Paramount Secures Exclusive Linear Rights to Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Films

Paramount Media Networks has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery that makes the eight “Harry Potter” movies and three “Fantastic Beasts” entries the exclusive linear-television home of the franchise. The first broadcast is a three-day marathon on MTV starting at noon ET/PT on July 3, 2026.

Variety Magazine

NBCUniversal held linear rights since 2018 and still streams the films on Peacock; Warner Bros. Discovery streams them on HBO Max. The licensing deal aligns with the pending Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, valued at $111 billion (some reports $110 billion). The U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger in early June; the European Commission and U.K. Competition and Markets Authority have set July–August deadlines for further review.

Every ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Film Is Landing on Paramount’s Linear Networks for the Very First Time

The rollout begins with an MTV marathon July 3-5, followed by Paramount Network weeknight showings July 13-19, a Nick at Nite week-long showcase Aug 9-16, and a Nickelodeon Labor Day event Sept 3-5.

Deadline Hollywood

The 11-film package totals roughly 40 hours. The “Harry Potter” series has earned $7.7 billion worldwide. NBCUniversal’s prior linear deal was estimated at $250 million. Financial terms of the new licensing agreement have not been disclosed.

The Wrap

The addition broadens Paramount’s legacy-content portfolio and provides a counter-programming asset against streaming rivals such as Netflix, Amazon and Apple. The staggered schedule leverages the franchise’s multigenerational appeal to drive viewership across Paramount’s family-oriented channels while integrating Warner Bros. properties ahead of the anticipated merger closure.

Every ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Film Is Landing on Paramount’s Linear Networks for the Very First Time

Paramount’s programming chief said the addition highlights the company’s aim to provide high-quality franchises to a broad audience across its brands. The company noted the deal proceeds despite pending regulatory reviews, positioning the films as a “timeless” draw for fans of all ages.

Every ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Film Is Landing on Paramount’s Linear Networks for the Very First Time

State attorneys general have signaled possible antitrust litigation, and European and U.K. regulators could launch Phase 2 investigations. Critics argue the arrangement may concentrate market power before final merger approval.

The Wrap

Sources differ on the merger’s valuation ($111 billion vs. $110 billion). The precise licensing-agreement terms and projected audience metrics remain undisclosed.

Every ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Film Is Landing on Paramount’s Linear Networks for the Very First Time

• “Expanding Paramount’s portfolio with the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films underscores our commitment to delivering world-class franchises to the wide range of audiences our brands serve,” — Laurel Weir, head of programming and acquisitions, Paramount Media Networks

Deadline Hollywood

• “As one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in entertainment, ‘Harry Potter’ continues to captivate audiences across generations, and this addition enables us to deliver the magic and adventure of these timeless stories to fans of all ages.” — Laurel Weir, head of programming and acquisitions, Paramount Media Networks

Deadline Hollywood

An HBO television adaptation of the Harry Potter books is slated for a late-December 2026 release. The Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger is expected to close by the end of the third quarter, after which the integrated content strategy will expand across both linear and streaming platforms.

Variety Magazine