In a bold move to dominate the global streaming landscape, HBO Max is setting its sights on the next big cop, medical, or legal drama—but will this strategy pay off internationally?
Fresh off the heels of the massive success of The Pitt, a five-time Emmy-winning procedural, HBO Max is doubling down on its winning formula by scouting for similar shows worldwide. But here’s where it gets controversial: while audiences crave these genres, can the streamer replicate The Pitt’s triumph in new markets without losing its edge? Sarah Aubrey, the mastermind behind HBO Max’s original content, thinks so—and she’s not holding back.
Speaking at Content London, Aubrey hinted that procedural dramas could be the key to conquering newer European territories. With a playful jab at British audiences, she quipped, “Six episodes? That’s so crazy to me!”—a nod to the streamer’s appetite for longer, binge-worthy seasons. But this is the part most people miss: Aubrey isn’t just chasing quantity; she’s blending traditional TV formats with the high-quality character writing that streaming has perfected. “Audiences eat these genres up,” she explained, “and if we combine that with what we’ve learned, we’ll hit gold again.”
The Pitt, which outshone pricier competitors to snag five Emmys, is set to launch its second season soon. Aubrey’s ambition? To replicate that success globally with longer-running shows. And she’s already seeing results: local hits like Furia in Spain, The Prince in Turkey, and The Eastern Gate in Poland are outperforming even HBO’s biggest tentpoles. But here’s the twist: while microdramas are all the rage, Aubrey admits HBO Max is too busy to jump on that bandwagon—though she’s “curious” about its rise.
Meanwhile, Aubrey’s London visit isn’t just about business. She’s gushing over the Harry Potter adaptation, calling it a “delightful” and faithful take on the books. “It’s British through and through,” she said, praising its homegrown talent. Tonight, she’ll join HBO’s showcase, where chief Casey Bloys will announce the streamer’s January 13 launch in Germany and Italy. The UK, however, remains in limbo—leaving fans eagerly awaiting news.
As HBO Max expands, Aubrey’s team is “chomping at the bit” to grow its global footprint. But the question remains: Can they strike gold again? And should they stick to proven formulas or take riskier bets? Let us know what you think in the comments—is this strategy a surefire win, or is HBO Max playing it too safe?
