Harry Potter franchise announces new companion series ahead of TV show launch this Christmas
The new podcast series will revisit all eight films.
As fans gear up for the Harry Potter TV launch this Christmas, HBO Max has announced a new podcast series set to take listeners on a journey through the eight beloved films.
Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast, which has been produced by HBO Max in partnership with Pod People, will debut on 19 May with a two-episode launch focused on the first film. Two episodes will drop weekly from then on.
HBO Max has said the podcast is launching in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which starred Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione).
The podcast also comes ahead of HBO's Harry Potter TV series based on JK Rowling’s books, which will feature a brand new cast including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
Hosted by film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon, who’ll be joined by a rotating roster of co-hosts for each film, Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast will “offer a thoughtful rewatch experience that balances high‑level film recaps with in-depth discussion of the moments that matter most by revisiting key sequences and themes and diving deeper into standout scenes, performances and creative choices".
The official synopsis continues: “Each episode explores the whimsy, heart and cinematic craft behind the films, while reflecting on why Harry Potter continues to resonate so powerfully with audiences around the world, and appeals to fans and newcomers alike.”
A regular Magic Makers segment will also see Dhillon joined by special behind-the-scenes guests, who’ll be offering their own unique insights into what it took to bring the wizarding world to life on screen.
Fans will be able to stream the video version of the podcast exclusively on HBO Max in the US, while the audio-only version will be available across all major digital platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall.
Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X, in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”.
In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”.
Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received.
Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast will debut on 19 May.
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Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
