HBO Max Originals Chief Looking for Next Major International Cop, Medical, or Legal Drama to Recreate Success of 'The Pitt'

HBO Max is looking to expand its lineup of international dramas after the notable success of The Pitt, a procedural series that earned five Emmy awards. The streamer is now scouting for fresh cop, medical, and legal series in new European markets as it gradually broadens its presence.

Sarah Aubrey, head of originals at HBO Max, noted that procedural formats could resonate strongly in these emerging territories. Speaking to a UK audience at Content London, she highlighted the contrast between regional practices and the U.S. approach, playfully remarking on the UK tendency to commission fewer episodes: You guys order six episodes of things, thats so crazy to me.

She emphasized the potential of combining traditional TV structures with high-quality character-driven storytelling that streaming has cultivated over recent years. Audiences love these genres. By integrating the lessons learned from streaming into cop, medical, and legal dramas, we can replicate the kind of success The Pitt achieved, Aubrey explained.

The upcoming second season of The Pitt is scheduled to launch in the coming weeks. Aubrey also highlighted several international HBO Max shows gaining traction, including Furia in Spain, which has been renewed, along with The Prince in Turkey and The Eastern Gate in Poland, some of which are outperforming larger HBO productions.

Despite current trends, Aubrey confirmed that HBO Max will not be focusing on microdramas, citing the teams full slate of core projects as a priority.

HBO Max recently announced launch dates for Germany and Italy, with the streamer entering those markets on January 13. Aubrey remarked that the team is eager to continue expanding HBO Maxs international footprint, though no dates have been shared for the UK launch.

Author: Sophia Brooks