
All of the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films are coming to Paramount linear networks.
Paramount has inked a multi-year licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery under which all eight “Harry Potter” movies and the three in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise will air across MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite and Paramount Network for the first time. The deal makes Paramount the exclusive linear home of the films, beginning with a marathon of all of the “Harry Potter” movies on MTV from noon ET/PT on July 3-July 5.
“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,” said Laurel Weir, head of programming and acquisitions for Paramount Media Networks and chief research and insights officer for TV Media. “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.”
Following the MTV marathon, Paramount Network will air one of the 11 movies each weeknight beginning July 13 at 6 p.m. and continuing through July 19, with weekend airings beginning at noon ET/PT. Nick at Nite will then host a week-long showcase of the eight “Harry Potter” movies starting Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
News of the licensing agreement comes less than two weeks after it was reported that the US Dept. of Justice’s antitrust division has approved a merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal still faces other hurdles but is largely expected to close.
Previously, NBCUniversal was the longtime linear home of the “Harry Potter” franchise in a deal that originally took effect in 2018. The films are currently available to stream on both Peacock and HBO Max.
View original source — Variety ↗
