HBO Max is on a mission to find its next big hit, and it’s looking beyond its borders to do so. But here’s where it gets exciting: after the massive success of The Pitt, the five-time Emmy-winning procedural that outshone pricier competitors, the streaming giant is now hunting for cop, medical, and legal dramas from around the globe. Could this be the formula for replicating that triumph? Sarah Aubrey, the mastermind behind HBO Max’s original content, thinks so—especially in newer European markets where the platform is expanding. And this is the part most people miss: Aubrey isn’t just looking for any show; she wants series with longer episode orders, a stark contrast to the six-episode norm in the UK, which she jokingly calls ‘crazy.’
In a recent talk at Content London, Aubrey hinted at a return to traditional TV formats but with a streaming twist. ‘Audiences devour medical, legal, and cop dramas,’ she explained. ‘If we combine the high-quality character writing we’ve mastered in streaming with these classic genres, we’re onto something huge.’ But here’s the controversial part: while microdramas are all the rage right now, HBO Max is steering clear—at least for now. ‘Our plates are full,’ Aubrey admitted, though she’s ‘curious’ about the trend. Is this a missed opportunity, or a smart focus on what works?
Meanwhile, HBO Max’s local shows are already making waves globally. Furia in Spain, The Prince in Turkey, and The Eastern Gate in Poland are outperforming even some of HBO’s biggest titles. And this is where it gets bold: Aubrey believes these successes are just the beginning. With the second season of The Pitt launching soon, she’s confident that longer-episode international dramas could be the key to dominating new markets.
Aubrey’s London visit wasn’t just about business—she’s also set to tour the Harry Potter set, a franchise she praises as a ‘delightful adaptation’ that stays true to the books. ‘It’s British through and through,’ she said, ‘from the writer to the filmmaker to the craftspeople.’ But here’s the question: Can HBO Max’s international strategy truly replicate The Pitt’s success, or is it a gamble? And what does this mean for the future of streaming in Europe?
As HBO Max gears up for its January 13 launch in Germany and Italy, one thing’s clear: the team is ‘chomping at the bit’ to expand. But with no UK launch date in sight, fans across the pond are left wondering: When will their turn come? What do you think? Is HBO Max’s focus on traditional genres a winning move, or should they embrace microdramas and other trends? Let us know in the comments!
