All the latest news from the global content industry on Thursday, 26 March

 

Harry Potter leads HBO Max’s UK launch

HBO Max has used its launch event in the UK and Ireland to unveil new images from the eight-episode first season of its Harry Potter series.

Harry potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will debut at Christmas 2026 and is part of the streamer’s upcoming slate in the UK that also includes the local debut for The Pitt.

Other series include HBO originals such as DTF St. Louis and Rooster, as well as the third season of The Comeback, the third season of Euphoria, and the third instalment of House of the Dragon.

HBO Max launched first in the US in 2020, before being rolled out globally. HBO’s now-ended output deal with Sky delayed the UK roll-out until today, with the service going live at midnight local time.

 

ProSieben’2 2025 revenues dip 5%

Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 expects “slight” growth in 2026 after confirming that revenues in 2025 hit 3.68bn in 2025, decreasing by 6% as expected.

The company said the fall reflected a weaker TV advertising market and the sale of Verivox, but added that a “clear focus” on entertainment would deliver results over the next 12 months.

The focus is on strengthening local and live content, which “will sharpen the profile of the Entertainment portfolio”, P7 said. An “expanded multi-platform approach” with streamer Joyn and partner platforms will also deliver additional reach and revenue, it added.

 

Samsung TV Plus strikes WedoTV deal in MENA

Wedotv is expanding its reach in the Middle East with the launch of three of its FAST channels - customised for the region - on Samsung TV Plus.

Wedotv Big Stories and Wedotv Sports MENA have been rolled out locally and will be joined by Wedotv Cars at the end of the month.

Samsung TV Plus currently is available across 30 territories globally. In MENA, this includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

 

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