You’ve seen the memes. Jude Law in a blindingly white tracksuit, reclining in a garden, or smoking a cigarette while wearing a papal tiara that looks heavy enough to crush a normal human's neck. It’s been years since Paolo Sorrentino’s fever dream of a show first hit the airwaves, but the internet hasn't moved on.
Honestly, it’s a weird show. It is beautiful, slow, and sometimes deeply confusing. But if you’re here, you’re probably just trying to figure out The Young Pope streaming situation so you can finally see if it’s actually about a radical saint or just a guy who really likes Cherry Coke Zero.
The short answer? It’s an HBO production. That means it’s not on Netflix. It likely won't ever be on Netflix. If you’re looking for it there, you’re going to be disappointed by a library of generic procedurals instead of Jude Law’s menacing blue eyes.
Where to Find The Young Pope Streaming Right Now
As of early 2026, the primary home for Lenny Belardo (a.k.a. Pius XIII) remains Max (formerly HBO Max). Because the series was a co-production between HBO, Sky Atlantic, and Canal+, its digital home is pretty stable. You aren't going to see it bouncing around to random free services with ads every five minutes.
If you have a Max subscription, you have the whole thing. All ten episodes.
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But what if you hate the Max interface or you're already paying for ten other things? You have a few other paths:
- Hulu with the Max Add-on: If you’re already a Hulu subscriber, you can tack on the Max channel. It’s the same price, but you don't have to leave the Hulu app.
- The Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle: This is the "everything" package. It’s basically the new cable. If you have this, you’re good to go.
- Amazon Prime Video (via Channels): You can subscribe to Max through Prime. It’s a bit of a Russian nesting doll situation, but it works.
Is it worth the $15ish bucks to watch?
Look, I’ll be real. This isn't a "background noise" show. If you try to fold laundry while watching The Young Pope, you will have no idea what is happening by episode three.
Sorrentino’s style is architectural. Every shot looks like a Renaissance painting that’s been hit with a neon filter. Lenny Belardo is the first American Pope, and he’s... well, he’s a jerk. He’s mean to nuns. He’s obsessed with his own image. He’s also, paradoxically, maybe the only person in the Vatican who actually believes in God.
It’s a show about power, but also about the crushing loneliness of being an orphan. Diane Keaton plays Sister Mary, the woman who raised him, and their dynamic is the emotional spine of the series. If you like Succession but wish it had more incense and expensive hats, this is your show.
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What Most People Get Wrong: The "Second Season" Confusion
One thing that trips everyone up when they search for The Young Pope streaming is the sequel. People look for "The Young Pope Season 2" and get frustrated when they can't find it.
Here is the deal: Season 2 doesn't exist. Not by that name, anyway.
The story continues in a "limited series" called The New Pope. It stars John Malkovich as Sir John Brannox, a fragile, English aristocrat who takes over while Lenny is in a coma. Yes, a coma. It’s a whole thing.
If you finish episode ten of The Young Pope and feel like the ending was a massive cliffhanger, it’s because it was. You have to switch over to The New Pope to see how it ends. Both are usually grouped together on Max, but they are listed as separate titles. Don't let the different name fool you—it’s the same story, the same director, and the same weird, beautiful vibe.
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Buying vs. Streaming: The Permanent Collection
If you’re the type of person who doesn't want to rely on the whims of streaming CEOs, you can still buy the series. This is actually a decent move for Sorrentino’s work because the 4K quality on a purchase often beats the compressed streaming bitrates.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Usually around $19.99 to $24.99 for the season.
- Google Play / YouTube: Same price range.
- Amazon Video: Good if you want to keep it in your existing Prime library.
Sometimes you can find a "bundle" on Vudu (now Fandango at Home) that includes both The Young Pope and The New Pope for a discounted price. If you see that for under $30, grab it.
Why you should watch it on a big screen
Seriously. Don't watch this on your phone on the bus. The cinematography by Luca Bigazzi is genuinely world-class. There are scenes involving a kangaroo in the Vatican gardens—yes, a real kangaroo—that just don't hit the same on a six-inch screen.
Technical Specs for the Nerds
If you’re streaming this on a high-end setup, Max usually offers it in HD with 5.1 Surround Sound. While it hasn't received a widespread 4K HDR remaster on all platforms yet, the 1080p stream is exceptionally clean. The production value was astronomical (around $45 million for the first season), and every cent is on the screen. The fabrics of the papal vestments alone probably cost more than my car.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Binge
If you're ready to dive into the world of Pius XIII, here's the most efficient way to do it:
- Check your existing bundles: Log into your Disney+ or Hulu account first. Many people have the Max add-on through a promotional deal and don't even realize it.
- Start with Episode 1, not the trailers: The trailers for this show are edited like an action movie. It is NOT an action movie. It’s a psychological drama. Give it two episodes to "click."
- Queue up The New Pope immediately after: The transition between the two series is vital. If you wait six months between them, you’ll forget the intricate political betrayals of Cardinal Voiello, and he’s the best character on the show.
- Verify your region: If you are outside the US, Max might not be available. In the UK, you’ll likely find it on Sky Go or Now TV. In France, it’s Canal+.
The Vatican might not have officially endorsed the show, but for anyone who likes their drama with a side of existential dread and high fashion, it’s essential viewing. Just remember: it's not a Netflix show. Head to Max, find the man in the white hat, and prepare for a very strange ride.