HBO's long-awaited reboot of the Harry Potter franchise is now just a few months away, and it's not the only big series that will soon be taking over the beloved production company's home streamer of HBO Max.

Also set to arrive at the end of 2026 are the fourth season of the network's hit Downton Abbey successor, The Gilded Age, the debut outing of its new DC superhero spin-off, Lanterns, as well as the third and penultimate chapter of its expansive Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon.

That said, HBO's new interpretation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is easily among its most anticipated, and for good reason.

Ahead of the anticipated shows premiere on Christmas Day this December 25, HBO Max has shared a new sizzle reel celebrating what's premiered on the streamer thus far, such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 and The PittSeason 2, as well as what's to come by the year's end.

Of course, that includes Harry Potter, where we get to see the titular character (played by Dominic McLaughlin) as he preps for his very first Quidditch Match and gets his iconic wand from Ollivander (Anton Lesser).

While there is clear excitement for the new series, as evidenced by its record-breaking debut trailer, HBO's Harry Potter reboot also hasn't been without its critics.

Not only is there still unease about supporting the franchise due to its creator J.K. Rowling's consistent doubling down on her anti-trans views, but there's also been debate over whether a Harry Potter reboot is necessary in the first place.

With the plan to make seven seasons, each adapting one of the seven novels, HBO's apparent goal is to fill each season with material, characters, and storylines from the original books that were cut during the development of the 8-part movie franchise.

Season 1 of HBO's Harry Potter reboot will adapt the events of the franchise's first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Following the adventures of a young British boy who has a curious lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead, young Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard after years of living with his abusive aunt and uncle, and not just any wizard.

He is the famed "Boy Who Lived" who survived an attack from the dreaded Lord Voldemort, the infamous dark wizard who murdered Harry's parents.

Now, over a decade later, Harry is enrolled into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he and his friends Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout) and Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton) will embark on their first high-stakes adventure.

Season 2 of the series, which will likely adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is already in development.

Integral to the Harry Potter universe is the concept of the Hogwarts Sorting Hat, which determines a student's house based on their core values and inherent traits.

This process, often presented as a quiz, prompts individuals to consider what quality they value most in themselves, how they react when a friend is treated unfairly, what success looks like to them, their greatest fear.

Their approach to morality when rules conflict with instinct, the kind of friend they are, and their deepest desires as revealed by the Mirror of Erised. The answers guide the Hat's decision, placing students where they truly belong.

The Sorting Hat places students into four houses based on their traits.

Gryffindor, with scarlet and gold, represents courage and bravery, and Its students are not fearless, but they act in spite of fear when something is right.

They are known as protectors who stand up for others, like Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Slytherin, in green and silver, is for ambitious and strategic individuals. They are determined, resourceful, and focused on achieving their goals, often misunderstood as simply “bad,” but at their best, they are leaders who know what they want and how to get it.

Hufflepuff, in yellow and black, values loyalty, hard work, and kindness, and Its members are humble, reliable, and do what is right without seeking attention, always standing by the people they care about.

Finally, Ravenclaw, represented by blue and bronze, celebrates the mind as its greatest gift. Ravenclaws are the thinkers, the questioners, and those who find puzzles irresistible and good books better company than most people.

The house embodies a profound love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the rare courage to admit when something is not yet known.

They possess unusual clarity and depth in their perception of the world, like Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, and Rowena Ravenclaw herself.