Quick Read
- It: Welcome to Derry premieres October 26, 2025 on HBO Max, streaming Sundays at 9 PM ET.
- The series is a prequel to Stephen King’s IT, set in 1962 Derry, Maine.
- Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, with Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige starring as Mike Hanlon’s grandparents.
- Eight weekly episodes run through December 14, 2025.
- Episodes available via HBO Max subscription or Sling TV with HBO Max add-on.
It: Welcome to Derry – HBO Max’s Latest Dive into Stephen King’s Universe
Fans of Stephen King’s haunting tales have a new reason to tune in: It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series to the blockbuster It films, premieres tonight on HBO Max, offering eight episodes of suspenseful horror and rich storytelling. Set decades before the events of the 2017 and 2019 movies, this series invites viewers to step into the shadowy streets of Derry, Maine, in 1962—a place where secrets linger and evil finds new forms.
Premiere Date and Release Schedule: What to Expect Each Week
The first episode airs tonight, October 26, 2025, at 9 PM ET (6 PM PT) exclusively on HBO Max. Mark your calendar: new episodes will drop every Sunday, building anticipation and dread through the fall and into winter. The season finale is slated for December 14, 2025. This weekly release strategy isn’t just about prolonging the suspense—it’s designed to spark online discussion and keep horror fans theorizing between episodes. According to Deadline Hollywood, the complete schedule is:
- Episode 1: October 26, 2025
- Episode 2: November 2, 2025
- Episode 3: November 9, 2025
- Episode 4: November 16, 2025
- Episode 5: November 23, 2025
- Episode 6: November 30, 2025
- Episode 7: December 7, 2025
- Episode 8 (Finale): December 14, 2025
Streaming is available not only directly on HBO Max but also as part of the Sling TV package, letting viewers choose their preferred platform for watching the terror unfold.
Storyline: Exploring Derry’s Darkest Secrets
Unlike the films, which focused on the Losers Club’s battle against Pennywise, the series rewinds the clock to 1962, focusing on the Hanlon family’s arrival in Derry. Leroy and Charlotte Hanlon, played by Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige, are Mike Hanlon’s grandparents. Their story is one of hope shadowed by uncertainty, as they move to what seems a quiet town—until children start disappearing and strange, sinister creatures begin to surface.
This prequel isn’t just a retread. Showrunner Jason Fuchs and director Andy Muschietti—the creative force behind the original films—crafted a narrative that delves deeper into Derry’s cursed history. Viewers will encounter the origins of Pennywise, the supernatural entity that has haunted generations, and see how Derry’s cycle of fear began long before the events depicted in King’s original novel.
“This is a show that reflects King’s original vision,” the showrunners noted in an interview with the New York Times. With Stephen King personally approving scripts and episodes, the series promises creative authenticity and a true expansion of the IT universe.
Cast: Familiar Faces and New Talent
Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, reprising his chilling role from the previous films. His performance threads a line between terrifying and oddly mesmerizing, as he embodies the many forms of evil lurking in Derry. The ensemble cast includes:
- Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon (grandfather)
- Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon (grandmother)
- Chris Chalk in a pivotal supporting role
- James Remar, Madeleine Stowe, Stephen Rider, and Rudy Mancuso rounding out the town’s cast
The combination of seasoned actors and rising stars gives the show depth, allowing the town of Derry to feel lived-in and authentic. Production values match the cinematic quality of the movies, from atmospheric lighting to period-accurate sets and costumes.
Streaming and Access: HBO Max and Sling TV
To catch every episode as it drops, viewers can stream via HBO Max—either as a standalone subscription or through the Sling TV bundle. Sling’s Orange + Blue package offers more than 50 live channels, and the Max add-on brings HBO’s full slate to your devices. For those seeking flexible access, Sling allows streaming on multiple devices and offers various entertainment extras.
Pricing starts at $29.99 for the first month of Sling Orange & Blue with a $5 discount on HBO, and $16.99 per month for the Max add-on. This approach gives horror enthusiasts a range of options to tune in, whether at home or on the go.
Creative Direction: King’s Blessing and a Fresh Perspective
One of the most exciting aspects of It: Welcome to Derry is Stephen King’s direct involvement. The legendary author reviewed early scripts, provided feedback, and ultimately gave his blessing for the series to proceed. This not only reassures fans of its authenticity but also promises a deeper exploration of Derry’s mythology—territory the films barely touched.
The 1960s setting is more than window dressing. It allows the narrative to weave together supernatural horror with the social and historical realities of the era. Issues of family, community, and the lingering aftereffects of war are threaded throughout, making the Hanlon family’s journey as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying.
Community Engagement: Building Suspense and Theories
The weekly release format is a deliberate choice, encouraging fans to speculate, debate, and share theories between episodes. Social media buzz is already building, with viewers dissecting trailers, analyzing casting choices, and predicting how Pennywise’s origins will be revealed. As the season unfolds, expect online communities to light up with discussion, keeping the series at the heart of horror fandom throughout the fall.
Will Welcome to Derry Capture the Magic?
It’s not easy to recapture the eerie atmosphere and emotional stakes of the original films, but early reviews suggest the series is off to a promising start. By returning to Derry’s roots and focusing on new characters, the show opens doors to fresh storytelling. The involvement of King, the return of Skarsgård, and the expanded narrative all suggest this prequel could become a mainstay for horror fans.
For those curious to see if the series lives up to its legacy, the official trailer is available here. With eight episodes ahead, the journey into Derry’s darkness has only just begun.
In assessing It: Welcome to Derry, the creative team’s commitment to honoring Stephen King’s vision and expanding the universe stands out. By blending cinematic quality with television’s episodic suspense, the series promises a fresh, authentic chapter for fans and newcomers alike. Only time will tell if Derry’s secrets can chill viewers as deeply as Pennywise once did.