Bold claim: HBO Max is aiming to bottle the lightning from The Pitt by actively seeking international cop, medical, and legal dramas to replicate its success. The streaming service is scanning global markets for fresh entries in these genres, hoping to mirror the five-Emmy-winning procedural’s momentum.
Sarah Aubrey, who oversees HBO Max’s originals, suggested that procedurals could be a smart path in some of HBO Max’s newer European markets. She emphasized a preference for shows with longer episode orders, joking with a British audience at Content London that “You guys order six episodes of things, that’s so crazy to me.” The old-guard appeal of traditional TV formats in medical, legal, and police procedurals remains on the table, she argued. By blending streaming-era emphasis on quality character development with the familiar structures of these genres, Aubrey believes the network can achieve strong global uptake.
The Pitt’s triumph—a production that outperformed far more expensive rivals and earned praise across multiple Emmys—was highlighted as a model to emulate internationally. Aubrey indicated hopes that future international projects could carry longer episode orders and similar or greater impact.
Beyond The Pitt, Aubrey highlighted other HBO Max successes from around the world, some rivaling the performance of major HBO tentpoles. She pointed to Furia in Spain, which has just been recommissioned, as well as The Prince in Turkey and The Eastern Gate in Poland, as indicators of the platform’s expanding global footprint.
One format HBO Max isn’t prioritizing right now is microdrama. Aubrey noted the team already has full plates with their core responsibilities, though she remains curious about the growing micro-format space.
In other news, Aubrey is in London for the week and will attend a high-profile HBO showcase before visiting the Harry Potter set. She praised the franchise as a vivid adaptation of the books: directed by a British filmmaker, created by a British writer, and produced by some of the country’s best craftspeople.
HBO Max recently announced launch dates for Germany and Italy, with Casey Bloys slated to speak at tonight’s showcase. The streamer will enter those territories on January 13, though timing for the UK rollout remains unconfirmed. Aubrey underscored the team’s eagerness to expand HBO Max’s global footprint and reach.
