Just in time for Halloween, HBO is expanding the universe of “It” with a new prequel series titled **“It: Welcome to Derry.”** The series premieres tonight, October 22, on HBO and the HBO Max streaming service.
**About the Series**
“It: Welcome to Derry” comes from three key creators behind the 2017 “It” film and its 2019 sequel, “It: Chapter Two.” Director Andy Muschietti, who directed both films, returns to helm the first four episodes of this new series. Producer Barbara Muschietti and co-producer Jason Fuchs are also onboard, bringing their expertise to the project.
Set in 1962, the story follows a couple who moves to Derry, Maine, with their son just as a local boy mysteriously disappears. The show continues to explore the origins of the murderous, shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, played once again by Bill Skarsgård, reprising his role from the 2017 and 2019 films.
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### Release Date and Viewing Information
“It: Welcome to Derry” premieres tonight, Sunday, October 22, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. The episode will also be available to stream simultaneously on HBO Max.
If you’re new to HBO Max, subscriptions start at $10.99/month with ads. For an ad-free experience, the price is $18.49/month.
For those interested in more streaming options and savings, HBO Max is included in several Disney+ bundle packages:
– Disney+ Bundle with Hulu and HBO Max (with ads): $19.99/month
– Disney+ Bundle with Hulu and HBO Max (ad-free): $32.99/month
Additionally, Philo offers HBO Max as part of its bundles, with access to over 70 live channels plus HBO Max for $33.00/month after a one-week free trial.
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### Episode Guide
“It: Welcome to Derry” is an eight-episode series, with new episodes airing weekly over the next two months:
– **Episode 1: “The Pilot”** — Nov. 2, 9 p.m. ET
– **Episode 2: “The Thing in the Dark”** — Nov. 9, 9 p.m. ET
– **Episode 3: “Now You See It”** — Nov. 16, 9 p.m. ET
– **Episodes 4–8:** Titles TBA, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET from Nov. 23 through Dec. 21
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### Cast Highlights
– Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
– Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
– Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon
– Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann (a nod to “The Shining”)
– James Remar as General Shaw
– Stephen Rider as Hank
– Madeleine Stowe
– Rudy Mancuso as Captain Pauly Russo
– Clara Stack as Lilly
– Amanda Christine as Ronnie
– Mikkal Karim-Fidler as Teddy
– Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown
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### Timeline and Future Seasons
The series serves as a prequel to the original “It” films, following Pennywise’s eerie 27-year cycle. Season 1 is set in 1962, leading up to the events of “It” in 1989, and “It: Chapter Two” in 2016.
The creators have envisioned a three-season storyline that delves deeper into Derry’s dark history:
– **Season 2:** Set in 1935
– **Season 3:** Set in 1908
Each season will explore different time periods tied to Pennywise’s cyclical terror.
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### Where to Watch “It” and “It: Chapter Two”
Both “It” and “It: Chapter Two” are currently streaming on HBO Max, making it easy to catch up before or after watching the new prequel series.
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Get ready to revisit the chilling town of Derry and uncover the terrifying origins of Pennywise with **“It: Welcome to Derry”**, streaming tonight on HBO and HBO Max.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/entertainment/how-to-watch-pennywise-prequel-it-welcome-to-derry-premiere/
