The Harry Potter Festival Is Totally Magical

Will there be a Harry Potter TV show?

Yes, we're getting a new Harry Potter TV show! The official video announcement features the Hogwarts candles we see in the first film coming together to create that classic golden, lit-from-within logo. It's totally magical and nostalgic, but has a new contemporary edge I can't wait to see in its full form.

Will the Harry Potter TV show follow the books?

Yes, book fans will be happy to know the new series will definitely follow the plot of the books. And Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, finally gave us a tease during MIPCOM‘s C-Suite Conversations. "It’s an unbelievable dream, honestly, and as somebody who is a huge fan of books, the opportunity to get to explore them in maybe a little bit more in-depth than you can in just a two-hour film," she said (via THR). "That’s the whole reason we’re on this journey.”

Has HBO begun casting for the new Harry Potter series?

Dungey also revealed they've started looking for a new golden trio. “There’s not a lot to talk about at this moment," she says. "We’ve got our fantastic writing staff in place and they are doing what they need to do. And casting calls have opened up in the U.K. and Ireland, so the process is moving along. It’s going quite well.”

What else do I need to know?

“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” Casey Bloys, HBO & Max Content's Chairman and CEO, said in the press release. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.”

The series comes from Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television, with J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts serving as executive producers. Over the last few years, Rowling has made headlines for her conservative views and commentary on transgender identities, but at the time, Bloys didn't comment when asked whether her involvement could affect their ability to move forward.

On June 26, 2024 it was announced that Francesca Gardiner would write and serve as showrunner and Mark Mylod would executive produce and direct several episodes. Both worked on Succession.

"I'm truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team," J.K. Rowling tweeted. "Both have a genuine passion for #HarryPotter, and having read Francesca's pilot script and heard Mark's vision, I'm certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations."

When is the HBO Harry Potter TV show release date?

The new Harry Potter series is expected to hit Max in 2026, according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav (via Deadline). That means we could start seeing cast lists and getting more specific plot details in 2025!

Who plays Harry Potter in the new series?

In an interview with Comicbook.com, Daniel Radcliffe makes it clear that even though he's very excited about the new show, he probably won't be included in the new cast of Harry Potter.

“I’m sure whoever is making [the series] will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere,” he says. “So I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world and I’m very excited to have that torch passed. But I don’t think it needs me to physically pass it.”

There's no word on whether any of the original cast will actually be returning, but after we cried while watching the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, we can only hope that Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton will at least make cameo appearances. I'd love to see Daniel Radcliffe in the Ministry of Magic, or see Tom Felton walking around Diagon Alley. (However, I'm really hoping they're cast as some of the professors. Just imagine Emma as Professor McGonagall!)

Is Harry Potter on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

The Harry Potter series is currently available to stream on Max and Peacock. However, you can also rent the movies on Amazon Prime!

Flamingo Pumpkin

It's always a bit easier to just paint them, right? And you can easily add everything you need to make a flock of them for your living room.

Make this cute fox by slicing spots for cardboard ears and tails and painting a little heart face!

Daisy Pumpkin

Celebrate the Summer of Love all the way into October with this boho, no-carve pumpkin design.

DIY Cat Drilled Pumpkin

Opting for a repeating pattern and some paint creates a fresh look without having to spend hours carving out a ghoulish face.

Candy Jar Carved Pumpkin

Turn your pumpkin into a candy jar with some knife skills and chalkboard paint.

Nightmare Before Christmas fans can make these 'kins with black and white paint!

Unicorn Pumpkin

Because we all need a little bit of magic as we go about our day.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin

White pumpkins are versatile, and this simple fabric paint DIY will carry you through from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

Textured Clay Bow Craft Pumpkin

Go ghostly with your own textured bow from clay for a unique décor piece! (via Michael's)

Cute Ghost Pumpkin

Carve a ghost with this Etsy stencil - easy, peasy!

Modern Geometric Pumpkin

Since you won't be carving, stick to a smoother faux pumpkin for this DIY. Its less-pronounced ridges will make it easier to apply these vinyl pieces.

Gold Confetti-Dipped Pumpkin

These pumpkins were *meant* to be seen.

Cactus Pumpkin

These are simple to DIY and are a major conversation starter.

Turquoise Pumpkin

Rhinestones make everything prettier, and we love this DIY teal-painted take on the orange classic.

DIY Animal Pumpkins

Invite the girls over to spend an afternoon carving woodland creatures. They'll thank you later.

Finding Dory Pumpkins

Ya know, for the kids in your life. Don't forget to do Hank the Septopus!

Gold Leaf Patterned Pumpkin

Yes, you can add a chic touch to your decor with a *pumpkin*.

Cosmic Pumpkins

Those pre-painted plastic versions are the perfect backdrop for a night's sky or the Milky Way.

Emoji Head Pumpkins

Bring those keyboard faves to life this year with a stoop full of emojis.

Anatomy Pumpkins

Rather than hanging a skeleton outside the door to spook trick-or-treaters, carve these pumpkins for a more original take on the tradition.

Pun-kins

Bow down, witches.

Cross-Stitch Pumpkins

Take your hobby to the next level this season with these charming & ghoulish designs.

Creepy Cat-Eye Pumpkin

This one doesn't need to be big to make a statement. The multitude of eyes staring back at you as you walk across the room is creepy enough.

Skeleton Diorama Pumpkin

Love this diorama idea! Choose your theme and add some sparkle. Make it a party! (via Michael's)

Scalloped Pumpkin

Have some tissue confetti left over? Excellent. Layer it to create a fish-scale effect.

Hocus Pocus Pumpkins

Hocus Pocus Pumpkins

Thackery Binx would be proud to sit by these while guarding the book and the black flame candle.

Tetris Pumpkin

AKA Pumpktris, this carved and LED-equipped 'kin is perfect for the throwback gamer in all of us.

Retro Label Maker Pumpkins

Live your office supply dreams all season long with a label maker.

Text Pumpkins

Text designs make a big impact without all the hard work.

Simple Tassel Pumpkin

There are never enough ways to use all the cute tassels in the world. This is ideal for adding texture to the waxy ones.

Pom Pom Pumpkins

Living colorfully is a 24/7 kind of lifestyle. Embrace the trend this fall with a collection of rainbow pumpkins.

Hot Crayon Pumpkin

Don't bother with melted crayon art. Instead, use the technique on these tiny little ones. They'd make a stylish centerpiece and are a way to get the kids involved.

String Art Pumpkin

String us along anytime for an art project that combines bright fabric, metal, and organic materials.

Gold Geo No-Carve Pumpkins

These geometric gold pumpkins may look fancy, but they only require you to use a gold pen.

Boho Agate Geode Jack-O-Lantern

Incorporate crystal magic into your Halloween decor-scape with agate slices that glow deep blue when candlelit.

Pumpkin Flower

This may not be for novices, but it's a totally different take on pumpkin carving for those at home with a scalpel.

White Moon

Simple yet refreshingly different, this white pumpkin carving is perfect for beginners.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Inspired by El Día de los Muertos, this skull pumpkin is more adorable than spooky.

Abstract Pumpkin

Turn pumpkins into art by painting an abstract design in your favorite colors.

Harry Potter

If people wear costumes on Halloween, why can't pumpkins get in on the fun?

What Are Boo Baskets?

Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!

What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?

Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!

First, The Basket

Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.

Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.

This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?

As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.

If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.

Drink Mixes

Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?

And Of Course, A Mug To Match

You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!

Plushies Make Everything Better

Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.

Don’t Forget the Candy

No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.