Apple signs five-year deal with ex-HBO chief Richard Plepler

Apple has hired former HBO chief Richard Plepler to make TV shows for the Apple TV+ streaming service in a five year deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Plepler and his recently created production company, Eden Productions, will develop original programmes exclusively for the Apple service, which launched in November.

Plepler, who was HBO’s CEO from 2013, left the company in February last year following AT&T’s acquisition of the premium pay TV network.

Plepler said he was “excited to work with Zack [Van Amburg], Jamie [Erlicht] and the standout team at Apple who have been deeply supportive of my vision for Eden from day one”.

The ex-HBO executive’s deal with Apple has been expected for some time. The Wall Street Journal reported in November that Plepler was close to an agreement with the tech giant.

Apple has previously struck deals with big names including Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg to make content for Apple TV+.