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Samsung TVs get HBO Now just ahead of this weekend’s Game of Thrones premiere

This weekend sees the return of some of HBO’s most popular shows, including the juggernaut Game of Thrones, as well as Silicon Valley and Veep. While traditional cable subscribers are double-checking their DVRs, cord-cutters are scrambling to find a way to watch the show without resorting to less-than-lawful tactics.

Owners of Samsung TVs can now just kick back and wait, as the HBO Now app arrived on the platform Thursday, allowing them to sign up for the service from the comfort of their living rooms. If customers have never used HBO Now before, they don’t even have to worry about paying, as a one-month free trial is available, after which the standard $15 per month fee kicks in.

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“The anticipation for Game of Thrones is at an all-time high, so we’re thrilled to bring HBO Now to Samsung TV users in time for the new season,” Jeff Dallesandro, HBO senior vice president of worldwide digital distribution and business development, said in a statement. “By streaming HBO Now directly on a Samsung TV, consumers can watch epic, event-level programming in premium quality on a big screen—making for a tremendous viewing experience.”

At least for now, only 2016 Samsung models are guaranteed to be able to use the app, and it isn’t currently clear if other models will eventually see support. To check if your model is supported, head over to the HBO Now listing on the Samsung app store.

Samsung doesn’t make the only TVs that offer the HBO Now app: Android-powered Sony Bravia TVs and Sharp models both offer support. Otherwise, streaming devices including the Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick can add support to any TV model. On Thursday, Xbox One and 360 owners got the app as well, with PlayStation4 users still being left out in the cold.

There are still a few days left until the premieres kick off, so if your device of choice isn’t supported yet, there is still a glimmer of hope — but don’t count on a last-minute update to save the day.

Kris Wouk
Former Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
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