You can now watch HBO shows on Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime subscribers, rejoice: The first wave of HBO shows has arrived on the streaming service, letting you watch classic HBO shows such as the "The Sopranos" and "The Wire," and previous seasons of some current series.

These shows hit Amazon's subscription service thanks to a recent multiyear deal that gives the growing service—which gives subscribers of its $99, free two-day shipping streaming videos—exclusive access to HBO programming, including original movies and series, and some special events.

HBO's programs arrive on Prime as the streaming video battle between Amazon and Netflix heats up, with Netflix reportedly earmarking more than $3 billion for content acquisitions this year.

In addition to the shows mentioned above, these HBO series are now available on Prime.

"Deadwood"
"Rome"
"Six Feet Under"
"Eastbound & Down"
"Enlightened"
"Flight of the Conchords"

HBO is also making past seasons of current shows, such as "True Blood," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Treme," available to Prime subscribers, and miniseries including "Band of Brothers," "The Pacific," and "John Adams." There are also several comedy specials from Louis CK, Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Black, and Bill Maher.

Amazon says that it will continue to add more shows to its Prime catalog, including earlier seasons of current shows including "Girls" and "The Newsroom."

In other news, the company also says that it will be adding HBO Go to its recently released Amazon Fire TV streaming media player later this year.

For a complete list of available movies, shows, and series, visit the Amazon Prime microsite.

—James K. Willcox