Harry Potter

There is nothing special about Harry Potter - at least that's what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.

ReleaseDecember 25, 2026

StatusCONFIRMED

NetworkHBO

Why it matters

HBO restarts Harry Potter as a decade-long series at one book a season, the first screen retelling since the films ended in 2011.

About Harry Potter

The plan behind Harry Potter at HBO is simple and very long: roughly one book a season, seven seasons, across about a decade. The first season takes the title of the first novel and runs eight episodes, with Francesca Gardiner as showrunner and Mark Mylod, who directed much of Succession, setting the approach. Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid.

It premieres on December 25, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max, the first screen version of the books since the films ended in 2011. The pitch is fidelity. A season per book leaves room for material the movies compressed or cut, especially in the later volumes where the films moved fastest. A second season adapting the second book has already been ordered. Whether that length turns out to be a strength or a burden is the open question, and the first season is not where it gets settled.

Sci-Fi & FantasyAction & AdventureFamily