Google has struck a deal with HBO to make Game of Thrones available on its TV service, getting one over rival Apple iTunes.

HBO has struck a wide-ranging deal to make shows including Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, Girls and Veep available on the Google Play service for the first time.

The deal will see older shows, such as The Wire, The Sopranos and Band of Brothers available to own and stream via Google Play from next week.

Google is charging £18.49 for the full third season of Game of Thrones, or £1.89 an episode.

The addition of Game of Thrones is something of a coup for Google Play, which is aiming to build its service to match market leader Apple, as the iTunes store doesn't currently have rights to theseries, although it does offer a range of other HBO shows.

"We are delighted to bring our wide range of programming to Google Play in the UK, and expand on our existing relationship in the US," said Colin Smith, director of international digital distribution for HBO. "This is an exciting time for HBO in the digital space and we can't wait to work with Google over the coming weeks and months to deliver all of our series and films to their platform, including a host of new and returning HBO shows throughout 2014."

In the UK, BSkyB has the broadcast TV rights to the series, with the third season ending in mid-June, and subscribers could also watch it on the Sky Go service for viewing on handheld devices.

Tesco-owned Blinkbox struck an exclusive deal to be the first digital service to offer it after broadcast, making it available from 15 July.

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