The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have signed an agreement that will see HBO Max content in the UK carry BBFC age ratings and content advice from day one.
HBO Max is due to launch in the UK and Ireland on Thursday 26 March 2026. Under the partnership, the BBFC will produce new classifications or supply existing BBFC classifications for the full catalogue available on the service in the UK.
All episodes, features and specials on the platform will display a BBFC rating such as U, PG, 12, 15 or 18, alongside bespoke content advice aligned to the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines. The BBFC said the guidelines are informed by public consultation and research and are refreshed every 4-5 years to reflect changing audience attitudes.
New BBFC classifications created for HBO Max will also be published publicly, including via the BBFC website and app, no earlier than 24 hours before launch.
WBD said HBO Max UK will debut with a mix of HBO, Warner Bros. Television and Max Original titles, including the UK premiere of Max Original The Pitt, seasons 1 and 2 of Euphoria, and a third season due in April. The service will also include library titles such as Succession, Friends and Game of Thrones, alongside films including One Battle After Another, Sinners, Superman and Dune: Part One, all carrying BBFC classifications.
David Austin OBE, chief executive of the BBFC, said: “This agreement underscores Warner Bros. Discovery’s dedication to providing UK audiences with the trusted BBFC age ratings and content advice that are vital for families making safe and informed viewing decisions. From Game of Thrones to Superman, the BBFC will be delivering classifications for all of HBO Max’s content, so UK audiences can choose what’s right for them to view from the day that the platform launches. We look forward to a successful partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery as it brings this exciting new service to the UK market.”
Andrew Georgiou, president and managing director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, added: “We are pleased to partner with the BBFC across HBO Max when the service launches in the UK on 26 March 2026. The BBFC is a trusted partner who will help ensure our subscribers are not only entertained with award winning content, but properly informed on the age and content suitability of the wealth of shows and movies available on HBO Max.”
BBFC labelling most commonly appears on on-demand players and TVOD stores; many broadcasters’ linear channels don’t show BBFC ratings because TV broadcast compliance falls under Ofcom.
