Summary
The upcomingHarry PotterTV show will need to use a different approach to adapt JK Rowling’s work when compared with the movies' methods, but the story’s new medium has already been brilliantly previewed in the form of the film franchise’s two-part finale. TheHarry Potterbooksgenerally became much longer as the series progressed, but the movies remained roughly the same length. This resulted in more and more being omitted from the adaptations in later installments, which is far less likely in the next phase of the franchise’s life.
Very little is known aboutHBO’sHarry PotterTV show, although it is expected to premiere at some point in 2026. The obvious format would be to dedicate an entire season to each novel, which would amount to seven seasons. This would allow not just for an incredibly faithful adaptation of Rowling’s work, but also leave space for extra worldbuilding and the chance to address the story at a more leisurely pace. In short, it would be an elaboration on theHarry Pottermovies' final efforts.
The Potterverse: All The Wizarding World Films In Chronological Order
The Fantastic Beasts franchise came after the Harry Potter movies wrapped, making the chronological order a bit confusing for Wizarding World fans.
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Was The Only Book Not Tackled In A Single Movie
The final Harry Potter book was split into two movies
2010’sHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1was the first time the movies' creative team had to decide where to leave the story, and not conclude the events of the source material. The onscreen events didn’t continue untilPart 2was released in 2011.This is a format theHarry PotterTV show will need to adoptagain and again throughout its run. In retrospect, the final two movies in the franchise feel like a dress rehearsal for the creative decisions that the show will need to make.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1
Cast
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they embark on a perilous quest to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. Set against the backdrop of a world threatened by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, the trio faces numerous challenges without the guidance of their late mentor, Dumbledore.
Of course, the TV show adaptation of Rowling’s work will need to divide the book into much smaller chunks.BothDeathly Hallowsmovies are roughly 2.5 hours each, which is far too long for a traditional episode of TV. It’s also highly likely that a multi-episode run adapting the final book in the series will be far longer than the twoDeathly Hallowsmovies combined. There may also be a slight restructure, so each episode can end in a fitting manner.
“Fitting manner” doesn’t necessarily mean each episode should end in a satisfying way. An exciting cliffhanger can also be a brilliant ending for an episode of TV.
The Harry Potter TV Show Will Probably Still Do The Deathly Hallows More Justice Than The Movies
HBO’s Harry Potter adaptation can accommodate far more of the source material
The Deathly Hallowsis the second-longest book in the series, with onlyThe Order of the Phoenixboasting a higher page count. So, paired with the fact the book was used as the basis of the final movie, it made sense that the finale should be split into two parts - to accommodate more of the source material being included. That being said, even two movies weren’t completely sufficient to avoid cuts. TheHarry PotterTV show won’t have this restriction, making the new format a superior way of ending the saga - and adapting the series in general.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 concludes the epic saga with Harry, Ron, and Hermione embarking on a perilous mission to defeat Voldemort. As their journey grows increasingly dire, Harry encounters three magical items that provide him powers to confront the dark wizard’s formidable strength.
