The channel launched on 31 October 2011, as SoHo screening shows from American cable networks Showtime, AMC, Starz, HBO and FX, which were themselves not available in New Zealand. It also broadcast shows from Britain, especially from the BBC, and also broadcast films.[1]
In October 2024, Sky confirmed that the channel would be rebranded as HBO featuring exclusively HBO content, effective 30 October 2024.[2][3]
Services
There was also a SoHo channel in Australia, which launched on 20 August 2012.[4] It closed down on 4 October 2016, and was replaced by Binge.[5][6]
A sister channel, SoHo2 launched on 7 November 2018.[7]
SoHo2 was closed on 16 March 2021 and all the content was moved to the SoHo channel.[8]
On 22 October 2024, Sky New Zealand announced that SoHo would be revamped as a linear HBO channel showing HBO Original content, effective 30 October. The HBO channel is available on Sky Box, Sky Pod and Sky Go. This change accompanied a new partnership between Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery that would allow the former to remain the exclusive distributor of HBO and Max content in New Zealand.[2][3]
Effective 30 October 2024, the revamped HBO channel features HBO Original content exclusively. Other non-HBO and WBD shows that previously aired on SoHo will be aired instead on Sky's other entertainment channels, Sky 5 and Vibe.[2][3]
