HBO Harry Potter series
HBO's Harry Potter series: everything we know
HBO's new series retells the seven books, one season per book. Season 1, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, arrives on Christmas Day 2026. Here is what's confirmed, what's rumoured and what's still unknown.
Explore the series guide
- Release dateThe premiere, the platforms in each country and what we know about the schedule.
- CastEvery confirmed actor, side by side with who played the role in the films.
- TrailersWhat the teaser and the second trailer show, scene by scene.
- Season 1The story, the episodes, where it was filmed and what to expect.
- Movies vs seriesHow an eight-episode season can do what a single film couldn't.
What is the HBO Harry Potter series?
It's a new television adaptation of the seven Harry Potter books, made by HBO and Warner Bros. Television. Each season adapts one book, so the series is planned to run for seven seasons. The aim, as HBO has described it, is a faithful retelling with time for the scenes and characters the films had to leave out.
It's a full reboot rather than a continuation of the films. There's a new cast, new sets and a new look, though one familiar face returns: Warwick Davis, who played Professor Flitwick in the films, plays him again.
When does it come out?
Season 1 premieres on Friday 25 December 2026 on HBO in the United States and on HBO Max in other countries where it's available, including Ireland and the UK. It was originally expected in early 2027 and was moved forward to Christmas. See the release date guide for the details by country.
Who is in the cast?
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Harry Potter | Dominic McLaughlin |
| Hermione Granger | Arabella Stanton |
| Ron Weasley | Alastair Stout |
| Albus Dumbledore | John Lithgow |
| Minerva McGonagall | Janet McTeer |
| Severus Snape | Paapa Essiedu |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Nick Frost |
The three young leads were chosen from around 40,000 children who auditioned after an open casting call in September 2024. They were announced in May 2025. See the full cast list, including the supporting roles and who played each part in the films.
Who is making it?
| Showrunner | Francesca Gardiner (joined by Jon Brown as co-showrunner for season 2) |
|---|---|
| Directors | Mark Mylod, Benjamin Caron and Lucy Forbes |
| Executive producers | Include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, David Heyman, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod |
| Music | Hans Zimmer, with Bleeding Fingers Music |
| Studio | Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England |
Filming began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same studio where the films were made, with location work around England and in France. Warner Bros. Discovery has called it HBO's biggest production to date.
Trailers
The teaser trailer arrived on 25 March 2026, and HBO said it became the most-watched trailer in HBO and HBO Max history, with 277 million views in its first 48 hours. A second, longer trailer followed on 2 September 2026, with the Sorting ceremony, Quidditch and much more of Snape and Dumbledore. Read our trailer breakdown.
What about season 2?
HBO renewed the series for a second season, adapting Chamber of Secrets, before season 1 had even aired. Jon Brown joins Francesca Gardiner as co-showrunner, and Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart, replacing Nicholas Hoult. No release date has been announced. In March 2026, HBO's Casey Bloys said a new season every year isn't possible from a production point of view, so expect a gap between seasons.
Which house are the new cast in?
Their characters' houses don't change: Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville are Gryffindors, and Draco is a Slytherin. If you want to know where you'd fit in alongside them, take our Hogwarts house quiz or read about all four houses.
Frequently asked questions
When does the HBO Harry Potter series come out?
Season 1 premieres on Friday 25 December 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.
How many episodes are in season 1?
8 episodes, adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Who plays Harry, Ron and Hermione?
Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry, Alastair Stout plays Ron and Arabella Stanton plays Hermione.
Where can I watch it in Ireland and the UK?
On HBO Max, which launched in Ireland and the UK in March 2026. Some Sky packages in Ireland include HBO Max's basic plan.
Will each season cover one book?
Yes. The plan is one book per season, starting with Philosopher's Stone. HBO has already renewed the show for a second season based on Chamber of Secrets.
Is J.K. Rowling involved?
She is an executive producer and has worked with the writers, but she is not credited as a writer on the series.
Unofficial fan project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling or Wizarding World Digital. Not affiliated with HBO or HBO Max.