U.K. ‘Office,’ ‘Luther’ Set for HBO Max Runs in Deal With BritBox

A cache of British series — including the original version of The Office, early seasons of Luther and the recently released Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero — are getting a bigger platform via HBO Max.

The Warner Bros. Discovery streamer and the BBC Studios-owned BritBox have struck a deal to bring 15 BritBox shows to HBO Max in August and September. The “pop-up” — similar to an arrangement between AMC and Netflix in 2024 — will run from Aug. 1-Sept. 29.

Both seasons of the Ricky Gervais-led Office and its Christmas specials will be part of the promotion, which will have a dedicated rail on the HBO Max app called “The Best of British TV by BritBox.” Along with Towards Zero, starring Matthew Rhys and Anjelica Huston, and the first two seasons of Luther, the collection will include seasons of Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy, Blue Lights, Father Brown, Shakespeare & Hathaway, Sherwood (Aug. 1-30 only), Silent Witness, Sister Boniface, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, The Sixth Commandment, Three Little Birds, Time and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?

HBO Max doesn’t have the reach of Netflix, but its more than 50 million U.S. subscribers dwarfs the number of BritBox users, which as of March totaled about 4 million in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Nordic countries. The pop-up should help the BritBox shows reach a wider audience and, in turn, perhaps convert some of those viewers into subscribers.

“HBO Max viewers seek premium entertainment they can’t get anywhere else,” said BritBox president Robert Schildhouse. “Through this partnership, we are excited to offer them a premium collection of distinctly British series to complement their viewing experience, including acclaimed series, fan-favorite franchises, standout performances from celebrated talent, and exceptional storytelling across mystery, crime, drama, and comedy.”

Added Joshua Walker, chief financial and strategy officer for streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery, “We’re continually looking for creative ways to bring more high-quality storytelling to our HBO Max audience. This BritBox sampling gives our subscribers a chance to discover a variety of great British television series featuring rich, distinctive stories.”