Hulu adds HBO & Cinemax

HBO and its sister channel, Cinemax, are now available on US video-on-demand service Hulu.

Beginning today, HBO series such as Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and Ballers will be offered for US$14.99 a month, with Cinemax shows including The Knick and Banshee coming at a cost of US$9.99.

The content will be offered live and on-demand, with both HBO and Cinemax’s East and West Coast feeds available, and join Hulu’s various subscription VOD and live TV offers.

The news comes nine days before season seven of Game of Thrones launches on premium cable channel HBO.

While Hulu began life as a free VOD, it offers US$7.99 limited commercials and US$11.99 no commercials plans, plus the US$39.99 Live TV service, which launched this year.

Live TV already offers more than 50 networks in the US, including the largest four broadcasters: ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.

“Hulu has been a pioneer in the television streaming business, building a robust user base by offering top-tier programming from a variety of networks,” said Sofia Chang, executive VP of worldwide digital distribution and home entertainment at HBO.

“We see them as the perfect partner to help us fulfill our promise to HBO fans, bringing our unparalleled programming to audiences in the most sophisticated, convenient and innovative ways.”

“With this important new partnership, fans can now watch Game of Thrones live every Sunday, binge watch all six seasons of The Sopranos or catch up on Westworld alongside our live TV, sports, classic TV shows and Hulu originals – all without ever having to leave the Hulu app,” said Tim Connolly, senior VP and head of distribution and partnerships at the broadcaster-backed Hulu.