A brand-new season of a Harry Potter show premieres on HBO tomorrow.
While it's been nearly 20 years since JK Rowling published her final Harry Potter book, the franchise is very much alive and kicking.
HBO is currently working on a television adaptation of Rowling's seven novels, with the first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, set to premiere over the holidays. The series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, alongside John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
However, the reboot has already faced backlash over Rowling's views on transgender rights, as well as racist threats directed at Essiedu. Most recently, the show's young stars were pulled from London's Harry Potter-themed Christmas lights switch-on amid reported protest fears (although HBO attributed their absence to filming and education commitments).
Meanwhile, another Harry Potter project is taking a very different approach to bringing the Wizarding World to audiences.
‘Harry Potter' Show Set to Debut New Episodes Tomorrow
A new season of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking premieres tomorrow (November 4) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network and HBO Max.
The competition, which first debuted in 2024, sees professional bakers create elaborate edible showpieces inspired by the Wizarding World, often presented on sets from the original films.
This season introduces a new format, with four teams of three competing on behalf of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. All 12 contestants previously appeared on the show but failed to win the coveted Wizards of Baking Cup, giving them another shot at victory.
James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley in the original films, return as hosts. They'll be joined by new judges Duff Goldman and Sarah Mountain, with the seven-episode season celebrating the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001).
The two-hour premiere challenges contestants to recreate memorable moments from the first film before tackling their favorite spells. Later episodes will feature locations including Hagrid's Hut, Ollivander's Wand Shop, and the Chamber of Secrets.
The winning team will receive a trophy and a VIP trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Tokyo.
Ambitious, cunning and ready to win! 🐍💚 Meet the three returning bakers representing SLYTHERIN in Harry Potter: #WizardsOfBaking!
Catch the season premiere Wednesday, November 4 at 8|7c on @FoodNetwork and @HBOMax!
Ambitious, cunning and ready to win! 🐍💚 Meet the three returning bakers representing SLYTHERIN in Harry Potter: #WizardsOfBaking!
Catch the season premiere Wednesday, November 4 at 8|7c on @FoodNetwork and @HBOMax! pic.twitter.com/6Bx8hY6LO8
— Food Network (@FoodNetwork) October 29, 2026
With the first episode of HBO's Harry Potter reboot set to premiere on December 25, 2026, the baking competition arrives at an ideal time for the franchise. Its return keeps the Wizarding World in the spotlight in the final weeks before the new series debuts, helping build anticipation for Harry's return to screens.
Concerns have also been raised about potential protests at HBO's upcoming Harry Potter premiere. On October 15, transgender rights activists disrupted the red carpet at a gala performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London, protesting JK Rowling's views on gender identity. Organizers reportedly fear similar demonstrations at the television reboot's premiere.
Even passionate Potterheads have shared concerns about the ethics of supporting the new project when they disagree with the author's beliefes. However, others have argued that a boycott is nothing more than “virtue signaling.”
Have you watched Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking?
