HBO boss Casey Bloys talks Harry Potter, The Pitt, key franchises and big new bets as network launches streamer in UK

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The man shaping HBO’s future is thinking less about algorithms and more about instinct.

HBO and Max Content head Casey Bloys is focused on one key idea as HBO Max launches in the UK on March 26th: create television worth paying for, and ensure it stands out from the competition.

This framework is surprisingly influential – it’s been key to the success of shows like Game of Thrones and Euphoria, and continues to guide HBO as it grows its streaming services in the UK.

As a film lover, I get asked all the time what makes a show feel truly special. And honestly, there’s no easy answer. For me, it’s a combination of things. Does it feel grand and impressive, like a real cinematic experience? Is it doing something different, something we haven’t quite seen before? And crucially, is it giving a platform to fresh, exciting talent? If it ticks those boxes, then yeah, it feels like something worth watching.

HBO’s success comes from its willingness to be different, even when it meant questioning its own established ideas. For example, the show Girls initially felt like a departure for the network, which traditionally catered to the idea that most cable viewers were men who were the main financial providers for their households. Similarly, Game of Thrones was also considered an unconventional choice at first.

He recalls that when it was first released, it reminded him of classic historical dramas, like those featuring swords and sandals. He also points out that, unlike anything they’d seen before, the show featured a very young main character, similar to the show Euphoria.

What connects these shows isn’t their type, but rather the willingness to take chances and support unique, unconventional ideas.

This approach has enabled HBO to take risks on projects that other networks might have avoided. A prime example is the series Industry, which started as a small-scale experiment filmed in Cardiff. It featured writers who actually worked in finance and actors just beginning their careers.

Shows like The White Lotus, and even the initial idea for the drama Succession, created by comedy writer Jesse Armstrong, demonstrate that HBO doesn’t just occasionally try new things – it’s built into how they operate.

Bloys explains that taking risks doesn’t always pay off, but it’s important to avoid overanalyzing things or trying to control every outcome.

As streaming services favor shorter seasons with extended breaks between them, HBO has found a unique path by bringing back a classic approach. With its new show, ‘The Pitt,’ the network is intentionally creating a longer season, reminiscent of traditional television.

While that idea shows a willingness to do things differently, HBO generally takes a cautious approach when it comes to its biggest franchises.

Looking ahead, plans are still taking shape. While a third season of The Last of Us could conclude that series, a possible TV show based on Baldur’s Gate is only being considered at this point.

Casey Bloys believes what matters most for HBO isn’t guaranteeing success, but staying true to its core values. Like always, HBO’s success will depend on continually asking important questions and adapting to change.

He believes the company naturally improves because its long-term employees consistently evaluate new ideas, asking if they’re valuable and innovative. This ongoing process leads to built-in growth and development.

And as HBO Max arrives in the UK, that refusal to stand still may be its greatest asset.

Authors

Morgan JefferyDigital Editor

Morgan Jeffery leads the editorial content for TopMob across all its digital platforms as Digital Editor. Before joining TopMob, he worked as TV Editor at Digital Spy and has appeared as a television commentator on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live, and Sky Atlantic.

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2026-03-28 12:04