The BBC has announced a two-part documentary about JK Rowling, charting her career from struggling single mother to global literary phenomenon and examining her more recent role as a polarising public figure.
The documentary, produced by Rogan Productions and working with the title "JK Rowling," will explore Rowling's life and legacy across two episodes. The first episode will focus on the creation of the Harry Potter series and the extraordinary success of the wizarding universe she created. The second episode will examine her statements on Scottish independence, feminism, free speech and gender identity—topics that have placed her at the centre of intense online debate.
Rowling, 61, began writing the Harry Potter books while working as a single mother in cafes around Edinburgh. The series became the best-selling book franchise of all time, transforming the publishing industry and revitalising reading among a generation of young people. The books were adapted into a successful film series that made international stars of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, alongside established British actors including Gary Oldman, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.
Simon Young, head of history commissioning at the BBC, said: "Thirty years after the publication of the first Harry Potter book, there is perhaps no better time for the BBC to examine one of the outstanding figures in British literature."
The documentary will use Rowling's life as a lens to explore three decades of social, political and technological change, according to the BBC. The announcement was made today.