“It: Welcome to Derry” is a prequel series to the IT films, offering a fresh look at Pennywise’s ominous origins, anchored by a talented cast and immersive storytelling. It premiered on October 26, 2025, on HBO, bringing new characters, chilling visuals, and a layered depiction of Derry’s history.
Premise & Structure
The show takes place in 1962, long before the events of IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019). It follows an African American couple—the Hanlons—as they move to Derry, Maine, shortly after a child disappears, only to discover their new home harbors deep, supernatural darkness.
What’s intriguing is the creators’ ambitious structure: three seasons each set in a different era—1962, 1935, then 1908—rooted in interludes from Stephen King’s novel where Mike Hanlon uncovers Derry’s bloody past.
Principal Cast & Characters
The show’s ensemble amplifies both character depth and horror dynamics:
- Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, also known in the narrative as Bob Gray—offering both terrifying presence and executive production weight.
- Taylour Paige plays Charlotte Hanlon, an activist and matriarch determined to protect her family.
- Jovan Adepo portrays Leroy Hanlon, a USAF major and Mike Hanlon’s grandfather.
- Supporting cast includes:
- Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, familiar from The Shining universe.
- James Remar
- Stephen Rider
- Madeleine Stowe
- Rudy Mancuso
- Among the youth:
- Miles Ekhardt as Matty Clements, the missing boy whose disappearance sparks the series.
- Clara Stack as Lilly Bainbridge, known for vivid and disturbing visions.
Production & Release
Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs (who also serves as showrunner alongside Brad Caleb Kane), the series blends cinematic direction with credible horror storytelling.
The pilot was filmed amid challenges like the SAG-AFTRA strike but wrapped by August 2024.
HBO dropped the teaser in May 2025, followed by full trailers and Comic-Con appearances. The series began airing on October 26, 2025, releasing episodes weekly.
Reception & Metrics
Critics largely praised the first season for its production values, direction, and performances (especially from Skarsgård, Chalk, Stack), though some pointed to weaker visual effects or pacing issues. The Guardian called certain scenes “horrifying,” while others noted the adult storyline is stronger than the kids’.
The show drew impressive viewership—5.7 million in three days, peaking at 6.5 million for the finale, making it among HBO’s most-watched premieres.
Looking Ahead: Season 2 Update
Though not officially greenlit, HBO boss Casey Bloys assured fans recently that a second season is actively being developed. It will explore the Bradley Gang Massacre, a historical event referenced in King’s novel. Season 2 could introduce both new characters and younger versions of series favorites like Rose and Ingrid.
Expert Insight
“This prequel will expand the It storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”
That’s how HBO framed the series—and they delivered on that promise, pushing into Derry’s haunted early 20th century roots with both narrative richness and cinematic horror.
Summary of Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|——–|———|
| Release | October 26, 2025 on HBO/HBO Max |
| Seasons Planned | 3 (1962, 1935, 1908) |
| Star Cast | Bill Skarsgård, Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, etc. |
| Story Premise | 1962, Hanlon family in Derry faces supernatural horrors. |
| Reception | Mixed to positive; strong audience numbers |
| Season 2 Status | Actively developing; not yet greenlit |
Conclusion
It: Welcome to Derry proves itself as a thoughtful, well-cast prequel that digs into Pennywise’s origins while layering real-world context and history. It balances horror, racial and social themes, and cinematic tension in a way few franchises dare. With three seasons planned and a second season under development, the series promises to deepen Derry’s mythology even further. There’s plenty more dread—and storytelling—to come.
FAQs
When did It: Welcome to Derry premiere?
The series debuted on October 26, 2025 on HBO and streamed weekly thereafter.
Who leads the cast and returns as Pennywise?
Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise. The lead cast includes Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo as Charlotte and Leroy Hanlon.
How many episodes are in season one?
Season 1 contains eight episodes, released weekly from October 26 to December 14, 2025.
How many seasons are planned?
The creators have mapped out three seasons, set in 1962, 1935, and 1908 respectively.
Is season two confirmed?
Not officially greenlit yet, but HBO confirmed it’s in active development, focusing on the Bradley Gang Massacre storyline.
How was the show received?
Reception skews positive—solid reviews for performances and atmosphere, though some criticized pacing or effects. It logged strong viewer numbers, topping 6 million by season’s end.
