The highly anticipated reunion special of the Harry Potter cast and their return to the magical realm of Hogwarts will stream in Australia on New Year’s Day. The extraordinary film franchise began with 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and ended with 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
There may no longer be Harry Potter films but the impact of the franchise to its millions of fans is unparalleled. And so, a television special to celebrate the 20 years that it’s been sprinkling magic into our screens is the kind of event any true Harry Potter fan wouldn’t want to miss. Ahead of its premiere in Australia, find out how to watch the ‘Return to Hogwarts’ special in this guide.
What’s in this Guide?
Return to Hogwarts preview
20 years after the release of the first film, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, a.k.a. Hogwarts’ beloved wizarding trio, are reuniting to recount their adventures and incredible journey from when they first got together in the first film. In a span of a decade, eight Harry Potter movies were released, turning the entire franchise into a global sensation in which a remarkable interconnected universe is created.
The reunion special will honour the legacy that these incredible films have built throughout the years, as well as commemorate the talented cast and crew and the wonderful family created at Warner Bros. Studios London. It’s also dedicated for passionate fans all around the world who keep the wizarding world spirit alive with their dedication and enthusiasm even after 20 years!
Joining Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are filmmaker Chris Columbus alongside other incredible cast members that include Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, and Ian Hart.
The Harry Potter reunion special is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television with Casey Patterson as executive producer. Premiering in the U.S. on New Year’s Day via HBO Max, it will also air on WarnerMedia’s TBS and Cartoon Network later in spring 2022. In Australia, it will be available to stream express from the U.S. the same day on 1st January 2022 at 7:01 PM AEDT.
One of the most beloved film franchises uniting most of the world’s young adults, you’ll be reminded of how a cultural phenomenon like this cinematic franchise has left a magical mark on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of everyone who got to be a part of this enchanting universe that is Harry Potter.
Harry Potter Return to Hogwarts cast
The legendary cast from all eight films are reuniting to share the franchise’s enchanting making-of story featuring in-depth interviews and cast conversations so ready yourselves for all kinds of nostalgic sentiments.
When did Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts air?
The reunion special had its premiere on New Year’s Day, 1st January 2022. It became available to stream in Australia express from the U.S. that same day, which surely was another New Year’s Day treat for all the Australian fans. Then from 15th January 2022, the four-part special event Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses hosted by Helen Mirren, also streamed in Australia via BINGE. Both TV specials are still available for streaming on demand.
How many seasons are there?
The Harry Potter’s Return to Hogwarts is a one-time television special only that features several cast members of the Harry Potter film franchise returning to Hogwarts and reuniting 20 years after the release of the first movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone film in other territories).
In addition to the Return to Hogwarts special, the four-part special event Hogwarts Tournament of Houses will also launch on BINGE, as well as all eight films, which you can watch anytime. If you’re not a BINGE customer yet, the franchise could be the first one you can stream using the free 14 day trial.
Which streaming services show Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts?
In Australia, the reunion special will premiere on Foxtel live and on demand. It will also be available with TV streaming service BINGE and will be available express from the U.S. Check out which providers the TV special will be available for streaming with the information below.
| Streaming Services | Return to Hogwarts |
|---|---|
| BINGE | Yes |
| Foxtel | Yes |
| Foxtel Now | Yes |
| Foxtel from Telstra | Yes |
| Amazon Prime | No |
| Disney Plus | No |
| Netflix | No |
| Stan | No |
| Paramount Plus | No |
| Apple TV+ | No |
| Free to air | No |
You can also check out this streaming TV guide to search for other shows and which streaming services they’re on.
How to watch Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
FeaturedThe reunion special will premiere on BINGE and Foxtel via FOX Showcase, available express from the U.S.. In Australia, FOX Showcase is available via Foxtel, Foxtel Now, or Foxtel from Telstra. The cheapest Foxtel Plus bundle already includes FOX Showcase, giving you access to over 50 channels of drama, lifestyle, docos, reality and more. For Foxtel Now users, FOX Showcase is part of the base Essentials pack. Foxtel owns HBO’s programming rights in Australia which is why this TV event won’t be available on free-to-air.
