The Untold Magic Behind Wednesday's Harry Potter: Unveiling the Secrets of Netflix's Record-Breaking Success

Summary

Wednesday, the hit Netflix show, draws its primary influence from Harry Potter, making it a cultural phenomenon that resonates with audiences.

The show blends supernatural elements, much like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stranger Things, to create an engaging story of the battle between good and evil.

Drawing inspiration from Harry Potter, Wednesday seamlessly incorporates magical folklore and mythology into its narrative, captivating viewers of all ages with its intriguing and enigmatic plot.

With parallels to other series, Netflix's hit show Wednesday draws its primary influence from the immensely popular Harry Potter franchise. The comedy-horror series, which follows Wednesday Addams' school experiences at Nevermore Academy, continues to gain momentum and has become the streaming giant's most-watched English-language show. The inclusion of Harry Potter's influence has contributed to the show's irresistible appeal to audiences.

By incorporating supernatural elements into a school setting, similar to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stranger Things, Wednesday transcends mere popularity and becomes a cultural phenomenon. It forges its own path, remains relevant over time, and leaves a lasting impression on the collective consciousness. Drawing comparisons to Buffy and Stranger Things in certain aspects, particularly the portrayal of a powerful young female outcast as the main character, Wednesday ultimately finds its inspiration from Harry Potter.

How Wednesday Borrows From Harry Potter

Wednesday is not explicitly intended to be a tribute to Harry Potter, according to the showrunners. However, the influence of the Potter franchise is evident right from the first episode. The show begins in a seemingly ordinary American high school, where Wednesday, dressed in dark gothic attire, stands out among the vibrant students and staff. But the resemblance to Harry Potter becomes more apparent when she is expelled and sent to Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts, freaks, and monsters. The Academy is housed in a Gothic mansion that instantly evokes images of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Similar to Harry, Wednesday arrives at the Academy already carrying a certain level of fame or notoriety. She, like Harry, must navigate her way through life away from her family, although unlike him, she has not lost her parents but is estranged from them. The allure of stories set in schools lies in witnessing young characters like Wednesday and Harry learn crucial lessons about friendship, loyalty, bravery, morality, resistance to temptation, and standing up for what is right. Both Wednesday and Harry are destined individuals, each the subject of a haunting prophecy.

In school stories, the inclusion of magic and supernatural elements adds excitement, danger, and higher stakes for the protagonist. Similar to Harry Potter, Wednesday possesses a haunting and enchanting aura, allowing both stories to captivate readers with a blend of quirkiness, humor, fear, and heartfelt emotions. Furthermore, they both draw upon timeless and universal themes to craft compelling narratives centered around the battle between good and evil.

In a manner reminiscent of Harry Potter's integration of existing folklore and mythology within Hogwarts, Wednesday also incorporates similar elements by featuring a diverse group of magical students at Wednesday's Nevermore. These students are predominantly vampires, werewolves, sirens, and gorgons, yet there are also individuals like Wednesday, who possess additional powers such as psychic abilities or telekinesis. Harnessing the widespread appeal of fantasy literature, Wednesday follows in the footsteps of Harry Potter by intertwining fairy tales and mythology to create a captivating, unique, and all-age-friendly story. Furthermore, it showcases a central character who is immensely likable and evokes empathy from readers.

The Harry Potter Format Makes Wednesday A Modern Addams Family Story

One aspect that Wednesday borrows from Harry Potter is the intriguing, complex mystery that lies at the core of its first season. Audiences are captivated by the thrill of unraveling a mystery, especially when it is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The first season of Wednesday draws inspiration from the captivating plots of both Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In the former, a teacher is revealed to be working for the antagonist, while in the latter, Harry must unravel the enigma behind a creature that is preying on Hogwarts students.

The success of Harry Potter can be attributed to the rich and expansive world crafted by J. K. Rowling. Central to this achievement is the depth within Harry's family history and the enduring repercussions of their previous actions. The intricate tales of Harry's parents, James and Lily, their years spent at Hogwarts, and their entanglement with Voldemort and Snape, all contribute vital contextual understanding and emotional resonance to Harry's own narrative.

Wednesday Filled A Harry Potter Void

Wednesday's parents, Morticia and Gomez, met at Nevermore, and their backstory created by the showrunners has a significant impact on Wednesday's present-day interactions. One of the notable effects is seen in Wednesday's relationship with Sheriff Galpin, who suspects Gomez of a past murder at Nevermore. This intriguing plotline, along with Wednesday's complex dynamics with her parents, the occasional visits from her uncle Fester, and the presence of Thing as her enthusiastic sidekick, all contribute to the creation of a fresh Addams Family narrative that resonates with the modern audience.

Wednesday's triumph has demonstrated the enduring popularity of school-based fantasy shows. In many ways, Wednesday has successfully filled the void left temporarily by the Harry Potter series, particularly considering the relative lack of success of the Fantastic Beasts movies compared to the original films. Nevertheless, the tides seem to be turning, as news of an upcoming HBO Max series based on all seven Harry Potter books has been revealed.

The success of Wednesday, the new HBO Max show, is intriguing considering its connection to the Harry Potter franchise. Notably, while owing a debt to Netflix's most successful show, Wednesday now appears poised to assist Harry Potter in return. The show's growing popularity continues unabated, with hints of future storylines and a desire from the cast and showrunners to explore the Addams family relationships further. With some unresolved plotlines and the potential for Wednesday season 2 to be as beloved as the first, there is no doubt that it will continue to captivate fans.