The highly anticipated prequel to the popular horror films is finally on its way. The series It: Welcome to Derry takes us back to the chilling town of Derry, Maine — and promises new horrors, new backstory, and a fresh take on the villainous clown we all fear.
In this article, we explore the Welcome to Derry release date, the story, the cast, the creators, and everything horror lovers need to know before its big debut.
What Is It: Welcome to Derry?
It: Welcome to Derry is a television series developed as a prequel to the blockbuster horror films It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). The show dives deep into the dark history of the town of Derry, Maine — the home of the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Instead of simply repeating the events of the movies, the series explores what came before — the origin of the evil that haunts the town and the twisted secrets buried beneath its streets. It opens a new chapter for fans who crave something more than traditional horror.
Welcome to Derry Release Date-When Is It Coming Out?
The official Welcome to Derry release date is October 26, 2025. The show will premiere in the United States on HBO and stream on Max (formerly HBO Max).
For audiences in the UK, Canada, and other regions, the release will roll out the same week — perfectly timed for the Halloween season. In India and select countries, it will also be available digitally on leading streaming platforms around the same time.
The series will debut with one full-length episode, followed by weekly releases. Horror fans can look forward to new chills every weekend leading up to Halloween.
So mark your calendar — October 26, 2025 is when Derry opens its doors again.
Setting and Story: What Happens in the Series?
The Time and Place
The show is set in 1962-nearly 27 years before the events of It (2017). This timeline gives the creators a chance to explore the mysterious history hinted at in both Stephen King’s novel and the earlier films.
The Story
A new family moves into Derry, hoping for a fresh start. But their arrival coincides with strange disappearances and supernatural events. Children go missing, people act strangely, and whispers of an ancient evil begin to surface.
A small group of locals begins to uncover dark secrets that connect generations of fear — all leading back to the same inhuman entity that has haunted Derry for centuries.
Themes
The series doesn’t just rely on scares. It delves into deeper ideas — fear as a weapon, the darkness that lives within communities, and how the past always returns. It also weaves in social commentary, exploring prejudice and human cruelty alongside supernatural terror.
The Cast and Creative Team
Main Cast
- Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, reprising the terrifying role that made him a horror icon.
- Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo play Charlotte and Leroy Hanlon, members of a family at the heart of the story.
- Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Madeleine Stowe appear in key supporting roles.
Behind the Camera
The series is produced by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the creative duo behind the It movies.
Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serve as showrunners, ensuring that the tone stays true to the original films while expanding the mythology in exciting new directions.
This combination of talent ensures that Welcome to Derry remains faithful to Stephen King’s vision while introducing new layers of storytelling.
Why the Welcome to Derry Release Date Matters
For Long-Time Fans
If you loved the It films or Stephen King’s novel, this prequel is your chance to see how the nightmare began. It connects the dots between Derry’s eerie past and the events that terrified audiences in the previous movies.
For New Viewers
Even if you’ve never read the book or seen the films, Welcome to Derry works as a stand-alone horror story. It’s designed to introduce new characters, new mysteries, and new ways to experience fear -without needing prior knowledge.
The Perfect Halloween Timing
Launching just days before Halloween makes this one of the most perfectly timed horror releases of the decade. October 26, 2025 isn’t just a release date — it’s an invitation to a nightmare.
What to Expect: Style, Tone, and Atmosphere
The creators have promised a mix of psychological horror and supernatural tension. Expect eerie visuals — foggy streets, flickering lights, mysterious voices — and a growing sense of dread that builds episode by episode.
The storytelling will blend human emotion with cosmic horror. It’s not just about jump scares; it’s about exploring what makes people afraid, and how fear spreads through generations.
The tone is darker, more mysterious, and more emotional than the films — designed to pull viewers deep into Derry’s twisted history.
Global Streaming Details
- United States: Premiering on HBO and streaming on Max from October 26, 2025.
- United Kingdom: Expected on Sky Atlantic and Now TV around the same week.
- India & Asia: Digital streaming release on major OTT platforms shortly after the US premiere.
- Other Regions: Dates may vary slightly, but all within the last week of October 2025.
How It Fits into the “It” Universe
Stephen King’s It introduced readers to a world where an ancient creature awakens every 27 years to feed on fear. The films adapted the story for a new generation but left large portions of Derry’s past untold.
Welcome to Derry fills that gap. It explores the town’s first encounters with the creature and explains how Pennywise’s influence shaped generations.
According to early reports, the series could be planned as a trilogy of seasons, each exploring a different era in Derry’s dark history — from the 1960s all the way back to the early 1900s.
Why Horror Fans Shouldn’t Miss It
- Expands the Story – It dives into new lore and unanswered questions from the films.
- Strong Creative Team – The same directors and producers who made the It movies successful are behind this project.
- Perfect Release Window – Launching before Halloween ensures maximum buzz among horror fans.
- New Perspective – The show blends classic supernatural horror with real-world social tension and emotional storytelling.
- Global Appeal – With simultaneous releases across multiple countries, Welcome to Derry is set to be a worldwide event.
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Conclusion: Countdown to the Welcome to Derry Release Date
It: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of the most exciting horror shows in recent years. Combining the disturbing atmosphere of Stephen King’s universe with deep emotional storytelling, it’s a prequel that promises both fear and fascination.
The Welcome to Derry release date-October 26, 2025 — is not just another date on the calendar; it’s the day horror returns home. So prepare your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to revisit the most terrifying town in fiction.
Because in Derry, the past never dies – it waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Welcome to Derry release date?
The show premieres on October 26, 2025.
Where can I watch it?
In the US on HBO and Max; in the UK on Sky and Now TV; and on digital platforms in other countries.
How many episodes are in Season 1?
Season 1 will feature nine episodes released weekly.
Do I need to watch the previous It films?
No, but watching them adds extra depth to the story. Welcome to Derry stands on its own as a complete narrative.
Will Pennywise appear in this show?
Yes-Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, exploring his earliest manifestations and the origins of his evil.
