What New HBO Arrivals to Expect in December 2018
In December 2018, HBO added a mix of originals and licensed acquisitions that expanded its storytelling lineup. This overview focuses on what officially launched on HBO in the United States during the month of December 2018, covering series, documentaries, and films tied to the platform. For each title, we note format, U.S. premiere date, creators where applicable, and whether it was part of HBO's existing slate or a new acquisition. The information below can help you identify familiar shows, discover completed series you may have missed, and understand how these titles remain accessible through HBO's ongoing catalog and streaming apps.
Notable December 2018 HBO Premieres
The following titles are tied to December 2018 HBO premieres or notable additions during the month. If a series episode or film was scheduled for a specific date, it typically became available on HBO's linear channels and HBO Go/HBO Now at standard network time. Availability on demand and on connected devices may vary by carriage and region.
Dec. 2, 2018
- Vice: 2018 Feature Documentary — HBO original documentary feature focused on the global oil industry and climate implications (not the weekly series).
Dec. 5, 2018
- The Outsider — Episode 3 — Episode titled 'The Resort' of the HBO series based on Stephen King's novel.
Dec. 9, 2018
- Barry — Episodes 3 and 4 — Early episodes of the dark comedy about a Marine-turned-assassin trying to pursue an acting career.
Dec. 13, 2018
- The Outsider — Episode 4 — Episode titled 'Finding Holly' of the Stephen King adaptation.
Dec. 16, 2018
- Barry — Episodes 5 and 6 — Continuation of the first season.
Dec. 23, 2018
- The Outsider — Episodes 5 and 6 — Episodes 5 and 6 of the Stephen King limited series.
Dec. 27, 2018
- Barry — Episodes 7 and 8 — Series finale of the first season.
How HBO Classifies Platform Arrivals
H titles may appear on HBO through one of the following arrangements, which affect how and when you can watch them:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First Air Date | December 2018 or specific day in December 2018 | Platform announcement and press |
| Platform | HBO linear channels and HBO Go/HBO Now at standard primetime windows | Publisher listings and HBO communications |
| Rights Type | Original HBO production or licensed acquisition for a defined window | HBO press materials |
| Availability Type | Live linear broadcast with on-demand access for a set period | HBO subscriber terms |
Watching on Demand and Across Devices
Once a title premiered on HBO in December 2018, it typically became available on demand for active subscribers through the HBO app, HBO Go, and HBO Now. You could also access content through connected TV apps, game consoles, and select smart TVs where HBO is available. Carriage agreements and regional restrictions can affect whether a specific title appears in your library or interface, so checking your local HBO offering is recommended.
Documentary and Limited Series Highlights
Among December arrivals, HBO presented a high-profile documentary about the global oil industry and climate, as well as key episodes of its limited series adaptation of a Stephen King novel. These complemented ongoing scripted series such as Barry, which completed its first season with a late-December finale. Together, these additions showcased HBO's strategy of mixing event documentaries with tightly crafted narrative arcs, while continuing to build out its comedic and dramatic series portfolios.
How to Find These Titles on HBO Now
- Open the HBO Go or HBO Now app or use the HBO website on a supported browser.
- Use the search function and enter a title or browse the December 2018 arrivals section if available.
- Check the details card for listing information, including whether it is included with your subscription or requires a separate purchase.
- Note that some licensed acquisitions may only be available for a limited window and could be removed after the license expires.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are December 2018 HBO titles still available to watch?
Availability varies by title. Some series remain in HBO's regular rotation or catalog, while certain documentaries or licensed films may be removed after their window ends. You can check the HBO app or website for current availability.
How are HBO originals and licensed acquisitions different?
HBO originals are produced or commissioned by HBO and typically remain in the platform's catalog longer. Licensed acquisitions are temporarily added for a set period and may be renegotiated or expire.
Do I need a separate subscription to watch December 2018 arrivals?
Titles that premiered on HBO in December 2018 generally require an active HBO subscription. Some limited windows may include purchase or rental options for non-subscribers.