Audio Video News

Good news for those of us in the U.S. on lockdown who have already blazed through all the good stuff on Netflix and are seeking something else: HBO is offering free streaming of select shows including The Sopranos, The Wire, and Six Feet Under through April 30 on its HBO NOW or HBO GO apps. So, if you happen to be one of the few who for some reason missed out on these early gems from the New Golden Age of Television, you’re now in luck.

Here’s the full list of free shows available to stream now via HBO NOW or HBO GO:

• Ballers (5 Seasons)
• Barry (2 Seasons)
• Silicon Valley (6 Seasons)
• Six Feet Under (5 Seasons)
• The Sopranos (7 Seasons)
• Succession (2 Seasons)
• True Blood (7 Seasons)
• Veep (7 Seasons)
• The Wire (5 Seasons)

Notably missing from the above list is Game of Thrones, but you didn’t think they’d give that one away for free, did you? During my time with HBO NOW—I subscribed mostly to stay current with Game of Thrones when it was airing—I thoroughly enjoyed Silicon Valley and Barry. Succession is also supposed to be excellent, but you’ll need to verify that for yourself. Documentary selections, too, are part of the HBO streaming free-for-all, and include well-reviewed titles such as I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth Vs. Michelle Carter (2019), The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019), and McMillion$ (2020).

Why is HBO giving away the goods? “To provide some entertainment relief for those doing their part to keep everyone safe and healthy in this time of social isolation,” according to the company’s press release. But there may also be a need to drum up excitement for the imminent launch of the new HBO Max streaming service, which is scheduled to go live in May. For the same $14.99/month, HBO Max will offer all the content found on the current HBO streaming services, but add new original shows and movies from the Warner Bros. library, plus programming from New Line, DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, and Looney Tunes.

Related:

WarnerMedia Joins the Streaming Fray with HBO Max