IT Welcome to Derry – Episodes, Cast, and Where to Watch
Stephen King’s terrifying universe returns with IT: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series that delves into the haunted town decades before the Losers’ Club faced Pennywise. The show premiered on and runs for eight episodes, bringing back Bill Skarsgård as the iconic clown.
What is IT: Welcome to Derry?
Key facts at a glance
- The series is a direct prequel to the 2017 film It, set 27 years earlier.
- It expands on Pennywise’s history and the town’s dark secrets, including the infamous “Black Spot” incident.
- Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise.
- The show airs on HBO in the United States and streams on HBO Max.
- Early IMDb ratings stand at 9.3/10, based on user votes submitted shortly after release.
- Availability is region‑locked: Sky Atlantic and NOW in the United Kingdom, HBO Max in the United States, with other territories still to be announced.
Quick fact table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full title | It – Welcome to Derry |
| Genre | Supernatural horror, drama |
| Developed by | Andy Muschietti (director of the It films) |
| Main cast includes | Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, and others |
| Premiered | October 26, 2025 |
| Total episodes (S1) | 8 |
| Streaming (US) | HBO Max |
| Streaming (UK) | Sky Atlantic & NOW |
| IMDb rating (early) | 9.3/10 |
Some early reports mentioned nine episodes, but confirmed sources list the first season at eight episodes. The discrepancy may reflect alternative cuts or international formats.
How many episodes does IT: Welcome to Derry have?
The first season consists of eight episodes. The series premiered on and aired weekly through .
Episode guide and release dates
- Episode 1 – “The Pilot” — October 26, 2025
- Episode 2 – “The Thing in the Dark” — October 31, 2025
- Episode 3 – “Now You See It” — 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 — December 14, 2025
Title details beyond episode 3 are not fully confirmed in the available sources. A second season has not yet been announced, and renewal will likely depend on viewership and critical reception after the first season concludes.
Episodes were released weekly, so if you want to watch the full season in one go, wait until after December 14, 2025, when the finale becomes available on HBO Max.
Who is in the cast of IT: Welcome to Derry?
The show brings together a mix of established actors and newer faces, with several characters connected to Stephen King’s broader mythology.
Main cast and characters
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
- Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
- Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
- James Remar as General Francis Shaw / General Shaw
- Stephen Rider as Hank Grogan
- Matilda Lawler as Marge Truman
- Amanda Christine as Ronnie Grogan
- Clara Stack as Lilly Bainbridge
- Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon
- Arian Cartaya (Arian S. Cartaya) as Rich Santos
- Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann
- Madeleine Stowe as Ingrid Kersh / Periwinkle
- Peter Outerbridge as Chief Clint Bowers
- Kimberly Guerrero as Rose
- Joshua Odjick as Taniel
- Rudy Mancuso as Captain Paulie Russo
Additional supporting cast
Other roles include Maya McNair as Patty, Hannah Storey as Rhonda, Maya Misaljevic as Elaine, Alixandra Fuchs as Terri Bainbridge, Mikkal Karim‑Fidler as Teddy Uris, and Jack Molloy Legault as Phil Malkin. These characters fill out the town of Derry and its 1960s community.
The presence of characters like Dick Hallorann (a character from King’s The Shining universe) and Ingrid Kersh (connected to the It novel) indicates the series expands beyond the core Hanlon family story.
Where can I watch IT: Welcome to Derry?
Viewing options depend on your region. According to official sources, the series is available on the following platforms:
- United States – HBO (linear channel) and HBO Max (streaming).
- United Kingdom – Sky Atlantic and NOW (formerly Now TV).
Streaming rights for other countries have not yet been fully detailed. Check local listings for availability in Canada, Australia, and elsewhere.
The series is region‑locked. A VPN may not bypass these restrictions legally. Always use authorised services to support the show.
What is the timeline of IT: Welcome to Derry?
The series fits into a larger chronology that includes Stephen King’s novel and the recent film adaptations.
- – Stephen King publishes the novel It.
- – Release of the film It (first chapter).
- – Release of It Chapter Two.
- / – Rumors of a prequel series begin.
- – HBO Max officially orders Welcome to Derry.
- – Series premiere on Sky in the UK and HBO Max in the US.
- – Potential season 2 renewal decision.
What do we know and what remains uncertain about IT: Welcome to Derry?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| IT: Welcome to Derry is a TV series, not a movie. | Exact global release date for all regions. |
| It is a prequel set in the 1960s. | Whether a second season will be renewed (not yet confirmed). |
| The first season has 8 episodes. | Full episode synopses beyond episode 1. |
| Available on Sky in the UK and HBO Max in the US. | Critical consensus (only early IMDb scores available). |
| IMDb rating is 9.3/10 (based on early user votes). | Whether the series will cover entirely new storylines or adapt more of the novel. |
What is the significance of IT: Welcome to Derry in Stephen King’s universe?
The series serves as a bridge between King’s novel and the modern film adaptations, exploring events only hinted at in the movies. It is set in 1962, which aligns with the 27‑year cycle of Pennywise’s returns. The “Black Spot” nightclub fire becomes a key plot point, reflecting real tensions of the Civil Rights era. Produced by the Muschiettis (directors of the It films), the show maintains visual and tonal continuity with the movies. For a deeper look at other films from King’s library, browse our list of Best Stephen King adaptations.
What are the key sources for IT: Welcome to Derry information?
Official details have been confirmed through Warner Bros. Discovery press releases, the show’s page on Sky, and reliable entertainment databases. Below are some primary references:
“The series is a prequel to the It films, expanding the mythology of Derry and Pennywise’s earlier history.”
— Dish.com
“Set in the 1960s, before the formation of the Losers’ Club.”
“The cast includes characters connected to the broader It mythology, such as Dick Hallorann and Ingrid Kersh.”
— Wikipedia
For further reading, consult the Wikipedia – IT: Welcome to Derry page, the IMDb – IT: Welcome to Derry listing, the Rotten Tomatoes – Welcome to Derry page, and the Sky – Watch IT: Welcome to Derry product page. The Stephen King Official Site may also post updates.
Is IT: Welcome to Derry worth watching?
If you enjoyed the It films and want a deeper look into Pennywise’s origins, the series offers a faithful expansion of the lore with strong performances. Early audience scores are remarkably high, though professional reviews are still emerging. The eight‑episode season provides a complete story arc, setting the stage for potential future seasons. For more comparisons, see our It (2017) movie review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IMDb rating for IT: Welcome to Derry?
As of early 2025, the series has a rating of 9.3/10 on IMDb based on early user votes. This may change as more reviews are submitted.
Will there be an IT: Welcome to Derry season 2?
No official announcement has been made. Renewal will likely depend on viewership and critical reception after the first season concludes.
Is IT: Welcome to Derry a movie or a TV series?
It is a TV series. The first season consists of eight episodes.
Who plays Pennywise in Welcome to Derry?
Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise from the 2017 and 2019 films.
When did IT: Welcome to Derry premiere?
The first episode aired on October 26, 2025.
Where can I watch IT: Welcome to Derry in the UK?
It airs on Sky Atlantic and is available to stream on NOW.
How many episodes are in Welcome to Derry season 1?
There are eight episodes in the first season.
What is the setting of IT: Welcome to Derry?
The series takes place in Derry, Maine, during the 1960s, decades before the events of the films.
Is Dick Hallorann in Welcome to Derry?
Yes, Chris Chalk plays Dick Hallorann, a character who also appears in Stephen King’s The Shining.
Will there be more than one season of Welcome to Derry?
That has not been confirmed. It may depend on audience response.
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