HBO Max Gets ‘Fired Up!’ With New Asian Originals Slate
HBO Max is set to release five original titles from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia between July 23 and August 28. The rollout focuses on regional content for select APAC markets, including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming platform’s summer programming strategy.
Did You Know? The upcoming series “Fired Up!” is an adaptation of the popular GwangJin manhwa “Itaewon Class,” which was previously adapted into a hit South Korean drama.
Upcoming Regional Slate Details
The summer schedule begins with the unscripted series “Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines,” which launches July 23. This is followed by the July 31 premiere of the Taiwanese coming-of-age drama “Fired Up!” directed by Kao Pin-chuan and starring Mandopop artist Eric Chou.
The Indonesian feature film “The Invisible Guest” premieres August 7, featuring Mawar Eva De Jongh and Reza Rahadian. On August 13, the Philippines-based “Call My Manager,” a local take on the French comedy “Call My Agent,” makes its debut. The slate concludes August 28 with the Taiwanese series “The Producer,” which stars 9m88 and Yo Yang.
Expert Insight: By localizing established international formats—such as the British “Come Dine With Me” and the French “Call My Agent”—the platform is likely attempting to lower the barrier to entry for local audiences. This strategy often balances the risk of new intellectual property with the familiarity of proven narrative structures.
Market Expansion and Future Reach
The current release plan is limited to specific APAC markets. Warner Bros. Discovery has not yet provided a timeline for when these titles might be available in additional international territories. It is possible that the performance of these five originals in their primary markets will influence the platform’s decision to license or export this content to broader global audiences in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are included in this content rollout?
The originals will premiere in select APAC markets, specifically Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Are there any unscripted shows included in the lineup?
Yes, “Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Philippines,” a local version of a British format, is part of the summer slate.
Who is directing the Taiwanese HBO Originals?
Both “Fired Up!” and “The Producer” are directed by Kao Pin-chuan, with “Fired Up!” also featuring co-direction from Tseng Ying-ting.
How does the inclusion of localized international formats influence your interest in regional streaming content?