21 Ways The Harry Potter TV Show Could Improve on Each Movie

The folks working on the upcoming Harry Potter TV series for HBO are going to have a hard road ahead of them. They are, after all, not only adapting the best selling novel series of all time, but also will have to deal with direct comparisons to the beloved movies that so many of us grew up with. But, those movies were not perfect, and the writers of the new show might be able to use that to their advantage, by seeing what wasn’t quite perfect with those original films and improving on those aspects.

In light of that, we’ve compiled a list of 3 changes per movie — 21 in total — that the new show could apply in order to be an even better adaptation of the original novels than the films were.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

1. Character Development: With a TV series, there’s ample time to explore the characters more deeply. Viewers could connect with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the others on a more personal level, witnessing their growth and evolution over multiple episodes.
2. World-Building: A TV adaptation can afford to showcase more of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, providing a more comprehensive look at the magical world. Explore hidden corners, visit classrooms, and meet additional characters to create a richer backdrop.
3. Book Insights: Include additional scenes from the book that may have been omitted in the film adaptation. These scenes offer further insight into the characters and plot, catering to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

1. Mystery and Suspense: Take the opportunity to make the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets even more engaging and suspenseful. Stretching the narrative across episodes can build anticipation and curiosity.
2. Friendship Focus: Delve deeper into the trio’s friendship. Highlight their loyalty to one another with character-driven episodes that showcase their bond as they face the challenges of the Chamber.
3. Magical Depth: Incorporate a wider range of magical creatures and spells, letting viewers explore the enchanting and mystical aspects of the wizarding world through various story arcs.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

1. Darker Tone: Retain the darker and more mature tone introduced by director Alfonso Cuarón in the film adaptation. With episodes, it’s possible to sustain this atmosphere throughout the series.
2. Marauder’s Map: Explore the Marauder’s Map and the characters who created it in greater detail. Dedicate episodes to uncovering the secrets behind this magical artifact.
3. Emotional Depth: Dive into the emotional struggles of the characters, particularly Harry’s complex feelings about his parents and their past. Give the audience more time to empathize with his journey.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

1. Triwizard Tournament: Devote episodes to each of the Triwizard Tournament tasks, allowing for a more extensive exploration of the challenges and dangers Harry faces.
2. Friendship and Rivalry: Emphasize the growing friendship between Harry and Cedric Diggory, highlighting their sportsmanship and camaraderie. Explore the complexities of the competing schools’ relationships in more depth.
3. Expanded World: Expand on the broader wizarding world and its politics with multiple subplots and side characters. This enriches the narrative and provides a more comprehensive view of the magical society.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

1. Department of Mysteries: Dedicate multiple episodes to the Department of Mysteries to introduce viewers to its enigmatic elements. Building up to the climactic battle can heighten the tension.
2. Character Focus: Develop secondary characters like Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood, giving them more significant roles throughout the series. This can foster a deeper emotional connection with the audience.
3. Emotional Turmoil: Explore Harry’s emotional turmoil and the consequences of his connection with Voldemort over several episodes. This can amplify the psychological depth of the story.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

1. Voldemort’s Past: Offer viewers a glimpse into Voldemort’s past and his Horcruxes through flashbacks and investigative episodes, enhancing the mystery surrounding his character.
2. Severus Snape: Highlight the complexity of Severus Snape’s character and his internal struggle with episodes dedicated to his backstory and motivations. Delve deeper into his role as the Half-Blood Prince.
3. Epic Battles: Showcase intense battles and escalating conflicts as the series progresses, building up to a suspenseful climax that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

1. Character Journeys: In Part 1, maintain a focus on character development and relationships as the trio embarks on their epic quest. Multiple episodes allow for a gradual exploration of their emotional struggles and growth.
2. Resistance Against Voldemort: Depict the challenges faced by the wizarding world under Voldemort’s rule through a series of episodes. This emphasizes the characters’ resilience and the importance of their mission.
3. Balanced Tone: Inject moments of humor and camaraderie amidst the darkness to maintain a balanced tone throughout the series, offering viewers a more well-rounded experience.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

1. Epic Battles Extended: Extend the final battle at Hogwarts into multiple episodes, allowing for a grand and epic climax with intricate details and emotional depth.
2. Aftermath Exploration: Explore the aftermath of the battle and the characters’ emotional journeys over several episodes. This provides closure and satisfying character arcs for each major character.
3. Epilogue: Include an epilogue in the final episode(s) that offers viewers a glimpse into the characters’ futures, tying up loose ends and providing a poignant farewell to the beloved series.

So, what do you think? Would you like to see some of these changes be applies to the upcoming TV show, or do you think that some things are best left untouched? Or do you have some changes of your own you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments below.