Big Bang Theory Is Coming To HBO Max Thanks To Massive Streaming Deal

Another line has been drawn in the sand of the streaming wars. One of the biggest TV shows of all time has found a new streaming home in HBO Max. The Big Bang Theory, which ended its 12-season run earlier this year, will stream exclusively on HBO Max.

The news comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which notes WarnerMedia has locked up the Big Bang streaming rights for five years on the upcoming service, while extending the show's syndication deal on TBS through 2028. As THR reports, the deal is worth billions of dollars. Deadline estimates the price tag is closer to $600 million. Regardless, the Big Bang Theory is pulling in more on the streaming front than both Friends ($425 million) and The Office ($500 million) did with their streaming deals.

In a statement, Robert Greenblatt, chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer, said, "Few shows define a generation and capture mainstream zeitgeist like The Big Bang Theory. We're thrilled that HBO Max will be the exclusive streaming home for this comedy juggernaut when we launch in the spring of 2020. This show has been a hit virtually around the globe, it's one of the biggest shows on broadcast television of the last decade, and the fact that we get to bring it to a streaming platform for the first time in the U.S. is a coup for our new offering."

All 279 episodes of Big Bang Theory will be available on HBO Max when it debuts in spring 2020, though a specific launch date has not been announced. Joining the series will be the entire run of Friends--which is moving from Netflix--as well as Game of Thrones, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Batwoman, and a number of other library shows, along with a slate of original programs.

The news of HBO Max obtaining the streaming rights to Big Bang Theory come as NBC announces details about its own streaming service, Peacock. That offering, it's been announced, will include new takes on classic shows like Saved By the Bell and Battlestar Galactica when it launches.