Ziggo replacing HBO with Series XL

Liberty Global-owned Dutch cable operator Ziggo will launch a new movies and series package in January as part of a move to replace HBO Netherlands following Liberty and HBO’s decision to shut down their joint venture.

The Ziggo Movies & Series XL offering of channels and on-demand services will launch on January 1, and will include access to HBO shows such as Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Band of Brothers, True Detective, The Sopranos and Girls.

The package, which will include 55 channels in total, will be part of Ziggo’s connect & Play Max subscription and will cost €11.95 (US$13.26) if taken separately.

The cost of the current HBO Netherlands pack is €14.95. The service, which currently comprises three channels along with the HBO Go mobile TV service and HBO On Demand, all dedicated to HBO content, will shut down on January 1.

Ziggo said in September that the move to fold the service, which is available via rival platform KPN as well as on Ziggo’s own platform, was a business decision.

Ziggo has since moved to acquire rights to air HBO shows on its own channels.