HBO Max launches in 15 more European territories

Following through on the plans it announced at the beginning of February, HBO Max launched in an additional 15 European countries today (March 8).

The new territories are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia. With these additions, the streamer is now available in 61 territories worldwide.

“From today, HBO Max is streaming in 21 European countries, with Central and Eastern Europe, Portugal and the Netherlands joining the Nordics, Spain and Andorra, where we launched the platform last year,” said Christina Sulebakk, general manager of HBO Max EMEA.

Added Johannes Larcher, head of HBO Max International: “In under 24 months, we have built a scalable streaming business present in 61 territories and counting. International is going to continue be an important part of our global growth story going forward.”

The streamer will continue its expansion through 2022, with launches in Turkey, Greece, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania targeted for later this year.

Channel 4 commissions new UK travel and food series from Blink Films

Channel 4 has commissioned a new travel and culinary series, Best of British by the Sea (w/t), which will see chef and television presenter Ainsley Harriott (pictured left), most recently seen in ITV’s Ainsley’s Good Mood Food, and Guardian food critic and frequent MasterChef UK judge Grace Dent (right) exploring seaside-holiday hotspots and local specialties throughout the British isles.

The 5 x 60-minute series is produced by Blink Films, and made in partnership with travel and vacation rental company Hoseasons (part of Awaze Group) as well as local tourist boards and regional or municipal bodies from the spotlighted destinations.

Best of British by the Sea was commissioned for Channel 4 by Deborah Dunnett, commissioning editor for popular factual, with Katherine Marlow, the broadcaster’s branded entertainment controller. The commission was brokered by Eleanor Cable at The 7 Stars Agency. Martha Swales serves as series producer, with Will Knott and Dan Chambers acting as executive producers for Blink Films. Beyond Rights is distributing the series.