Podcast
Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast
Hosted by HBO Max · EN
Journey into the wizarding world with the official companion podcast to the Harry Potter film series. Each week, film critic and lifelong Harry Potter superfan Rhianna Dhillon embarks on a heartfelt and hilarious look back through the films, joined by celebrity superfans and the behind-the-scenes magic makers who brought the generation-defining series to life. Together, they unpack each film with laughter, reflection, and a dash of mischief. Whether you’re watching for the first time or the fiftieth, consider this your official invitation back to Hogwarts. New episodes are available each week. Watch on HBO Max and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast is produced by HBO Max in partnership with Pod People.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
“Good People and Death Eaters” | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Part 2 with Chrissy Costanza
1w ago01:01:30Summary readyA hidden prophecy, a headmaster who finally stops keeping secrets, and a battle at the Ministry that ends with a devastating loss - fifth year closes with the wizarding world finally forced to face the truth about the Dark Lord’s return. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined once again by Chrissy Costanza to revisit the second half of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Together, they unpack the emotional fallout of Sirius Black’s death, Fred and George’s spectacular Hogwarts exit, the chaos of the Hall of Prophecy, and why this film marks the moment the series fully steps into political thriller territory. Plus, a Howler arrives with a special appearance from actor and musician Luke Eisner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summary“Every Great Wizard in History” | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Part 1 with Chrissy Costanza
2w ago01:01:44Tap to summarizeA rebellion hiding in plain sight, a headmistress dressed like a pink nightmare, and a secret student army meeting in a room that only appears when you really need it - fifth year officially stops playing by the rules. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Chrissy Costanza to look back at the first half of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Together, they unpack Luna Lovegood’s instantly iconic arrival, the creeping political paranoia taking over Hogwarts, and the deeply unsettling horror of Umbridge’s detentions. Plus, costume designer Jany Temime joins to reveal how the series used costumes to reflect rebellion, control, and the emotional growing pains of the characters as the story entered a darker new era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“Dark Times Lie Ahead” | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Part 2 with Mike Bow
3w ago00:55:50Tap to summarizeA boy who never got to finish the maze, a professor who is not what he seems, and a graveyard duel that turns Hogwarts’ most chaotic school year into something far more dangerous - fourth year ends with the return of Voldemort. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined once again by Mike Bow to revisit the second half of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as Harry tackles the terrifying final stages of the Triwizard Tournament. Together, they unpack the haunting Black Lake sequence, the Pensieve’s avalanche of dark secrets, the truth behind Mad-Eye Moody’s strange tics, and why Cedric Diggory’s death marks the moment the series truly grows up. Plus, editor Mick Audsley joins to reveal how the film balanced mystery, spectacle, and emotional storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“What is Right and What is Easy” | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Part 1 with Mike Bow
4w ago00:58:30Tap to summarizeA Hogwarts champion nobody asked for, a dance nobody prepared for, and a tournament that suddenly turns Hogwarts into a pressure cooker of teenage chaos—fourth year has officially arrived. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Mike Bow to look back at the first half of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Together, they unpack the arrival of Mad-Eye Moody, the growing tension between the Trio, the spectacle of the Triwizard Tournament, and the iconic fashion choices at the Yule Ball. Plus, director Mike Newell joins to share behind-the-scenes insights, from creating the enormous tournament sequences to balancing massive blockbuster spectacle with the painfully awkward realities of adolescence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“Turn Back Time” | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Part 2 with Law Sharma
Jun 1600:57:49Tap to summarizeA map that knows a little too much, a full moon that changes everything, and a night that refuses to stay in the past - third year gets very complicated. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Law Sharma to revisit the second half of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as the truth about Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the past finally comes to light. Together, they explore how the film’s biggest twists reshape everything we thought we knew, dive into the history of the Marauders, and unpack why Harry’s Patronus marks a turning point in his journey. Plus, Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson joins to reveal how the film’s time-turning finale was brought to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good” | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Part 1 with Law Sharma
Jun 901:00:54Tap to summarizeA runaway wizard, an unexpected trip on the Knight Bus, and a school year that begins with a murderer on the loose… something wicked this way comes. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Law Sharma as they revisit the first half of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, from Harry’s dramatic exit from Privet Drive to a return to Hogwarts that feels darker, stranger, and now features 100% more Dementors. Together, they explore how the series finds a new visual language and tone under the direction of Alfonso Cuarón, and why this is the moment the wizarding world starts to feel more real, more dangerous, and more grown up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“What We Truly Are” | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Part 2 with Naomi Kyle
Jun 200:59:10Tap to summarizeA diary you definitely shouldn’t trust, a trail of spiders you definitely shouldn’t follow, and a monster waiting beneath Hogwarts - second year ends in full chaos. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Naomi Kyle to revisit the second half of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, following Harry and Ron as the mystery unravels and the stakes shift from school drama to full-blown rescue mission. Together, they explore how the truth about the Chamber forces Harry to confront who he is, and why his choices define him. Plus, Creature and Makeup Effects Designer Nick Dudman joins to discuss how the film’s most iconic creatures were brought to life. Watch the full video podcast episode, exclusively on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“The Function Of A Rubber Duck” | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Part 1 with Naomi Kyle
May 2600:55:46Tap to summarizeA house-elf with a flair for chaos, a flying car that definitely wasn’t Ministry-approved, and a school year that starts going very, very wrong. Welcome back to Hogwarts. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Naomi Kyle to look back at the first half of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Together, they unpack the moments that make this chapter feel bigger, darker, and a little more chaotic - from Dobby’s well-meaning interference to Lockhart’s truly relentless main-character energy. Plus, Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson reveals how the film’s most magical practical effects - from flying broomsticks to the Whomping Willow - were brought to life. Watch the full video podcast episode, exclusively on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →“Not me. Not Hermione. You!” | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Part 2 with Khleo Thomas
May 1901:02:46Tap to summarizeA mirror that shows your deepest desire, a trapdoor hiding impossible trials, and a final confrontation beneath Hogwarts - first year finishes with a bang for young Harry Potter. Host Rhianna Dhillon and is joined by Khleo Thomas for the second half of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, following Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they uncover the truth behind the Philosopher’s Stone and face what’s waiting beneath Hogwarts. Together, they explore how friendship, courage, and choice shape the story’s first great test, and why its emotional payoff still resonates. Plus, a closer look at John Williams’ iconic score with orchestrator Conrad Pope. Watch the Harry Potter 8-Film Collection on HBO Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →"Yer a Wizard” | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Part 1 with Khleo Thomas
May 1901:01:50Tap to summarizeWhere it all began - a cupboard under the stairs, a letter that changes everything, and a first glimpse of a world just out of reach. Host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Khleo Thomas as they step back into the first half of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, retracing Harry’s journey from Privet Drive to his first arrival at Hogwarts. Together, they explore the wonder, warmth, and storytelling that defined the start of the series, and why it still feels like coming home. Plus, a behind-the-scenes conversation with Head of Props Pierre Bohanna reveals how some of the film’s most iconic magical objects were brought to life. Watch the Harry Potter 8-Film Collection on HBO Max Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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