How to watch Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts in the US, UK and abroad
Twenty years after the release of the first Harry Potter movie, the cast are meeting again to take viewers on a nostalgic journey
The first film about the school of young wizards, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, launched to great critical and commercial success and propelled the young actors to worldwide fame.
The series of films, based on the book series written by JK Rowling has become a staple in many people’s lists of favourite films and a common binge-watching phenomenon.
An entire generation grew up reading the books as they were released to increasing worldwide anticipation and the films that followed. Although JK Rowling will not be a part of the event, many of the film’s most famous actors will attend.
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Comprising in-depth interviews and talks with the cast, this Harry Potter special will not be a new film. However, for those looking to immerse themselves in the Harry Potter universe again, the new Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is set to arrive in UK theatres on 8 April 2022.
Read on to find out how to watch Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts in the UK, US and overseas.
How to watch Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts in the US
For US residents the special will air on 1 January 2022 on HBO Max. Unfortunately, HBO Max is currently not available in the UK, but you can read on below to find out more about how you can watch the Harry Potter special in the UK and abroad.
How to Watch Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts in the UK
Sky and NowTV has a deal with HBO, meaning that UK viewers will be able to watch most HBO content through Sky and NowTV’s subscription services. Fortunately, this means that Return to Hogwarts will also be available to stream in the UK on New Years Day on SkyTV and NowTV’s Entertainment membership. If you don’t currently have a subscription, you can sign up for the Now Entertainment membership for £10/mth, which comes with a 7 day free trial. Once subscribed you can watch a wide range films and TV series from across the pond like the acclaimed TV series Succession and the legendary Game of Thrones.
Sky and NowTV have also said they will be airing Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses on 29 December, an event hosted by Helen Mirren featuring hundreds of trivia questions and guest appearances. Additionally, all of the older films will be available to stream through the Now Cinema membership.
How to watch Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts in the UK using a VPN
If you already have an HBO Max account or would like to sign up while still in the UK, you can use a VPN to connect to a location that has access, like the US. A VPN lets you browse freely and safely without country-based restrictions whilst keeping your traffic private.
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ExpressVPN is a fast and secure service that allows you to stream high-quality videos only available elsewhere while relaxing in front of the telly in your own living room. Its 15-month plan is currently on offer for £5.11/mth, in addition to giving you three months free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN is another strong choice that we like because of its speed, user-friendliness and privacy-centric ethos (Nord’s VPN has been audited by independent reviewers twice to prove they do not log user activity). Their two-year plan currently costs £2.74/mth and also has a 30-day money-back guarantee should you not be satisfied.
How to watch Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts abroad
If you are travelling, viewers will also be able to access HBO Max or Now through a VPN such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, though it requires a subscription to one of the streaming services and a VPN.
All of the previous Harry Potter movies are also available for streaming on HBO Max. They are great films to binge watch over Christmas, either alone or with friends and family in order to get into the holiday spirit.