In a move that has stunned the entertainment world, the entire Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film franchises are packing their trunks and relocating to a new magical home. Warner Bros. Discovery has inked a surprise exclusive U.S. linear licensing deal with Paramount Global, meaning the wizarding world will soon be casting spells across Paramount Network, MTV, and Nickelodeon.
This is a major shift for one of the most beloved film series of all time. Previously, the eight Harry Potter films and the three Fantastic Beasts movies had been scattered across various networks and streaming platforms. Now, they will have a dedicated linear home within the Paramount family, giving fans a clear destination for their next rewatch marathon.
Where and When Can You Watch?
The deal covers all eleven films from the Wizarding World, including the original Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, as well as the prequel trilogy starting with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Starting later this year, you'll be able to catch them on Paramount Network, MTV, and Nickelodeon. Each network will likely program the films differently—Paramount Network may air them as event marathons, MTV might lean into the fandom culture, and Nickelodeon could offer family-friendly weekend screenings.
This is a huge win for Paramount, which has been aggressively expanding its content library. The studio recently revived the World War Z franchise and is riding high on the success of Dutton Ranch Season 2. Adding the Wizarding World to its linear lineup gives the network a powerful draw for viewers of all ages.
What About Streaming?
While this deal is specifically for linear television, it doesn't affect the streaming rights. The Harry Potter films are still available on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the U.S., and that's expected to continue. So if you prefer to binge without commercials, you can still stream them on demand. But for those who love the communal experience of a scheduled movie night, Paramount's channels will be the place to be.
This move also signals a broader trend in the industry: legacy franchises are becoming increasingly valuable as networks fight for audience attention in a fragmented media landscape. Just as Steven Spielberg's cancelled Halo series got a second chance at Paramount+, the Wizarding World is finding new life on linear TV.
What This Means for Fans
For Potterheads, this is fantastic news. It means more opportunities to catch the films on TV, especially during holidays and special events. Expect marathons around Halloween, Christmas, and the anniversaries of the films' original releases. It also opens the door for potential cross-promotions with other Paramount properties—imagine a Harry Potter-themed block on MTV or a behind-the-scenes special on Nickelodeon.
The deal also comes at a time when the Wizarding World is expanding in other ways. The upcoming HBO series adaptation of the books is still in development, and this linear deal could help keep the franchise top-of-mind for audiences until that project arrives.
So grab your wands and set your DVRs—the magic is moving to Paramount, MTV, and Nick. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, there's never been a better time to revisit the Boy Who Lived.
