HBO's new standalone streaming service is now available—for Apple users and Optimum Online customers.
For now, the only way to sign up for HBO NOW is via your iTunes account on an iOS device or Apple TV, or by adding it to your monthly Optimum Online broadband service from Cablevision.
Apple inked a deal with HBO for the first three months of HBO NOW, which it detailed at its recent Apple Watch event. To sign up, download the HBO NOW app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV. Then, purchase a subscription, which will run you $14.99 per month after a 30-day introductory period.
Once you have HBO NOW log-in credentials, you can watch on your Apple device or via HBONOW.com on the PC or Mac.
If you have Optimum Internet through Cablevision, meanwhile, you can subscribe via Optimum.net/HBONOW or by calling 866-262-9329. It's also $14.99 via Cablevision and accessible on iOS devices and the Web.
The launch of HBO NOW comes ahead of Sunday's premiere of Game of Thrones, one of the channel's most popular original shows. That gives you a few days to watch older episodes in order to get caught up (or binge-watch if you're a GOT newbie).
Much like HBO GO, however, which provides cable subscribers with online access to the channel's lineup, HBO NOW offers more than 2,000 titles online. See what the fuss was about with The Jinx, get caught up with Silicon Valley before its second season also premieres on Sunday, or relive old favorites like The Wire and The Sopranos.
HBO NOW is also coming to Sling TV before the Game of Thrones premiere, though the company has not yet announced an exact launch date.