Horror fans, the wait is finally over! IT: Welcome to Derry premieres on October 26, 2025, bringing Stephen King’s terrifying universe back to screens. This prequel series dives deep into the origins of Pennywise and the dark secrets lurking in Derry, Maine. Here’s everything you need to know about the episode count, release schedule, and where to watch.
IT: Welcome to Derry Episode Count and Release Schedule
| Episode | Release Date | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 26, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 2 | November 2, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 3 | November 9, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 4 | November 16, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 5 | November 23, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 6 | November 30, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 7 | December 7, 2025 | HBO Max |
| Episode 8 (Finale) | December 14, 2025 | HBO Max |
IT: Welcome to Derry season 1 consists of 8 episodes releasing weekly every Sunday on HBO Max. The weekly release format builds anticipation and allows fans to theorize between episodes—perfect for a horror series steeped in mystery.
What’s the Story About?
Set in 1962, IT: Welcome to Derry follows the Hanlon family as they arrive in the seemingly peaceful town of Derry, Maine. Leroy Hanlon’s military service brings his family to this quaint location where they hope to build a simple, happy life.
But beneath Derry’s charming exterior lies something sinister. Mysterious disappearances and missing children hint at a dark force terrorizing the town—the beginning of Pennywise the Dancing Clown’s reign of terror.
The series explores how this malevolent entity came to be and the events that shaped Derry’s horrifying history before the Losers’ Club ever formed. For more on Stephen King adaptations and horror series analysis, this prequel promises to answer questions fans have had since the movies premiered.
Connection to IT Movies
IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a direct prequel to the critically acclaimed films IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019). The series expands on filmmaker Andy Muschietti’s vision, exploring the cyclical nature of evil in Derry and providing context for events referenced in the movies.
The official logline states: “Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is based on King’s ‘IT’ novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films.”
Expect callbacks, Easter eggs, and origin stories that enhance your appreciation of the films while standing as its own terrifying narrative.
Where to Watch IT: Welcome to Derry
HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home for IT: Welcome to Derry. New episodes drop every Sunday, allowing you to make horror viewing part of your weekly routine.
HBO Max Subscription Options
| Plan Type | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (With Ads) | $10.99 | $109.99 | Standard quality, limited ads |
| Standard (Ad-Free) | $18.49 | $184.99 | HD quality, no ads |
| Premium | $22.99 | $229.99 | 4K quality, ad-free, downloads |
The basic plan offers affordable access, while premium subscribers enjoy the best viewing experience with 4K quality—ideal for appreciating the show’s cinematography and visual horror elements.
Why This Series Matters
Stephen King’s IT has captivated audiences for decades through novels, miniseries, and blockbuster films. This prequel series represents HBO Max’s commitment to prestige horror, combining King’s storytelling mastery with high production values.
The 1962 setting provides a fresh perspective, exploring Derry before the familiar characters we know. Understanding Pennywise’s origins and the town’s dark history adds layers to the entire IT mythology. For the latest TV series reviews and horror content, Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated shows.
What to Expect From the Series
- Origin Story: Discover how Pennywise became the terror of Derry
- Historical Context: Experience 1960s Maine with period-accurate details
- Family Drama: Follow the Hanlon family’s struggles against supernatural evil
- Mystery Elements: Unravel the disappearances plaguing the town
- Horror Atmosphere: Expect the psychological terror King is famous for
Making the Most of Weekly Releases
The Sunday night release schedule creates an event viewing experience. Consider:
- Watching with friends for shared scares
- Joining online discussions between episodes
- Revisiting the IT films during the wait
- Reading Stephen King’s original novel for deeper context
FAQs
Q: How many episodes are in IT: Welcome to Derry season 1?
A: IT: Welcome to Derry season 1 has 8 episodes in total. The series premieres on October 26, 2025, on HBO Max, with new episodes releasing every Sunday until the finale on December 14, 2025. This weekly release format allows time for fan discussion and theory-building between episodes.
Q: Where can I watch IT: Welcome to Derry?
A: IT: Welcome to Derry streams exclusively on HBO Max (now called Max). Subscription plans start at $10.99/month for the basic plan with ads, $18.49/month for standard ad-free viewing, or $22.99/month for premium 4K quality streaming. All episodes release on Sundays at the same time across all regions.
