Astro Drops HBO After 30 Years: Here’s What Malaysian Viewers Need to Know

TL;DR

• End of an era: Astro will discontinue all HBO channels from 1st March 2026 after nearly 30 years of partnership dating back to 1996.
• New channels: Four replacement channels — Astro Showtime, Rock Action, Rock X Stream, and Astro FAM Time — will launch under the Astro One Epic Pack.
• HBO alternatives: Viewers can still access HBO content via HBO Max app (RM24.90/month) or through Unifi TV.

Astro Says Goodbye to HBO

Astro is officially dropping all HBO channels from its lineup starting 1st March 2026, marking the end of a partnership that began when the satellite broadcaster launched in 1996. The decision comes as Astro shifts its partnership model with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

From next month, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, HBO Family, and HBO Hits will no longer be available on Astro. However, the HBO Max app will still be accessible to Astro customers as a standalone subscription at RM24.90 per month.

WBD has confirmed that HBO content will remain available in Malaysia through Unifi TV and direct-to-consumer streaming options.

Four New Channels to Replace HBO

Astro is introducing four new channels to fill the void left by HBO:

Astro Showtime (CH 411) — Launching 1st March 2026, this channel will feature Hollywood blockbusters including Violent Night, Jurassic World Dominion, Beast, and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Rock Action (CH 414) — Action movie fans get Miami Vice, Rambo Trilogy, Godzilla Minus One, Ghostbusters, and Captain Phillips.

Rock X Stream (CH 415) — Premium TV series including See, Mr. Robot, Black Sails, and Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.

Astro FAM Time (CH 412) — Family content launching 1st April 2026 with titles like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Minions: The Rise of Gru, and Johnny English Reborn.

These channels are included with the Movies Pack and Astro One Epic Pack. Existing customers will also continue receiving Prime Video and Disney+ at no extra cost.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Astro One Epic Pack is priced at RM199.99 per month, though current promotions bring it down to RM138.88 per month for new customers. Astro One packs start from as low as RM49.99 per month.

For viewers who specifically want HBO content, the HBO Max standalone subscription via Astro costs RM24.90 monthly.

What This Means for Malaysian Viewers

The removal of HBO marks another shift in Malaysia’s pay TV landscape. While Astro customers lose linear HBO channels, they gain four new curated channels plus continued access to streaming giants Prime Video and Disney+.

Those determined to keep watching HBO’s original programming will need to subscribe to HBO Max separately. Alternatively, Unifi TV users can still access HBO channels through their existing arrangement with WBD.

It’s the end of an era for Malaysian TV viewers who grew up with HBO, but Astro appears to be betting on a mix of new original channels and integrated streaming to keep subscribers satisfied.

Source: SoyaCincau