Bell Media & Warner Bros. Ink Deal for HBO Max Original Programming

Bell Media has secured a new long-term exclusive deal with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution that brings original programming from WarnerMedia’s HBO Max to Canada, starting in 2020.

The agreement—which marks the first for HBO Max programming outside of the U.S—extends Bell Media’s programming partnership with HBO to its SVOD service, Crave. The deal extends the pay-TV rights for Warner Bros. first-run feature films, adding to the relationship already in place between Warner Bros. and CTV for network series, and with Bell Media’s specialty services for cable series.

The deal covers new scripted series primarily produced by the divisions of the Warner Bros. Television Group for HBO Max. Series confirmed for Crave and CTV include the recently announced new Gossip Girl series, and The Flight Attendant, a dark comedic thriller starring and executive produced by The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco. Also part of the pact are Dune: The Sisterhood, from Academy Award-nominated director Denis Villeneuve and set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s epic Dune novel series, and College Girls (working title) from Emmy-nominated writer/producer Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project, The Office).

“Bell Media has been an important partner with its channels and platforms bringing HBO originals to viewers in Canada for many years,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer. “It is only fitting we are not only extending this relationship but also deepening it to include great new series produced for HBO Max.”

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the all-new Crave, we’re more committed than ever to ensure ongoing access to the highest caliber content,” said Randy Lennox, president of Bell Media. “With this new HBO Max agreement, we are expanding our long and successful partnership with HBO and Warner Bros. and demonstrating this commitment to premium content in an era of increasing competition.”

“Bell Media has been a long-term and strategic partner for both Warner Bros. and HBO,” said Jeffrey Schlesinger, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution. “It is only logical for us to expand the relationship by adding the upcoming original programming from HBO Max as well as extend the successful relationship covering our feature films, network series, and cable programming. All of this together makes Bell Media a great Canadian home for all of these assets from WarnerMedia.”