How to watch HBO in the UK

HBO has gained a well-respected reputation in the United States thanks to its critically acclaimed releases. It has continued to hold that mantle through shows like Succession, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus.

Despite this success, and the massive popularity of those shows, it's surprisingly difficult to watch HBO live or browse its library in the UK or many other countries outside the US. Here's how to access the network's back catalog with streaming service Max from anywhere, along with the best ways to watch HBO shows on UK channels.

How to watch Max in the UK

Warner Bros.

If you want guaranteed access to everything HBO produces — including the extensive back catalog of Warner Bros. content — the easiest way is to subscribe to the Max (formerly known as HBO Max) streaming service. This costs $9.99 per month for ad-supported content, $14.99 per month for ad-free streaming with a 1080p streaming limit, and $19.99 per month for ad-free 4K viewing.

The full version of the Netflix-esque streaming platform lets you watch all of HBO's content. Although it doesn't include the option to stream HBO itself, it adds most original shows and movies within minutes of their start time.

And with the Warner Bros back catalogue, you'll also get access to all 10 seasons of Friends, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, and blockbusters like West Side Story and The Matrix.

Other content includes nearly the entire DC library, the Studio Ghibli film collection, and exclusive originals including the Friends Reunion Special and the Justice League Snyder Cut.

The big downside is that HBO uses geo-targeting to block users from outside the US, so if you head to Max's website, you'll only see an error message. Of course, there is a way around this: use a VPN. This redirects your IP address, allowing you to browse the web as if you were based in another country – in this case, as long as you're connected via a US server, HBO will think you're trying to watch from the US.

We were able to access Max using NordVPN, which you can subscribe to for a few pounds per month. You can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming video if you want to take a look at some of the other VPNs we've tested that are particularly suited to streaming platforms like Max.

Here is what you need to do:

1.

Find a US server on your VPN on your smartphone

Aeron Koopman/Foundry

There are a bunch of US servers running NordVPN – Some may be more successful than others.

Make sure you are connected to a US server on your smartphone throughout the process.

2.

Create a new Apple ID/Google Play account in your US-linked browser

Hannah Cotton/Foundry

Make sure the country is set to United States, or leave it blank.

3.

Register your new account on your phone

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Sign in to the App Store/Play Store and register your new US account on your device.

4.

Download and install the Max application

Hannah Cotton/Foundry

Verify your purchase if necessary.

Click Skip if the App Store asks you to add payment information to your iOS/Google Play account before installing Max.

5.

Create a new account in the Max app using your email address and password

Hannah Cotton/Foundry

Choose whether you want the ad-supported plan or the ad-free plan and whether you want to pay monthly or annually.

6.

Use PayPal as payment method (this can be a UK account)

Hannah Cotton/Foundry

Verify with PayPal using your phone number if you have two-factor authentication set up.

Once your account is verified, you can log in from any device.

You should now be able to watch Max as if you were in the US, provided you have a VPN on the device you're using.

If you encounter any other issues, visit our complete guide to enrolling in Max from abroad.

As always when using a VPN to access content abroad, be aware that you'll be violating HBO Now's terms of use, so the company could theoretically cancel your account if it realizes you're using a VPN. Proceed at your own risk.

Watch HBO shows on Sky Atlantic or Now

If subscribing to both VPN and Max sounds like too much work – or money – there is another option in the UK: Sky Atlantic.

Sky has struck a deal with HBO to broadcast the US network's shows exclusively in the UK, meaning most of HBO's flagship shows – including Succession and The White Lotus – air on Sky Atlantic. In addition, the channel offers a number of programs from other premium American networks such as AMC and Showtime.

Because of this premium content, you can't add Sky Atlantic to a TV package with another provider – it's exclusive to Sky subscribers. So, if you want to watch the latest HBO shows on Sky Atlantic, you'll need to Sign up for Sky. You can do this by either purchasing a Sky Q box, a Sky Glass TV, or the more flexible option of a Sky Stream box.

There's a cheaper way to access the same content: Sky Atlantic shows are also included in a Now Entertainment membership, which costs £9.99 a month and allows you to stream a variety of TV shows – from Sky channels and beyond, including HBO series. – From your phone, game console, smart TV or PC.

Now it's certainly the cheapest way to watch HBO shows in the UK, but it comes with one big drawback: while it always has the latest shows, the service's access to its back catalog varies wildly as licensing deals change.