Welcome to Derry Episode 1 Release Date, Schedule, and How to Watch

The terrifying prequel to Stephen King’s IT is finally arriving. Welcome to Derry premieres this October on HBO and Max.

Bill Skarsgård returns as the nightmare-inducing Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The series explores the ancient evil that plagued the town of Derry long before the Losers’ Club.

Official Premiere Date and Episode Schedule

Welcome to Derry Episode 1 will debut on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The series will be available on HBO and the streaming platform Max.

New episodes will be released weekly. The first season will run for eight episodes total, concluding in mid-December.

Complete Episode Release Calendar

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: December 14, 2025

Each episode is expected to have an approximate runtime of one hour. This aligns with the cinematic feel of the original films.

Where and How to Stream the Series

Viewers in the United States have two main options for watching. The show will air live on the HBO cable channel at its scheduled time.

It will also be available to stream on Max simultaneously. Subscribers can watch it on demand shortly after it premieres.

According to Warner Bros. discovery, a Max subscription is required for streaming. The service offers several pricing tiers to suit different viewers.

International audiences can access the series through their local HBO affiliates. This includes platforms like Sky in the UK and Crave in Canada.

The Creative Team and Cast Behind the Horror

Andy Muschietti, who directed the two IT films, is the creative force behind the series. He developed the project with his sister and producing partner, Barbara Muschietti.

Their involvement ensures a consistent tone with the beloved movies. The show is based on Stephen King’s novel and its rich mythology.

Bill Skarsgård’s return is a major draw for fans. He will be joined by a talented new ensemble cast.

This includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, and Chris Chalk. Their characters will face the primordial terror of Pennywise in 1960s Derry.

What Welcome to Derry Adds to the IT Universe

The series aims to delve deep into the town’s cursed history. It will explore events that set the stage for the movies’ narrative.

This provides a fresh perspective on the enduring horror. Fans will see new victims and untold stories.

The show is not a direct adaptation of a specific book section. Instead, it expands the universe with an original story approved by Stephen King.

This approach allows for new scares and surprises. It builds upon the foundation of the source material.

Welcome to Derry Episode 1 is poised to be a major television event for horror enthusiasts. Its release date marks the beginning of a new chapter in a beloved franchise.

Info at your fingertips

What time does Welcome to Derry Episode 1 come out?

The episode premieres at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on October 26. It will be available simultaneously on HBO and for streaming on Max.

How many episodes are in Welcome to Derry?

The first season consists of eight episodes. They will be released one per week following the premiere.

Is Stephen King involved in the series?

Stephen King is serving as an executive producer. He has provided guidance on the story, which expands his original novel’s world.

Do I need to see the IT movies first?

While the series is a prequel, watching the films provides valuable context. New viewers can still enjoy it as a standalone horror story.

Will the Losers’ Club appear in the show?

The series is set decades before the events of the films. The focus is on new characters and the early history of Pennywise.

Trusted Sources

Warner Bros., HBO, Stephen King, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter