HBO’s ‘Industry,’ ‘The Pitt’ And ‘Seven Kingdoms’ Viewership Numbers Explode

Forbes Business

by Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

HBO has reported significant viewership growth for several of its hit series, including *Industry*, *The Pitt*, and *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*. Despite Warner Bros. Discovery's overall financial challenges, with a net loss of $252 million in earnings, the streaming giant saw major gains across its content slate, particularly on HBO. These successes come amid a heated acquisition battle between Paramount and Netflix, which are vying to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. The strong performance of these shows underscores HBO's ability to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences. *Industry*, described as a mix of *Severance* and *Euphoria*, has seen its viewership rise by 30% compared to the previous season. This surge has led to the show being renewed for a fifth and final season, ensuring it will conclude on a high note. Meanwhile, *The Pitt*, a medical drama that has become an instant hit, boasts a staggering 50% increase in viewership year-over-year. Its popularity has positioned it as a potential long-running series, with HBO planning to air new episodes every January—a rare feat for a streaming platform. *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*, the prequel to *Game of Thrones*, has also made significant waves. With 24 million average viewers per episode, it ranks among HBO's top debuts, trailing only behind *House of the Dragon* and *The Last of Us*. The series holds the highest score for a *Game of Thrones*-based show on Rotten Tomatoes, further solidifying its success. Its cultural impact has turned it into a must-watch phenomenon, with season two already in the works. From a business perspective, HBO's ability to consistently produce high-performing shows like these is a key asset in the ongoing battle for streaming dominance. While Warner Bros. Discovery faces financial uncertainties and shifts in its corporate strategy, its success in maintaining a strong slate of original content positions it as an attractive target for both Netflix and Paramount. The company's commitment to keeping HBO and HBO Max as separate platforms, alongside theatrical releases, adds another layer of strategic importance. This momentum highlights the value of diverse, high-quality programming in the competitive streaming landscape. As HBO prepares for upcoming releases like *Euphoria* season three and *House of the Dragon* season three, its ability to sustain and build on past successes will

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026