HBO Nordic delays OTT launch

HBO's Game of Thrones

The launch of HBO’s Nordic online video service has been delayed, the cable network has confirmed.

HBO Nordic had planned to roll out its first HBO-branded service in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland this month.

“The launch of the HBO Nordic network and streaming service is highly anticipated and will be deserving of HBO’s high-quality reputation. We have been in contact with and are listening to our significant local fan base. Slightly pushing back the launch is not tied to one specific reason but simply our desire to meet all expectations. This has been communicated directly to those awaiting HBO Nordic and we have gotten nothing less than an enthusiastic response,” said HBO Nordic CEO Hervé Payan in a statement. He did not say when the service will launch or give a reason for the delay.

The Scandinavian market has seen an influx of OTT services, with Netflix being the most recent big-name operator to launch in the region. Other services available in the region include C-More’s Filmnet, Voddler and Modern Times Group’s Viaplay.

HBO Nordic online offering will include movies from major Hollywood and international studios, local distributors and independents, as well as HBO series including Boardwalk Empire, The Newsroom, Game of Thrones, True Blood and Veep. The premium linear and on-demand offering will be available for less than €10 per month via the streaming site hbnordic.com.