HBO Max announces bundle subscription with German streamer RTL+

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HBO Max is expanding into Germany, continuing the trend of American streaming services growing their offerings internationally.

To celebrate its launch, HBO Max, a service from Warner Bros. Discovery, has partnered with RTL+, a popular streaming service in the region, to offer a combined subscription package.

Starting January 13th, RTL+ and HBO Max will offer a combined subscription. This will give viewers access to RTL+’s sports and local shows, alongside popular HBO Max originals like “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us,” plus critically acclaimed films such as “Sinners” and “Weapons.”

RTL+ and HBO Max are joining forces to offer viewers a fantastic mix of content. According to RTL Germany CEO Stephan Schmitter, the partnership combines RTL+’s popular German shows – including reality TV, dramas, and sports – with HBO Max’s hit series and blockbuster movies. This collaboration is expected to boost RTL+’s growth and pave the way for HBO Max’s launch in Germany.

German customers can get both subscriptions for €11.99 a month with ads, or €17.99 without ads. Buying the subscriptions separately would cost around €18 and €33 each month.

HBO Max and RTL+ have collaborated successfully in the past. Currently, RTL’s advertising division, Ad Alliance, manages the advertising sales for HBO Max. Additionally, RTL recently renewed its content agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, meaning a wide range of their movies and series will continue to be available on RTL’s television channels and streaming platform.

HBO Max is finally coming to Germany, after being unavailable for several years due to an existing agreement with Sky. The streaming service also announced it will launch in Italy on January 13th and the U.K. in March.

HBO Max isn’t alone in its efforts to grow internationally. Just recently, Netflix made a deal with French broadcaster TF1, set to launch this summer. Similarly, Disney+ is partnering with MBC Group and Anghami, two media companies in the Middle East, to offer a bundled package to customers there.

According to film and TV producer Evan Shapiro, as the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive – what he calls a ‘churnpocalypse’ – combining services is crucial for staying ahead. He believes HBO Max is behind the curve in expanding internationally and needs this partnership with RTL to reach audiences in Germany. However, Shapiro predicts this deal is just the beginning, and we’ll see more streaming services joining forces in the future.

The future of HBO Max in the U.S. is uncertain as Netflix and Paramount both try to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, the company that owns it.

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2026-01-09 01:01