HBO is "Seriously Considering" Streaming Service That Doesn't Require Cable

HBO could make a killing with cord-cutters. Along with sports and some live events, it is perhaps the last, best argument for owning an archaic, one-waycable TV subscription in the year 2014. Game of Thrones alone could be worth what you're paying monthly for Netflix—well, almost.

For years, fans of HBO and online streaming in general have been imploring—nay, begging—HBO to offer its streaming service HBO Go as a standalone product. There’s even a website, subtly named TakeMyMoneyHBO.com, that does nothing but ask visitors how much they’re willing to pay for such a service.

Since HBO Go's inception, users have required a separate cable subscription to access HBO Go—a prerequisite that has compelled the most loyal fans ofThe Wire, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Vice, and The Sopranos—people who might otherwise cut the cord—to actually buy a cable subscription.

This week, however, HBO gave its strongest signal yet that it’s considering a standalone streaming service, and the internet almost broke as a result. At an investment conference, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes was asked whether HBO would consider severing its reliance on the old cable TV model in favor of independent streaming.