Cursed Child: Harry Potter Canon or Fan Fiction?

In this episode of Half Blood Pod, Scott and William take a deep dive into Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the controversial stage play that continues the story of the Wizarding World after the original seven books.The discussion explores the play’s major storylines, the introduction of the next generation of Hogwarts students, and the biggest debates surrounding its place in Harry Potter canon. From time-turner mechanics to alternate timelines and character portrayals, the hosts break down what works, what doesn’t, and why Cursed Child remains one of the most divisive entries in the franchise.Topics include:• The origins and premise of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child• Albus Potter, Scorpius Malfoy, and the next generation of Hogwarts• The return of time-turners and alternate timelines• How the play reshapes familiar characters and relationships• Major canon debates within the Harry Potter fandom• The theatrical spectacle of the stage production• Whether Cursed Child works better as a play than as a script• What this story could mean for the future of the Wizarding WorldTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome Back & Podcast Banter01:12 – HBO Harry Potter Series News & Streaming Discussion04:30 – Transition Into Cursed Child Discussion06:45 – Overview of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child10:20 – Initial Reactions to the Story15:10 – Albus Potter & Scorpius Malfoy Characters20:35 – The Time-Turner Plot & Alternate Timelines27:15 – Delphi, Voldemort’s Legacy & Story Controversies33:40 – Canon Debate: Does Cursed Child Actually Fit?40:25 – How the Stage Production Changes the Experience46:50 – Biggest Problems With the Story52:10 – What Cursed Child Gets Right57:30 – Final Verdict: Canon or Fan Fiction?01:02:00 – Closing Thoughts & Wrap UpHalf Blood Pod is a Harry Potter podcast hosted by Scott and William, featuring thoughtful discussion, trivia, and deep dives into the Wizarding World for fans preparing for rereads, trivia nights, and the upcoming HBO series.