An announcement from Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery confirms channel and content rights for key shows, movies and channels.
One of the big questions in the local TV and streaming market was answered today—with the streaming wars resulting in an ever-fragmented viewing environment, where would Kiwis end up watching new seasons of shows like The Last of Us or the upcoming The Penguin as Sky’s deal with Warner Bros. Discovery wound down?
The answer—they’re staying put, with Sky and Neon retaining broadcast and streaming rights in an extension of Sky’s long-running relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The new deal means that Sky and Neon continue as the home of HBO in Aotearoa, keeping existing faves like Succession and prepping for the return of the current crop of HBO shows like the eagerly anticipated third season of The White Lotus. The deal also covers Max Original series (Peacemaker etc.), upcoming Warner Bros. blockbusters and library content (like LOTR), and the continuation of eight channels on Sky (among them Discovery, Cartoon Network and CNN International).
With figuring out where to watch your favourite shows becoming an increasingly complicated proposition (well, not with your mates Flicks here to help, anyway), this certainty about future programming is likely to be welcomed by current subscribers.
More info can be found in the media release below:
Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery today announced an extension of their long-established relationship with a multi-year content and platform agreement, securing Sky as the home of HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros. and Discovery globally renowned programming for New Zealand audiences.
The agreement includes channel and content rights, spanning thousands of hours of some of the world’s most popular series and movies.
Continuation of Warner Bros. Discovery’s eight channel portfolio including Discovery, Discovery Turbo, Living Channel, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network and CNN International.
Current and future seasons of HBO’s globally acclaimed series such as House of The Dragon, The Last of Us, The Idol, Succession and The White Lotus.
Returning seasons of True Detective: Night Country, Euphoria and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
HBO’s esteemed series and documentaries, including Game of Thrones, Sex & The City, Big Little Lies, Chernobyl and Veep.
Max Original series including Peacemaker, The Flight Attendant, as well as highly anticipated premieres such as The Penguin.
Future Warner Bros. blockbuster movies and a vast film library including the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and DC Universe movies.
Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney said: “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. Sky’s focus is ensuring audiences have access to the content they love in ways that work best for them. With that in mind, we’re thrilled that this new deal also has optionality at its core, giving us the flexibility to continue entertaining audiences across multiple platforms in the years ahead.”
Warner Bros. Discovery President and Managing Director, Western Pacific, James Gibbons, said: “This agreement further deepens Warner Bros. Discovery’s historic partnership with Sky, which has seen great success and growth over the years. 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.”