Stream Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on BINGE
The reunion special will stream from New Year’s Day on BINGE. With a 14-day free trial, you can watch this Harry Potter documentary right away, alongside all of the eight films available at your disposal. Yes, the streaming platform offers a 2-week free trial new customers can take advantage of to stream this HBO Max special. After your trial period has expired, you will be able to pick from three options to continue to check out BINGE.
A Basic subscription costs $10 per month and allows you to stream in Standard Definition on one device. A Standard Plan is $16 per month and enables you to enjoy in standard or high definition on two devices. The BINGE Premium Plan ($18 per month) is the last alternative, allowing you to stream on up to four screens/devices in SD or HD. BINGE plans are all ad-free. All three plans are subject to cancellation at any time.
Stream Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on Foxtel Now
You can also watch the reunion special when you sign up for a free 10-day trial with Foxtel Now. Every Foxtel Now channel pack allows you to watch shows online and on the go via the Foxtel Go app. After your free trial period expires, the Foxtel Now base pack called Essentials pack is only $25 per month. Premium packs like Drama Extra, Sport, and Movies can be added to your base plan.
Watch Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on Telstra
And your options just keep getting better. Telstra customers can access Foxtel or Foxtel Now channels by simply adding either service to their accounts. You can watch this TV special and even save on plan fees with Foxtel or BINGE Telstra offers. Foxtel from Telstra (including Foxtel Now from Telstra) offers the exact same programming as a standard Foxtel service but is often available at a reduced monthly cost. With every Foxtel Now from Telstra offer you can also watch the show on the move using the Foxtel Go app. The BINGE Telstra offer gives you the first two months of your subscription absolutely free when you sign up via Telstra!
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts trailer
The premiere of the much-awaited reunion special is just around the corner. To get a glimpse of what’s about to come, check out the trailer below.
Other TV shows on Foxtel and BINGE
The Foxtel Now and BINGE library is home to a huge range of must-see TV Shows and Movies for all tastes and ages from around the world. From drama and action to thriller shows and documentaries, you’re never short of something to watch, all created by the biggest names in entertainment.
New titles are added each and every week so the choice is never an issue. These include hits like Friends, American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead. We have made a few more suggestions when it comes to what’s on Foxtel below so there’s always something to search and to watch.
Streaming devices for BINGE and Foxtel
Here is a list of compatible devices that you can use to stream the reunion special with BINGE, Foxtel and Foxtel Now.
Devices supported on Foxtel/Foxtel Go
- PC/Mac: Yes – Web browser only (Chrome for PC; Chrome & Safari for Mac)
- iOS: Yes – Devices with iOS 11 or above
- Android: Yes – Devices with Android 5.0 and above (Android 13 beta versions are not supported)
- Google Chromecast: Yes – Via casting (only on Multiroom service)
- Google Nest: Yes – Via compatible Chromecast device connected or built-in to your TV
- Apple TV: Yes – Via AirPlay (only on Multiroom service)
- Smart TVs: Yes – Via casting only (only on Multiroom service)
Devices supported on BINGE
- PC/Mac: Yes – Web browser only (Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge); supported on
MacOS : 10.12+ & Windows: 10+ - iOS Mobile Devices: Yes – iOS15+ including Apple iPhones/iPads
- Android Mobile Devices: Yes – Android Phone/Tablets OS 8+
- Google Chromecast: Yes – Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast 3rd Generation + & Chromecast w/ Google TV
- Apple TV: Yes – 4th Gen or higher; tvOS 15+
- Telstra TV: Yes – TTV1 (4200TL), TTV2 (4700TL) and TTV3 (4701TL)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: Yes
- Android TV: Yes – OS version 8.0+ and above on selected devices
- Samsung TV: Yes – 2017 models or later
- LG TV: Yes – selected 2018 models or later
- Hisense TV: Yes – selected 2020-2023 models
- Gaming Consoles: Yes – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox (Series X, Series S, One S and One X)
