Harry Potter: Books vs Series

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

Home › Seasons › Season 1

Season 1: Philosopher’s Stone

The first season adapts Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the book published in 1997.

BookHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (US: Sorcerer’s Stone)
Episodes8 [source]
Premiere25 December 2026 (release date)
Where to watchHBO and HBO Max (by country)
ShowrunnerFrancesca Gardiner
DirectorMark Mylod (several episodes)
Filmed atWarner Bros. Studios Leavesden [source]

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod: “We have 8 hours to tell the first book.” [source]

Main cast

Harry Potter: Dominic McLaughlin · Hermione Granger: Arabella Stanton · Ron Weasley: Alastair Stout · Albus Dumbledore: John Lithgow · Minerva McGonagall: Janet McTeer · Severus Snape: Paapa Essiedu · Rubeus Hagrid: Nick Frost. Full cast.

Differences from the book

All the differences recorded so far for season 1 are on the differences page. They come from the trailers and official images; more will be added after each episode airs.

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 »

Latest updates

9 November 2026
New 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 2026
Character posters of Harry, Hermione and Ron, added to the posters page and their character pages. More »

8 November 2026
New: a page for each episode of season 1, with the chapters it is likely to cover, and an About page. More »

8 November 2026
New pages: characters, seasons, episodes, where to watch, posters, official images, creative team, FAQ and news. More »

All news »

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