Listen up, Apple TV users: your TV programming options are about to move up a notch.

On Wednesday, Apple released an update for their Apple TV system, adding channels such as HBO GO and WatchESPN to the service. Other new offerings include the live news network Sky News, the Asian-oriented media channel Crunchyroll (which will offer nearly non-stop Japanese anime programming), and the HD concert-streaming outlet Qello.

HBO GO is a major addition to Apple’s  subscription-based streaming platform. Apple TV users will now have comprehensive access to all of HBO’s entertainment options, from highly-acclaimed television series like “Game of Thrones” and “True Blood” to a range of recently released movies. The rest of HBO’s programming, which is generally filled out by special sporting events, making-of features for major blockbusters, exclusive documentaries, and one-off comedy specials, will be available as well.

That it took so long for HBO’s offerings to reach Apple’s sleek media receiver is a bit surprising. The Apple TV has been around since 2007–the device is now in its third generation–and HBO has previously expressed interest in bringing their programming to the device. In February, Eric Kessler, President and CEO of HBO, boldly claimed, “we will get on Apple TV, as we’ve said all along.” He was right.

The other major addition to Apple TV, the sports-oriented WatchESPN, provides similarly comprehensive access to most programming carried by ESPN-brand affiliates. This selection includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line. Like HBO GO, WatchESPN will offer on-demand streaming of games, news broadcasts, highlight reels, and other options that will satiate the appetites of sports fanatics everywhere.

Both HBO GO and WatchESPN will not simply come with the Apple TV box, however. Users hoping to access the new channels through the latest update will have to already be paid subscribers of HBO and ESPN’s regular “Pay TV” options. Apple TV users, in other words, will need to gauge their access based on their pre-existing contracts with cable or satellite providers. For the first few months at least, the HBO GO application will be unavailable for DirecTV and Charter subscribers, while WatchESPN will be locked for Dish or DirecTV customers.

AppleTV’s other major blind spot is manifested by Amazon.com’s “Instant Video” offerings. While Apple has contracts with most streaming services–Netflix, Hulu Plus, and numerous sport-specific services, to name a few–Amazon remains a rival. The absence of Amazon’s partnership isn’t a huge blow to Apple’s device, but Amazon’s exclusive grasp on the rights to numerous programs–“Downton Abbey,” “Justified,” and the upcoming “Under the Dome,” for instance–may sway a few potential customers away from the Apple TV, even despite this latest major update.