In a telling comment in today’s NZX statement and accompanying press release, Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney said: “Paramount’s Yellowstone was a standout for Sky customers in FY25, and this partnership ensures we build on that success by securing the shows that matter most.”
Right now, Sky TV screens Warner Bros Discovery’s HBO Max content on its own Neon streaming platform.
In early December, in an interview with Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan, Moloney was talking up season two of HBO Max medical drama The Pitt.
It’s one of HBO Max’s hottest properties, alongside other contemporary and legacy shows such as The White Lotus, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Succession and The Last of Us.
The Pitt is one of HBO Max’s biggest shows.
HBO Max operates as a separate platform in other markets – much like Amazon Prime and Disney+ – although there have been no firm plans or announcements that it’s planning to launch here.
It is understood that Sky’s existing deal with HBO Max expires in mid-2026.
“Warner Brothers Discovery is a really important partner and, when we’ve got something to talk about, [we will],” Moloney told Media Insider in November.
Asked at that time whether she wanted to retain HBO Max content, she said: “It’s all about the data and what the team think makes sense, and [it’s] up to them in terms of what they want to do.”
She added: “There are heaps and heaps of entertainment studios out there.”
Asked whether she knew of any plans to launch HBO Max in New Zealand, Moloney said: “That’s definitely a question for them. We’re not going to speak on their behalf.”
Sky CEO Sophie Moloney.
A Warner Bros spokeswoman said at the time the company had no comment.
Sky spokeswoman Karina Healy reiterated today: “We have a long-standing, multi-faceted relationship with Warner Bros Discovery and they are a valued partner. We don’t have anything further to share at this stage.”
Given that Sky announced its new Paramount deal to the NZX today, it appears clear that it has yet to reach any sort of agreement with WBD.
New Paramount deal
Sky TV was more effusive in its statements this morning about its renewed Paramount deal.
“This is an expansive deal and represents a significant step forward in our refreshed entertainment strategy, with broadened content partnerships and a data-driven focus on delivering variety and quality of content,” said Moloney.
“We know what our customers watch and value, and we’re building on those insights to curate the content that resonates most with our audiences.
“Paramount’s Yellowstone was a standout for Sky customers in FY25, and this partnership ensures we build on that success by securing the shows that matter most.
“With thousands of hours of premium drama, comedy, and iconic franchises, this agreement reinforces Sky’s position as a leading entertainment content destination in New Zealand.”
Sky said the expanded partnership included exclusive access to new premium series from Showtime, Paramount+ and CBS.
“Yellowstone fans can look forward to the upcoming spinoff Y: Marshals in March 2026, and the new deal also secures a slate of highly anticipated Taylor Sheridan projects, including The Madison and Dutton Ranch.”
The deal also included thousands of hours of premium scripted and comedy library content, said Sky.
This included Dexter, Billions, Ray Donovan and Twin Peaks.
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.