This is major. Amazon just signed a six-year exclusive deal with HBO. Starting today, several HBO shows will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video, including Flight of the Conchords, True Blood, and The Wire. But the most exciting news is that users won't need an HBO cable subscription — just an Amazon Prime account.
Granted, Amazon Prime just raised membership fees from $79 to $99. But between free two-day shipping, access to the Kindle Library, plus Amazon Instant Video with HBO, the increase might be worth it. This is a big deal for HBO, which doesn't make it easy for people without cable to watch its content. Shows currently on the air aren't available through streaming services like Hulu or Netflix, iTunes doesn't receive them until long after the season is over, and HBO Go requires a cable subscription.
One notable series missing from the Amazon Prime-HBO deal is our favorite show of politicking, pillage, and plunder, Game of Thrones, but there will be other great content available.
Over the next few years, more HBO shows will arrive on Amazon Prime. They will be available approximately three years after airing on HBO.