It seems the game show world is in a bit of a heyday when it comes to particularly specialized ideas. From tons of reboots of classic series to that one show where people eat hot wings, the combination of reality and trivia is somehow far more engaging when it’s on TV than it is when grandpa flips the board over the correct pronunciation of “Newfoundland.” Thanks to that trend (the game show one, not grandpa), a new challenger has entered the ring, and it looks to be positively magical forHarry Potterfans.
Coming from the mystical realm of cable TV, a brand new trivia show centered on knowledge of theHarry Potteruniverse is ready to make its way to the big time. Calling itself theHogwarts Tournament of Houseswith its clever theming, the show will be a 4-part special event that tests contestants on their Wizarding World savvy. Focusing on the 4 Hogwarts houses like every Tinder profile that doesn’t quoteThe Office, participants will compete to see who possesses the most intricate familiarity withtheHarry Potterseriesand will be crowned House Cup champion.
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But perhaps the best twist of all comes from the tournament’s host. Challengers will receive their queries from none other than Dame Helen Mirren, who seems like the one English actress who somehow hasn’t appeared in theHarry Potterfilms. Best known for almost countless projects includingPrime SuspectandseveralFast and Furiousmovies, Mirren herself appears excited to take part in the game show. “I knew someday I’d get a Harry Potter role, and I’m so pleased to take part in the 20-year film celebration,” she said in a statement. “The films inspired such enchantment and wonder for so many of us, and it will be such a treat to reignite that magic for the countless fans who continue to revel in this spellbinding world.”
Contestants will be separated into Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin while answering questions and being rewarded with house points in the same vein as the admittedly totally rigged House Cup system in the books. (Look, Slytherin busts their butts every year and still gets shafted. They may be jerks, but fair is fair.) Aside from Mirren, the special promises a number of surprise special guests. Hopefully, that meansthe always fun Daniel Radcliffeflies in (not on a broom, just as himself hanging out) to give a lightning round question before flying off again and leaving the executives to wonder how he got on the set.
Now, any mention ofHarry Pottershould always bring up the transphobia of its creator J.K. Rowling. It’s basically inescapable at this point, and her toxic and harmful views regarding trans people need to be addressed. However, that doesn’t mean anyone should be ashamed for continuing to enjoyHarry Potter. It’s become bigger than Rowling and continues to grow beyond her hateful statements, after all. Heck, theLGBTQ+ community ofHarry Potterfanscontinually reclaim the series as an all-inclusive space, so for that reason alone, there’s nothing wrong with still being a fan. It’s just important to acknowledge and denounce hurtful views such as Rowling’s, as well-meaning as she may claim to be.
With that in mind, though,Hogwarts Tournament of Housesis still sure to be an exciting romp through the magicalHarry Potterworld many have known for their entire lives at this point. Any eager fans will have plenty to look forward to when it premieres later this year. Here’s hoping it doesn’t feature too many exploding feathers, or at least few enough to notice.
Hogwarts Tournament of Houseswill simulcast later this year on TBS and Cartoon Network’s upcoming family block ACME Night before going to HBO Max.
