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As the horror genre continues to evolve, one of the most anticipated launches this
autumn is the prequel series IT: Welcome to Derry, set in the eerie and fascinating
universe of Stephen King’s It. Originally planned for weekly Sunday releases on
HBO and the streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max), the series is designed to
capture the spooky spirit of the Halloween season.
Episode 2, titled “The Thing in the Dark,” is scheduled to premiere on Sunday,
November 2, 2025. The episode is expected to push the story deeper into the
haunting mysteries of Derry, Maine — the cursed town where evil never truly dies.
Release Schedule & Streaming Details
The series premiered in the U.S. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m.
PT on HBO and simultaneously became available on Max. Following the pilot, new
episodes will continue every Sunday until the season finale in mid-December.
Here’s the official schedule:
Episode 1: “The Pilot” — October 26, 2025
Episode 2: “The Thing in the Dark” — November 2, 2025
Episode 3: “Now You See It” — November 9, 2025
Episodes 4–8: Every Sunday from November 16 through December 14, 2025
Internationally, release times may vary depending on local HBO or streaming
partnerships, but most regions will follow a similar weekly release pattern.
Max will remain the exclusive streaming platform for the series in the U.S., with HBO
airing it concurrently.
The Story So Far
IT: Welcome to Derry takes place decades before the events of the It movies, set in
the early 1960s — precisely 1962. The show introduces us to a new set of
characters, focusing primarily on the Hanlon family — Leroy, Charlotte, and their
son Will — who move into Derry, hoping for a new beginning.
But Derry, Maine, is not just another small town. It’s a place haunted by a dark force
that preys on fear, grief, and trauma — a place where history repeats itself every
generation.
The town hides secrets that date back centuries, and in this prequel, we begin to
see how the evil entity known as It began its psychological and physical terror long
before the Losers’ Club ever existed.
Behind the Scenes
The series is developed by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the creative
siblings behind the blockbuster It films, alongside writer and co-showrunner Jason
Fuchs. The Muschiettis are also executive producers, bringing their cinematic
horror expertise to television for the first time.
The cast features:
Jovan Adepo
Taylour Paige
Chris Chalk
James Remar
Stephen Rider
Madeleine Stowe
Rudy Mancuso
Bill Skarsgård reprising his terrifying role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
This blend of new and returning talent ensures both continuity with the films and
fresh storytelling perspectives.
Episode 2: “The Thing in the Dark”
Although full plot details remain under wraps, early teasers and insider
descriptions suggest that Episode 2 will dive deeper into the town’s unsettling
underbelly.
In Episode 1, we witnessed the Hanlons’ arrival in Derry, their initial unease, and
subtle hints that something sinister lurks beneath the town’s surface. Episode 2 will
reportedly focus on growing paranoia, strange noises in the night, and unexplained
disappearances that shake the fragile sense of normalcy the family is trying to
build.
The title “The Thing in the Dark” suggests that shadows — both literal and
metaphorical — will play a central role. Expect the episode to lean into
psychological horror, with more suspense and fewer direct encounters, amplifying
the dread that something unspeakable is waiting just out of sight.
Themes and Symbolism
Like the films and the original novel, Welcome to Derry isn’t just about monsters —
it’s about fear itself. The show explores how terror manifests in different forms:
racial tension, social isolation, and the fear of the unknown.
By setting the story in 1962, the series layers supernatural horror with historical
context — the civil rights movement, social anxiety, and small-town prejudice. The
Hanlons, a Black family in a predominantly white community, face both visible and
invisible threats, creating a horror that feels disturbingly real.
The darkness in Derry is not just Pennywise; it’s the collective denial, hatred, and
trauma that feed the evil entity. The show uses horror as a mirror to reflect human
cruelty and the cyclical nature of fear.
Creative Direction and Cinematic Style
Visually, the show embraces a vintage horror aesthetic — grainy filters, fog-filled
streets, and practical effects reminiscent of early cinema. The Muschiettis wanted
the tone to feel both familiar and unpredictable.
The first episode shocked audiences by subverting expectations: several characters
who appeared to be main protagonists met horrific fates by the end. That bold
move signaled that no one in Derry is safe.
According to the creators, that’s exactly the point. The show’s philosophy is simple:
nothing is sacred.
This unpredictability makes every scene in Episode 2 crucial — any moment could
turn deadly, any character could vanish, and any smile could mask a nightmare.
The Return of Pennywise
Though Episode 1 only hinted at Pennywise’s presence, Episode 2 may bring
audiences closer to the return of the Dancing Clown.
Bill Skarsgård’s performance has already become iconic — blending menace,
charm, and otherworldly energy. However, the creative team has teased that
Pennywise’s reappearance will be gradual, focusing on suspense rather than
spectacle.
As Andy Muschietti explained in interviews, “The idea is to make the audience wait
for Pennywise — to let the fear grow in their imagination before he actually
appears.”
When he does appear, expect it to be both shocking and emotionally devastating.
Expanding the “It” Universe
One of the most exciting things about Welcome to Derry is how it expands the
mythology of It.
In the book, Derry’s evil resurfaces every 27 years. The series gives us a look at one
of those earlier cycles — an era before anyone truly understood what was
happening. It hints that the curse of Derry has always been there, woven into the
town’s foundations.
By showing new characters and stories, the series builds upon Stephen King’s lore
without simply rehashing the events of the films. We’re learning more about the
origins of fear, the connection between belief and reality, and the idea that evil
exists because people allow it to.
What to Expect Next
As the season progresses, here are some things to look out for:
Hidden Clues and References – Long-time King fans will notice subtle nods to both
the novel and films.
Psychological Depth – Expect complex emotional arcs, exploring grief, guilt, and
inherited trauma.
Moral Ambiguity – Some characters may blur the line between good and evil,
reflecting Derry’s twisted nature.
Social Commentary – Horror is used as a lens to examine prejudice, denial, and
community complicity.
Escalating Fear – Each episode is likely to intensify, culminating in the mid-season
reveal of Pennywise’s full return.
Why Fans Are Excited
There’s a reason Welcome to Derry is already being called one of HBO’s boldest
horror projects in years. It combines:
The cinematic feel of the It films
Deep emotional storytelling
A haunting new mystery
And the return of one of horror’s greatest icons
By blending nostalgia with innovation, the series captures what made It so
terrifying while giving viewers something entirely new to fear.
Final Thoughts
IT: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be more than just a prequel — it’s a full
reimagining of how fear is born, spread, and reborn. Episode 2 will be the true test
of that promise, pushing characters and audiences alike into darker, more
dangerous territory.
Whether you’re watching for the scares, the story, or the psychology, this is one
show that demands attention. The shadows of Derry are long, and the monsters
hiding in them are patient.
So as Halloween fades and November begins, remember one thing:
In Derry, nothing stays buried forever.
