HBO Max Partners with Viu to Launch Southeast Asia Streaming Bundle

HBO Max & Viu Team Up to Bundle Streaming in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE – Warner Bros. Revelation’s HBO Max is joining forces with Asian streaming platform Viu in a new bundling partnership aimed at bolstering subscriber growth across Southeast Asia. The alliance will offer a combined subscription featuring content from both services, providing viewers with access to a wider range of Hollywood and Asian entertainment.

The bundled offering will include major Warner Bros.film releases like the upcoming “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sinners,” alongside established hits such as “Friends,” and critically acclaimed HBO originals like “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus.” Viu will contribute popular reality shows like “Running Man” and “2 Days 1 Night,” Chinese titles including “The Immortal ascension” and “Love Has Fireworks,” and new Korean originals “My Youth” and “Taxi Driver 3.”

Warner Bros. Discovery Asia Pacific President James Gibbons highlighted the success of similar bundling strategies in other regions as the driving force behind the Southeast Asian expansion. “This new streaming offering will provide strong entertainment value for consumers and help drive subscriber growth and stronger retention,” Gibbons stated. “Local fans can enjoy even more choice – from premium Hollywood movies and series to standout local asian content.”

For Viu, the partnership represents a strategic move to strengthen its position against expanding global streaming competitors in the Asian market. CEO Janice Lee emphasized the collaboration as a key part of viu’s ongoing platform evolution. “By combining HBO Max’s Hollywood content with viu’s Asian favorites, we’re offering more choice, easier access, and greater value,” Lee said.Both companies will offer direct sales of the bundle through their respective websites, while maintaining autonomous access to each service’s individual content libraries. Specific pricing and launch dates are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Viu, wich operates a freemium model across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, recently received a strategic investment from French media company Canal+ to fuel accelerated growth. The partnership with HBO Max signals a continued push to enhance its entertainment offerings and cater to evolving viewer preferences.

What are the key benefits of the HBO Max and Viu partnership for consumers in Southeast asia?

Expanding Reach: A New Era for Streaming in Southeast Asia

warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max and Viu, a leading regional OTT video streaming service operated by Paramount Global, have announced a strategic partnership to launch a combined streaming bundle in select Southeast Asian markets. This collaboration aims to deliver a wider range of premium content to viewers across the region, leveraging Viu’s established platform and subscriber base. The initial rollout will focus on Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with potential expansion to other countries like Malaysia and Singapore in the future. This move signifies a growing trend of streaming service consolidation and partnerships to navigate the competitive landscape of the Southeast Asian streaming market.

What’s Included in the HBO Max & Viu Bundle?

The bundled offering will provide subscribers with access to both HBO Max’s extensive library of blockbuster movies, original series like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, and a vast catalog of Warner Bros. films, alongside Viu’s diverse selection of Korean dramas, Asian movies, and local content.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

HBO Max Content: Access to the full HBO Max library, including Max Originals, Warner Bros. movies, and DC Universe titles.

Viu Content: A wide array of Korean dramas (K-dramas),Japanese dramas (J-dramas),chinese dramas (C-dramas),Thai Lakorns,and original Viu productions.

Combined Accessibility: Subscribers will likely access the bundled content through the Viu app, streamlining the viewing experience.

Potential Ad-Supported Tier: While details are still emerging, industry analysts predict a potential ad-supported tier to offer a more affordable entry point for consumers. This aligns with current streaming service pricing strategies.

Pricing and Availability: Key Details

The pricing structure for the HBO Max and Viu bundle will vary depending on the country. As of August 12, 2025, confirmed pricing is as follows:

Thailand: 333 THB per month

Indonesia: IDR 129,000 per month

Philippines: PHP 399 per month

these prices represent a discount compared to subscribing to both services individually. The bundle is currently available for sign-up through the Viu app and website in the aforementioned countries. Users can expect a seamless integration process, allowing them to manage their subscription and access content easily. This competitive streaming bundle price is designed to attract new subscribers and retain existing Viu users.

Why This Partnership Matters: Industry Implications

This partnership is a important progress in the OTT streaming landscape of Southeast Asia. several factors contribute to its importance:

Increased Competition: The streaming market in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly crowded with players like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and local platforms. This bundle allows HBO Max and viu to compete more effectively.

Content Diversification: Combining HBO Max’s Western content with Viu’s Asian content caters to a broader range of tastes and preferences within the region.

Market Penetration: Viu’s established presence and understanding of the local markets will accelerate HBO max’s expansion in Southeast Asia.

Cost-Effectiveness: The bundled price offers consumers a more affordable way to access a wider variety of content, addressing price sensitivity in certain markets.

Growth of Asian Content: The partnership highlights the increasing global demand for Asian content, notably K-dramas, which have gained immense popularity worldwide. This trend is driving demand for Korean content and influencing streaming strategies.

Benefits for Viewers: What You Gain

Subscribers to the HBO Max and Viu bundle stand to benefit in several ways:

Wider Content Selection: Access to a considerably larger library of movies and TV shows.

Cost Savings: A more affordable price compared to subscribing to both services separately.

Convenience: Streamlined access through a single platform (Viu app).

Diverse Programming: A mix of Hollywood blockbusters, critically acclaimed HBO series, and popular asian dramas.

Localized Content: Viu’s focus on local content provides viewers with programming that resonates with their culture and preferences.

Practical Tips for Subscribers

Check Compatibility: Ensure your devices are compatible with the Viu app.

Download for Offline Viewing: Take advantage of Viu’s offline download feature to enjoy content on the go.

Explore Content Recommendations: Utilize Viu’s suggestion engine to discover new shows and movies.

Manage Your Subscription: Regularly review your subscription settings to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Stay Updated: Follow Viu and HBO Max on social media for announcements about new content and promotions.

Real-World Example: The Success of Bundling in Other Markets

The HBO Max/Viu partnership mirrors accomplished bundling strategies employed in other regions. Such as,in the US,Disney+ has been bundled with Hulu and ESPN+ to offer a complete entertainment package at a competitive price.