Horror fans, get ready to return to the cursed town of Derry, Maine, because Welcome to Derry — the chilling prequel to IT and IT: Chapter Two — is finally here. With Bill Skarsgård reprising his haunting role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the series promises to delve deeper into the origins of the terror that has haunted generations.
Created by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the visionary filmmakers behind the IT movies, this HBO series expands Stephen King’s iconic universe with an all-new story, new victims, and the same bone-chilling horror.
Here’s everything you need to know about Welcome to Derry Episode 1 — including its release date, schedule, runtime, and how to watch.
Welcome to Derry Episode 1 Release Date
The premiere episode of Welcome to Derry airs on Sunday, October 26, 2025, on HBO and Max.
The eight-episode horror series will follow a weekly release schedule, dropping new episodes every Sunday through December 14, 2025. The first episode marks the official start of this new chapter in Stephen King’s terrifying world, setting the tone for what’s to come.
Complete Episode Release Schedule:
- 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
Each episode will reportedly run for around one hour, though the exact runtime of the premiere has not yet been confirmed.
Welcome to Derry Episode 1 – Release Time
The first episode will premiere on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET/PT on October 26, 2025.
For international viewers, here’s when Welcome to Derry Episode 1 will be available to stream on Max across time zones:
- Brazil (BRT): 1:00 a.m. (Oct 27)
- UK (BST): 4:00 a.m. (Oct 27)
- Europe (CEST): 5:00 a.m. (Oct 27)
- India (IST): 9:30 a.m. (Oct 27)
- Japan (JST): 1:00 p.m. (Oct 27)
- Australia (AET): 3:00 p.m. (Oct 27)
- New Zealand (NZDT): 5:00 p.m. (Oct 27)
How to Watch Welcome to Derry Episode 1
Fans in the United States can watch the premiere live on HBO or stream it on Max starting October 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
To access Welcome to Derry on Max, you’ll need a subscription. Here are the current pricing options:
- With Ads: $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually
- Ad-Free: $16.99 per month or $169.99 annually
The show will also be available on select international streaming platforms where HBO content airs, depending on regional availability.
The Cast of Welcome to Derry
Welcome to Derry features a thrilling new ensemble cast led by both returning and fresh faces, including:
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
- Jovan Adepo
- Taylour Paige
- Chris Chalk
- James Remar
- Stephen Rider
- Madeleine Stowe
- Rudy Mancuso
The series reunites Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed and produced the IT films, ensuring a seamless continuation of the visual and emotional tone that made the movies horror sensations.
What to Expect from Welcome to Derry Episode 1
While the official synopsis for Episode 1 remains under wraps, the series promises to explore the origins of Pennywise and the dark history of Derry — long before the Losers’ Club first faced the monster.
View this post on Instagram
According to HBO, “Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, Welcome to Derry is based on King’s novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT Chapter Two.”
Expect chilling new characters, haunting secrets buried deep within the town’s past, and the unsettling realization that the evil lurking beneath Derry has been waiting for generations.
Early teasers hint at a creeping psychological horror tone, combined with the nightmarish visual style that defined the IT films.
Why Welcome to Derry Is One of 2025’s Most Anticipated Series
Fans have been eagerly awaiting this prequel ever since it was first teased in 2023. With the Muschiettis returning to expand Stephen King’s universe, Welcome to Derry offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and terror.
The return of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is one of the show’s biggest draws — his eerie, unforgettable portrayal of the killer clown in the IT films redefined horror for a new generation. The show promises to dive deeper into how Pennywise came to be, making it a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
FAQs
1. When does Welcome to Derry Episode 1 premiere?
Welcome to Derry Episode 1 premieres on October 26, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.
2. How many episodes are in the season?
Season 1 consists of eight episodes, airing weekly until December 14, 2025.
3. Where can I watch the series?
The series will air on HBO and stream exclusively on Max.
4. Who stars in Welcome to Derry?
The cast includes Bill Skarsgård, Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, Madeleine Stowe, and more.
5. Is Welcome to Derry a prequel to IT?
Yes. The series serves as a prequel to IT and IT: Chapter Two, exploring the origins of Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry.
Final Thoughts
With its dark atmosphere, stellar cast, and the terrifying return of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise, Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of HBO’s biggest horror releases of the year.
Mark your calendars for October 26, 2025, and prepare to revisit the town where nightmares never end.
Stay tuned to TrendingNewsBuzz.com for the latest updates, episode recaps, and exclusive insights on Welcome to Derry and other upcoming HBO originals.
