HBO Max adds podcasts in Europe

Warner Bros. Discovery said on May 19 that HBO Max is adding podcasts inside the streaming service across Europe, expanding beyond films and series into audio and video companion programming. The first release is “Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast,” which debuted the same day on HBO Max and major podcast platforms, according to company press materials. The European rollout will be followed in June by a slate of franchise-led podcasts led by titles from the “Game of Thrones” universe. The move extends a format HBO Max has already used in the United States, where video versions of some official podcasts have appeared on the platform. ### What is HBO Max actually adding in Europe? HBO Max said the new offering will include both audio and video podcasts available directly within the app across Europe. Warner Bros. Discovery’s German press office said the service is positioning the podcasts as companion programming, with behind-the-scenes material, creator conversations and franchise-specific discussion bundled alongside series and films. The Hollywood Reporter reported the company described the expansion as part of a push toward “immersive fandom,” while the Warner Bros. Discovery release said the June launches in Europe would be led by the “Game of Thrones” universe. The company’s announcement did not frame the podcasts as a separate subscription tier; the German release said an HBO Max subscription is required. (wbd-deutschland.de) ### Which show launched first? “Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast” premiered on May 19, according to Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max program pages. The company said the show is hosted by film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon and revisits all eight “Harry Potter” films. (hollywoodreporter.com) Warner Bros. Discovery said the podcast launched with two episodes and will continue weekly, with two episodes devoted to each film and running about 60 minutes each. The video version is available on HBO Max, while the audio version is distributed on podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, the company said. (press.wbd.com) ### What “Game of Thrones” podcasts are coming next? Collider reported HBO Max will begin rolling out a new wave of “Game of Thrones” podcasts in Europe in June. The titles it named were “The Game of Thrones Anniversary Podcast Special,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Podcast,” and “The Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon.” Warner Bros. Discovery’s German release also listed official podcasts tied to “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” and “House of the Dragon.” It said the “House of the Dragon” podcast will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein with the first two seasons and a new season tied to season three of the drama. (press.wbd.com) (collider.com) ### How does this connect to upcoming HBO series? Collider said “The Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon” will debut as a video podcast next month to accompany “House of the Dragon” season three. ScreenRant separately reported the podcast rollout was being positioned ahead of that show’s return later this summer. The June slate is broader than Westeros. Warner Bros. (wbd-deutschland.de) Discovery’s German announcement said companion podcasts are also planned for “The Last of Us,” “The Pitt,” “The Comeback” and “Blood and Sinners: In Proximity,” alongside a full rewatch podcast for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” released under its German title. ### Where can viewers find these podcasts? (collider.com) HBO Max program pages in Europe already list “Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast” on the service. The company said video editions will sit inside HBO Max, while audio editions will also be carried on major podcast apps. June is the next marker in the rollout. Warner Bros. (wbd-deutschland.de) Discovery said the Europe-wide franchise podcast launches begin then, with “Game of Thrones” titles among the next releases and “House of the Dragon” companion programming scheduled for next month. (hbomax.com)