A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: HBO Prequel to Game of Thrones Premiering January 18, 2026

## HBO: A Comprehensive Overview **What HBO Does** HBO (Home Box Office) is a leading American premium cable and streaming television network, renowned for its high-quality, commercial-free programming. It specializes in a mix of first-run and classic movies, sports events, comedy specials, and critically acclaimed original series—many of which have become cultural touchstones[4]. Unlike traditional networks, HBO operates on a subscription model, requiring viewers to pay extra for access to its content[2]. Today, HBO is available not only via cable and satellite but also through its digital platforms, HBO Max (now rebranded as Max), which streams its extensive library and exclusive originals to a global audience[4]. ## History HBO traces its origins to 1965, when Charles Dolan founded Sterling Information Services, aiming to provide television to New York City hotels[1]. The venture struggled until Time Inc. acquired a stake, and the concept evolved into “The Green Channel,” which became HBO upon launch on November 8, 1972, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania[1][2]. Its debut broadcast featured a live NHL hockey game and a movie, reaching just 365 subscribers[5]. Initial growth was slow due to cable’s limited reach and regulatory hurdles, but HBO’s fortunes changed after it became the first network to deliver programming via satellite in 1975, enabling national distribution[4]. By the late 1970s, HBO was profitable and rapidly expanding[2][5]. ## Key Achievements HBO pioneered the premium cable model, offering uncut, commercial-free entertainment and establishing itself as a tastemaker in television[4]. It was instrumental in the rise of cable TV, with subscriber numbers soaring from 50,000 in 1974 to 1.5 million by 1978[3][5]. HBO’s early focus on comedy specials and made-for-TV movies laid the groundwork for its later dominance in