Harry Potter: Books vs Series

Books vs Series · The unofficial guide to HBO's Harry Potter

Harry Potter on HBO

The unofficial guide to HBO’s Harry Potter: the latest news, the episodes, the cast, and every difference between J.K. Rowling’s books and the series.

Latest news

  • 9 November 2026New difference: Ron’s eye colour. J.K. Rowling has said Ron’s eyes are blue; in his character poster they are brown. More »
  • 9 November 2026Character posters of Harry, Hermione and Ron, added to the posters page and their character pages. More »
  • 8 November 2026New: a page for each episode of season 1, with the chapters it is likely to cover, and an About page. More »
  • 8 November 2026New pages: characters, seasons, episodes, where to watch, posters, official images, creative team, FAQ and news. More »
  • 7 November 2026Site redesigned. New pages: cast, trailers and poster, release date. Six new differences from the trailers. More »
  • 29 October 2026HBO revealed the first official poster. More »

All news »

Books vs Series

HBO promised “a faithful adaptation” of the books. So far, before a single episode has aired, we have recorded 15 differences, each checked against the text. The latest:

015

Ron’s eye colour

Different

Books: the books never say, but J.K. Rowling has: “Ron’s eyes are blue” (interview with The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet, 16 July 2005 [source]). Series: Alastair Stout’s eyes are brown in his character poster.

Books: Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are only mentioned (PS, chs. 13, 17). Series: both appear as characters.

013

Lucius Malfoy appears early

Moved from a later book

Books: Lucius Malfoy first appears in the second book (CoS, ch. 4). Series: he already appears in season 1.

See all 15 differences »

Season 1 episodes

Season 1, Philosopher’s Stone, has eight episodes. The first premieres on 25 December 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.

Episode 125 December 2026
Episode 2Not yet announced
Episode 3Not yet announced
Episode 4Not yet announced
Episode 5Not yet announced
Episode 6Not yet announced
Episode 7Not yet announced
Episode 8Not yet announced

Explore the series

Premiere

25 Decon HBO Max

Books vs Series

Difference 001 of 15

Snape’s skin colour

Books: Snape has “sallow skin” (PS, ch. 7).

Series: he is played by Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor.

All 15 differences »

Posters

Harry character poster, HBO's Harry Potter
Harry

All posters »

Unofficial fan site. Not affiliated with HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery or J.K. Rowling. Images and videos © HBO / Warner Bros. Discovery.
Book references are to the UK editions: PS = Philosopher's Stone, CoS = Chamber of Secrets. · About this site · Page updated