09/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 13:20
Tokyo, September 1, 2026: HBO Max - the premier global streaming service - will launch on Prime Video and the Hulu service [Hulu Japan] in Japan on October 1. Available as a dedicated HBO Max hub within both services, subscribers will have access to an unrivalled collection of globally popular series and films from iconic brands, including HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios.
HBO Max will launch on Hulu Japan as part of a wider global partnership with Nippon Television, which will also explore distribution of Nippon TV and Hulu Japan's local content slate on HBO Max internationally. From October 1, the HBO Max Standard Tier will be offered to Hulu Japan subscribers at no extra charge.
HBO Max also joins Prime Video's growing lineup of subscription partners in Japan, and will be available in Standard or Premium Tier as an add on subscription within the Prime Video app.
HBO Max is home to some of the world's most watched content. At launch, all seasons of award-winning HBO Original series will be exclusively available, including the Game of Thrones' universe; A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragon andGame of Thrones; DC Studios' Lanterns, The Penguin and Peacemaker; The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and Euphoria. The highly anticipated upcoming first season of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, will debut at Christmas.
Also available from October 1, are critically acclaimed Max Originals such as The Pitt and comedy spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, as well as universally loved Warner Bros. TV series including Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Film fans can catch the celebrated Warner Bros. slate, including global hits such as One Battle After Another and Barbie, the beloved collections of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, and blockbusters from the DC Universe.
James Gibbons, President of APAC at WBD, said: "These new strategic partnerships enable us to broaden the distribution of HBO Max in Japan, which has seen a strong increase in engagement and awareness since launch. We look forward to working with Nippon TV, Hulu Japan and Prime Video to continue the momentum in this next phase of growth - and particularly ahead of the new HBO Original Harry Potter series - an IP that is incredibly popular with Japanese fans."
Hiroyuki Fukuda, President and CEO at Nippon Television Network Corporation, said: "We are honored and excited to enter into a global partnership with WBD. For Nippon TV, this initiative represents two global ambitions: WBD's content will become available in Japan through Hulu Japan, and we will explore the distribution of content from Nippon TV and Hulu Japan on HBO Max to reach audiences worldwide. As Nippon TV content continues to gain international recognition, with unscripted formats developed by Gyokuro Studio and dramas receiving accolades at international awards, this initiative carries tremendous significance for us, and supports our strategic vision, "Change the 'World' Through the Power of Content."
Tadahisa Dosaka, President and CEO at Hulu Japan, said: "Exciting news for our 15th anniversary year! Since its launch, Hulu Japan has promoted the message "If you want to watch international series, watch them on Hulu" and we now aim to be the number one domestic platform for international series. Through this new partnership, we will offer award-winning blockbusters and series, including the highly anticipated new HBO Original Harry Potter series. From October 1, customers can enjoy Warner Bros. Discovery's world-renowned content alongside Hulu Japan's extensive lineup-including Nippon TV Group's popular shows, Hulu Japan originals, and live events."
"We are delighted to welcome HBO Max and its acclaimed content to Prime Video's extensive library in Japan. From October 1, Prime Video customers in Japan can enjoy HBO Max programming through a seamless add-on subscription," said Keisuke Oishi, Country Manager of Prime Video Japan. "This partnership reinforces our commitment to making Prime Video the premier destination for premium entertainment in Japan."
In Japan, HBO Max will be available only on Prime Video and Hulu Japan from October 1.
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, BluTV, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, HBO Max, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Film Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit http://www.wbd.com.
About HBO Max
HBO Max® is the premier global streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery that delivers the most unique and captivating stories, ranging from the highest quality in scripted programming, movies, documentaries, true crime, adult animation, and live sports. HBO Max is the destination for prestigious entertainment brands such as HBO, Warner Bros., Max Originals, DC, Harry Potter, as well as iconic shows like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," all in one place.