How to watch the Harry Potter Reunion special
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Ready to feel old? The first Harry Potter movie premiered 20 years ago. Those fresh-faced, unknown children are now grizzled (albeit very wealthy) industry veterans. And they’re pulling out their time-turners and getting together to reminisce!
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, and many others are reuniting on HBO Max for Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, which will air live on New Year’s Day. Wands at the ready, wizards and witches, here’s everything you need to know about the Harry Potter reunion special:
When is the Harry Potter reunion?
Return to Hogwarts starts streaming on HBO Max on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at midnight Pacific time, so 3:00 a.m. ET.
Where can I watch the Harry Potter reunion special?
HBO Max will air the special in the United States, and is expected to roll it out onto its international platforms shortly after the premiere. Harry Potter fans in the UK can watch the reunion special on Sky Go and Now; check your platform for timings.
In spring 2022 the Harry Potter reunion will also air on the American cable channels TBS and Cartoon Network if you prefer to watch through your favorite cord-cutting service.
Who else will return to Hogwarts?
In addition to series leads Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), nearly every living star looks set to return. The promotional poster for the series shows other Hogwarts alums such as James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).
Adult series stalwarts Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black) will also appear, along with supervillains Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) and Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort). Stay tuned to see whether he appears sans nose or not.
Notably absent: Controversial series creator J.K. Rowling—who will only appear through archival interviews.
What is the Harry Potter reunion special about?
While timed to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the retrospective special will combine behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and a look through all eight movies in the Harry Potter franchise. The trailer has shown some cozy chats—tears included!—as the actors we watched magically grow up before our eyes reminisce about their unique bond.