Game of Thrones is a popular show worldwide, but as it so happens, not everyone gets to watch it at the same time. Game of Thrones airs on HBO in the US, according to the US timings. The rest of the world, however doesn’t always get to watch it at the same time. Usually, episodes air in a few hours, or the next day, thanks to the time zones and the syndication deals, and such. One of such place is India, but not anymore. Hotstar will simulcast Game of Thrones Season 8 for Indian viewers this year. Read on!
The Star Network has handled the Indian distribution of Game of Thrones for years. However, the last time the Indian fans could watch Game of Thrones at the same time as the US audience was with Season 5. It was aired on the Star World channel back then, although a censored version of it. Hotstar, Star’s streaming service, recently announced the simulcast for Season 8, to be available for premium subscribers. The Hotstar Premium membership costs Rs 199/month ($2.91) or Rs 999/year ($14.60), which is way way cheaper than $14.99/month that’s being charged by HBO Now in USA.
Till death do them part, fire and ice can romance each other for one last time. #April15 pic.twitter.com/tqfLklT60f
— Hotstar Premium (@HotstarPremium) March 31, 2019
The Indian streaming service, which is now owned by Disney through its recent acquisition of Fox, will be streaming Game of Thrones at the same time as the US release. Game of Thrones will premiere Season 8 on Sunday, 14 April, at 9 pm ET on HBO in the US, and on Hotstar at the same time, which translates to a Monday, 15th April, 6:30 am IST stream for the Indian fans.
With earlier seasons, Hotstar used to have at least an hour of delay as compared to the US premiere. However, it looks like the Indian fans can finally catch up with the show in real time. Star World will also air a censored version on the next day, as usual.
This is a great move, considering streaming services have only recently been taking off in India. The no-delay airing will be quite the incentive for fans to avoid piracy, as well. What do you guys think? Talk to us in the comments, down below!
