Long-running BBC TV Show Doctor Who exclusively stream on HBO Max. HBO Max, which is WarnerMedia’s streaming service, is slated for a launch early next year and it’s already been announced as the exclusive home to Friends as well as a large number of original programs.
Specific details about HBO Max first began emerging in July after AT&T’s purchase of Time Warner and all its subsidiaries. Far from being intimidated by the prospects of stepping into the increasingly crowded realm of subscription services, HBO Max has confidently armed itself with a diverse array of content. That means everything from Full Frontal with Samantha Bee to the Arrowverse will be available on the platform. In addition, a number of new shows have been promised, including an anthology starring Anna Kendrick, titled Love Life, and a reboot of Gossip Girl from the same writing team as the original.
Now, per HBO’s press release, viewers can expect a number of extremely popular BBC shows to be added to the mix. Doctor Who is perhaps the most notable title, with seasons 1 through 11 included as part of the deal. The Office, Top Gear, Luther and The Honorable Woman, a mini-series starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, will also be exclusive to the streaming service. Several new titles, including Trigonometry, Stath Lets Flats, and Ghosts were also announced.
All of the shows coming from BBC offer something unique. Doctor Who has been on the air for decades and has, by design, gone through many different iterations. A time-travelling adventure, fans have stuck with it through the worst of times and have been delighted by some of the best. The British version of The Office, starring Ricky Gervais, of course paved the way for the iconic NBC sitcom but there are several ways that BBC’s version differentiates itself. Top Gear recently debuted season 27, keeping its focus on fast cars as several hosts have arrived and departed. Luther may not be as well-known but it’s had a following for five seasons with Idris Elba in the lead role.
While no specific launch date has been announced, and while other details, including the monthly cost, still need to be ironed out, this latest news along with what we’ve already learned suggest that HBO Max intends to present itself as a serious challenger to Netflix and Hulu. It won’t be easy. Disney+, another forthcoming subscription platform, has an enviable selection of classics like The Simpsons as well as new titles that have the benefit of building off the astronomically successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars franchises. With shows like Doctor Who to its name though, HBO Max surely won’t struggle to find a paying audience.
More: Streaming Wars Explained: What Exclusives Each Service Offers (For What Price)
Source: HBO
