Disney+ Hotstar to lose HBO shows from March 31

Streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar will stop offering HBO content to its users from March 31, 2023. Popular shows such as Game of Thrones, Succession, The Wire, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and many more will no longer be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Recently, the company also lost the rights to the Indian Premier League (IPL), a T20 cricket league in India that attracts millions of viewers.

The loss of HBO content is a major letdown for Disney+ Hotstar subscribers who liked watching high-quality dramas and comedies from the US network. Some of these shows have won critical acclaim awards and have a loyal fan base in India. For instance, Game of Thrones is one of the most-watched TV shows on Disney+ Hotstar.

HBO shows that will be unavailable to watch on the Disney+Hotstar from March 31, 2023, include Ballers, Band of Brothers, Catch and Kill, Curb Your Enth, Entourage, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Mare of Easttown, Mind Over Murder, Obama, Scenes from a Marriage, Shaq, Succession, The Baby, The Gilded Age, The Last of Us, The Nevers, The Sopranos, The Time Traveller’s Wife, The Wire, Undercurrent, Watchmen, and We Own this City.

The streaming platform has not disclosed if it will replace HBO content with that from other production houses. However, it still has a lot of content to offer its users from other sources, such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, and Bollywood. It also features original shows such as The Mandalorian, Loki, Andor, Aarya, The Night Manager, National Treasure Edge of History, and more.

It is expected that Disney+ Hotstar could lose more subscribers in 2023 due to the lack of HBO and IPL properties. Disney+ Hotstar subscribers who want to continue watching HBO content will have to search for other options. It is rumored that HBO might launch its own streaming service called HBO Max in India. Or, it may be available as a Prime Video Channel in India.

Disney+ Hotstar’s move reflects the changing dynamics of the streaming industry in India and globally. As more players enter the market with their own exclusive content libraries, subscribers may have to pay more or choose between different services to access their favorite TV shows and movies.