In what feels like it's been a long time coming, today all eight Harry Potter films have finally been added onto UK Netflix.
While plenty of Harry Potter fans are probably still the proud owners of VHS and DVD boxset collections, all eight Harry Potter movies have never been available to stream on Netflix before until today.
And not only that, but it also marks the first time the films will be carried as a full collection on any streaming platform in the UK.
Prior to today, the only way fans could watch all eight films in one go was by buying or renting them.
Image: Warner Bros.
Harry Potter is arguably one of the best-loved franchises of all time.
The brainchild of now-controversial author JK Rowling, seven Harry Potter books were published between 1997 and 2007, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide, and eight film adaptations of the books were released between 2001 and 2011.
Not only were the films an undoubted smash-hit with critics, it is also the fourth highest-grossing film series of all time – with $7.7 billion in worldwide receipts.
The success of the film franchise made household names out of the films’ young cast of actors led by Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
The franchise also has one of the most dedicated fanbases there is, and defined life for many growing up in the late nineties and throughout the 2000s.
Potterheads have been taking to social media to share their excitement at Netflix’s newest additions.
ALL HARRY POTTER FILMS ARE ON NETFLIX NOW omds i’m gonna cry cause i was litch complaining today how i wanted to watch them but our sky recordings had deleted them😭😭😭so happy
The news that all Harry Potter films have been added to Netflix UK & Ireland today comes after it was announced back in April after much speculation that a Harry Potter TV series is officially in the works, and JK Rowling is set to serve as the series’ executive producer.
The new series is set to air on streaming platform HBO Max, but details are limited and no release dates have been revealed as of yet.
JK Rowling says she is “looking forward” to the new TV series, adding that the “new adaptation will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series”.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
The Hoot -
17th May 2023 
