HBO Harry Potter series
Harry Potter HBO series release date
Season 1 of HBO's Harry Potter premieres on Friday 25 December 2026. Here is where to watch it, what's confirmed about the schedule and what isn't.
When is the premiere?
The first episode of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on Friday 25 December 2026, Christmas Day. The series was first expected in early 2027, and HBO moved it forward to the holidays.
HBO hasn't announced the time yet. In the US, new HBO episodes usually go out in the evening, Eastern time, which would be the early hours of the next morning in Ireland and the UK. Check back here before Christmas for the confirmed time.
Where to watch it
| Where you are | How to watch |
|---|---|
| United States | HBO and HBO Max |
| Ireland | HBO Max, by direct subscription or through Sky packages that include its basic plan |
| United Kingdom | HBO Max |
| Other countries | HBO Max, where the service is available |
HBO Max arrived in Ireland and the UK in March 2026, ahead of the series. In Ireland, plans started at €5.99 a month with ads at launch, and Sky customers on several packages got the basic plan included. Prices and bundles change, so check HBO Max or your provider for the current offer.
How many episodes, and how often?
Season 1 has 8 episodes. HBO has not confirmed whether they will arrive weekly or all at once. Its big dramas, like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, release one episode a week, and most coverage expects the same here. Some outlets have published a finale date, but HBO hasn't, so we're not repeating it until it's official.
How long until it starts?
The countdown at the top of this page updates every day. If you want to fill the time, the books are the best preparation: season 1 covers the first book from start to finish.
When will season 2 come out?
HBO renewed the show for a second season, adapting Chamber of Secrets, in 2026. There's no release date. In March 2026 HBO's Casey Bloys said yearly seasons aren't possible from a production point of view, comparing it to House of the Dragon. Expect a wait of more than a year between seasons.
How long will the whole series run?
Seven books means a planned seven seasons. With gaps between seasons, the full story is expected to take around a decade to reach screens. The young cast will grow up on screen, as the film cast did.
More: the full cast · what's in season 1 · the trailers
Frequently asked questions
What date does the Harry Potter series come out?
Friday 25 December 2026.
What time does it come out?
HBO has not announced a premiere time yet. We will add it here as soon as it is confirmed.
Will all the episodes come out at once?
HBO has not confirmed this. Its big series usually release one episode a week, and most reports expect the same here, but treat any finale date you see as unconfirmed for now.
Is the Harry Potter series on Netflix?
No. It is an HBO series, streaming on HBO Max.
How can I watch it in Ireland?
On HBO Max, which launched in Ireland in March 2026, either with a direct subscription or through a Sky package that includes it.
When is season 2 coming out?
No date has been announced. HBO has said a new season every year is not possible, so a gap of more than a year is likely.
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.