Welcome to Derry, the chilling narrative from Stephen King’s iconic universe, continues its expansion with the highly anticipated third episode of IT: Welcome to Derry premiering this Sunday, November 9, 2025. Viewers eager to delve deeper into the Pennywise origin story can catch the new episode of this new horror series on HBO and stream it simultaneously on HBO Max, with the broadcast and streaming scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This is a pivotal moment for the IT prequel series, offering a true HBO Max horror event.
This new installment arrives as part of a consistent weekly release schedule, with new episodes dropping every Sunday through December 14, 2025, promising a sustained descent into the Derry Maine terror. The series, which serves as a prequel to the blockbuster movie adaptations IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019), has already made a significant impact, drawing 5.7 million viewers in its first three days and becoming the third-biggest series debut in HBO Max history. This performance firmly positions IT: Welcome to Derry as a trending topic in streaming television.
Unraveling Derry’s Dark Past: A Welcome to Derry Prelude
Set in 1962, decades before the events of the movie franchise, IT: Welcome to Derry meticulously explores the nascent stages of Pennywise’s terror and the deep-seated malevolence that infects the town of Derry. The series aims to unpack the Pennywise origin story and the historical context that allows such evil to fester for generations. The initial episodes have already laid the groundwork, introducing characters and mysteries that hint at the town’s cursed history and its connection to the supernatural entity. Episode 3, titled “Now You See It,” is expected to escalate the tension and reveal more about the cyclical nature of the horror that plagues Derry, further enhancing the Welcome to Derry episode experience.
The Creative Force Behind the Terror in Welcome to Derry
The ambitious expansion of Stephen King’s universe is spearheaded by a formidable creative team, with Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs—all instrumental in the previous movie productions—serving as executive producers. Andy Muschietti, who directed the acclaimed movie adaptations, has also directed multiple episodes of the series, including the pilot, ensuring a cohesive vision that honors King’s original work while forging a new path. Bill Skarsgård Pennywise reprises his iconic role as Pennywise, lending his chilling performance to the creature’s origin story and executive producing the series. The ensemble cast features talents such as Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Madeleine Stowe, bringing the terrifying narrative of Welcome to Derry to life.
A Resounding Debut in the Streaming Landscape: Welcome to Derry Shines
The strong viewership for the premiere episode underscores the enduring appeal of the IT franchise and the successful integration of the series into the current streaming market. The show’s ability to captivate a massive audience speaks to its quality as both a faithful adaptation and a compelling new television news story. By delving into the character’s origins and the town’s history, IT: Welcome to Derry taps into a primal fear, making it a standout release in the crowded TV landscape. The critical reception has been largely positive, with some reviewers noting its effectiveness in delivering scares and expanding the mythology in satisfying ways, especially when exploring the Bill Skarsgård Pennywise legacy within the Stephen King universe.
As IT: Welcome to Derry progresses into its third episode, audiences can anticipate a deeper exploration of Pennywise’s ancient origins and the sinister forces that have shaped Derry into a town perpetually living under a shadow. The news of this new chapter’s release is a significant event for horror fans worldwide, marking another successful venture in bringing Stephen King’s legendary tales to the small screen, solidifying its place within the broader Stephen King universe. This is a must-watch for fans of the IT prequel series, a true Welcome to Derry continuation.
