Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery, and the continued commitment of both companies to bringing Kiwis premium content and brands,” said Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney.
Under the agreement, Sky NZ will continue to offer Warner Bros. Discovery’s eight-channel portfolio, which includes popular channels like Discovery, Discovery Turbo, Living Channel, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, and CNN International. New Zealand viewers can expect to enjoy current and future seasons of HBO’s highly acclaimed series, such as House of The Dragon, The Last of Us (pictured), The Idol, Succession, and The White Lotus. Additionally, returning seasons of favourites like True Detective: Night Country, Euphoria, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty will be available.
The partnership ensures that future Warner Bros. blockbuster movies and vast film library, including the iconic Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and DC Universe movies, will be accessible to Sky subscribers.
James Gibbons, President and Managing Director, Western Pacific at Warner Bros. Discovery, acknowledged the success and growth of the partnership between the two companies. “As we look to build scale across our diverse portfolio locally, we look forward to continuing to work with Sky as a key partner in bringing Kiwis our world-class storytelling, brands and franchises.”
The extended partnership between Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery gives New Zealand viewers access to a wide range of content from HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros., and Discovery.