Sky streaming new Game of Thrones on Now TV

UK pay TV operator Sky will simulcast the new season of Game of Thrones on its low-cost streaming service Now TV.

HBO last night confirmed a July 16 launch date for season seven of its smash hit fantasy series.

It plays in a 9pm slot on the premium US cable net and in the UK it goes out on Sky Atlantic, which has an output deal with HBO.

The UK channel already simulcasts Game of Thrones, meaning a 2am start time for British fans (on July 17), with a repeat run at 9pm the following evening.

The simulcast, which has been taking place on Sky Atlantic since 2014, will now also apply to Sky’s standalone Now TV streaming service.

Game of Thrones remains one of the biggest drama shows in the world. HBO has confirmed that the show will come to an end after season eight. Season seven has seven episodes instead of the usual ten.