Published: 17 Feb 2026
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Warner Bros. Discovery have entered into an agreement to ensure that content on the forthcoming HBO Max streaming service in the United Kingdom (UK) carries the BBFC’s trusted age rating and content advice.
With HBO Max due to launch on Thursday 26 March 2026 in the UK and Ireland, the BBFC will deliver BBFC Classifications for all of the content available on the service in the UK, helping families make informed viewing choices from day one of the service.
Content for HBO Max classified to BBFC standards
The agreement focuses on the BBFC producing new, or supplying existing BBFC Classifications for HBO Max’s streaming content. This partnership is a key part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s preparations for the HBO Max UK launch, confirming a shared commitment to content standards and suitability expected by the UK public.
When the service launches on 26 March, HBO Max UK subscribers will be able to stream a range of unmissable shows and movies. From the UK premiere of award winning Max Original The Pitt, to seasons 1 and 2 of the blockbuster HBO Original Euphoria – followed by the highly anticipated third season in April.
In addition, subscribers will be able to access an extensive range of HBO and Warner Bros. Television libraries including the likes of Succession, Friends, Games of Thrones and more. TV shows will sit alongside record-setting, Oscar-nominated films like One Battle After Another and Sinners, as well as Superman and Dune: Part One - all classified by the BBFC.
Under the agreement, all episodes, features and specials on the service will carry a BBFC age rating (e.g., U, PG, 12, 15, or 18) and bespoke content advice, in line with the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines. These Guidelines are informed by regular large-scale public consultation and research, and are refreshed every four to five years to reflect changing public attitudes.
All new BBFC Classifications produced for HBO Max in the UK will be made publicly available, including via the BBFC website and app, [no earlier than 24 hours] before launch.
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 & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe said: “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.”
The BBFC is the UK’s independent regulator for film and video. All classification decisions are governed by the BBFC Classification Guidelines, which are updated every four to five years to ensure standards remain aligned with the evolving values and expectations of the UK public.
The BBFC 2023 Guidelines Consultation, which surveyed 12,000 people across the UK, highlighted the high level of public recognition and trust of the BBFC work.
99% recognise BBFC age rating symbols.
97% see a clear benefit to these ratings for audiences.
90% of parents and 91% of teachers trust BBFC ratings most or all of the time.
81% want to see consistent age ratings across cinema, physical media, and streaming.
While the BBFC has a statutory duty under the Video Recordings Act 1984 to rate content for cinema and physical media (DVD/Blu-ray), there is currently no legal requirement for streaming services to display these ratings.
For over a decade, the BBFC has worked voluntarily with platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV, to implement trusted age ratings. This partnership aims to protect children from potentially harmful content and empower audiences to make informed viewing choices.
BBFC research into age ratings for streaming services published in October 2025 further reinforced the demand for BBFC oversight in the digital space.
98% of parents check age ratings before selecting streaming content for their children.
94% believe it is important that rating standards are developed through consultation with UK audiences.
73% trust the BBFC more than any alternative rating system.
HBO Max is the premier global streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery that delivers the most unique and captivating stories, ranging from the highest quality in scripted programming, movies, documentaries, and true crime to adult animation. HBO Max is the destination for prestigious entertainment brands such as HBO, Warner Bros., Max Originals, DC, Harry Potter, as well as iconic shows like Friends, all in one place. www.hbomax.com.
