Few Stephen King adaptations have left as deep a mark as the 2017 It film, and now the world of Derry is getting a prequel series. It: Welcome to Derry lands on HBO Max in October 2025, taking viewers back to 1962 to explore the town’s darker history with a new family at the centre.

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Based on: Stephen King’s novel It (1986) ·
Network: HBO Max ·
Premiere date: October 2025 ·
Setting: Derry, Maine, 1962 ·
Lead actor: Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Premieres 26 October 2025 on HBO Max (Radio Times)
  • Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise (Sky)
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • Series announced March 2023; filming began 2024; teaser released 2025 (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Weekly episodes on HBO Max; UK on Sky Atlantic/NOW from 27 October (Sky)

Six key facts, one pattern: the series is built on a foundation of returning talent and classic King lore, but many details remain under wraps until closer to air.

The key facts table below summarizes the core details.

Label Value
Based on Stephen King’s novel It (1986)
Network HBO Max
Premiere date October 2025
Setting Derry, Maine, 1962
Lead actor Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise
Number of episodes TBD

Is Welcome to Derry actually coming out?

Yes, It: Welcome to Derry is locked for an October 2025 release. The US premiere is set for 26 October 2025 on HBO Max, with a UK debut one day later on 27 October 2025 via Sky Atlantic and NOW, according to Radio Times (UK TV listings authority).

Confirmed release date

Streaming platform details

In the US, the series is an HBO Max original. In the UK, Sky has distribution rights, meaning viewers will need a Sky subscription or a NOW streaming pass. No other UK platforms have been announced.

Episode release schedule

Unlike many streaming series that drop all episodes at once, Welcome to Derry will air weekly. Sky’s schedule lists Episode 1 on 27 October and the finale (Episode 8) on 14 December 2025, per Sky’s official release page.

The catch

Weekly releases mean fans in the UK have to wait a full day after the US and then endure a two-month rollout — a trade-off for anyone hoping to binge.

The implication: patience will be required for UK viewers who want to avoid spoilers.

Is there a Welcome to Derry season 2?

As of October 2025, HBO has not officially ordered a second season. Newsweek (US news outlet) reports that no cast members for a potential season 2 have been disclosed, and Sky’s site states “no confirmed season two news” at the time of writing.

Current season status

  • Only season 1 is confirmed to premiere in October 2025.
  • No renewal announcement from HBO.

Filming updates

Filming for season 1 reportedly began in 2024. There are no reports of filming for a second season.

Renewal likelihood

Given the success of the It films (over $1.1 billion combined worldwide), a renewal is plausible, but nothing is official. The pattern: HBO typically waits to see viewership data before greenlighting additional seasons.

What to watch

If the series performs well in its first month, an announcement could come before the finale airs in December 2025.

The pattern suggests HBO will decide based on early ratings.

Where can I watch IT: Welcome to Derry UK?

UK viewers have two main options: Sky Atlantic (linear TV) or NOW (streaming). The series will not be available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ at launch, per Radio Times.

Streaming availability in the UK

  • Sky Atlantic: weekly episodes from 27 October 2025 (Sky)
  • NOW: same day streaming with a NOW Entertainment membership.

Alternative platforms

No other UK streaming services have been confirmed. If you’re outside the UK, check local HBO Max distribution partners.

Release date for UK viewers

27 October 2025 at 2:00am GMT — one day after the US premiere.

The catch: UK viewers must subscribe to Sky or NOW to watch legally.

Is Welcome to Derry worth watching?

Early indicators are strong. The involvement of director Andy Muschietti, who helmed the 2017 and 2019 It films, signals a consistent creative vision. The teaser, released in early 2025, generated positive buzz among horror fans, according to Wikipedia (franchise overview).

Critical reception and early buzz

  • No reviews yet, but the teaser’s atmosphere and Skarsgård’s return have been praised.
  • The series expands the mythology beyond the films, focusing on the 1960s and a new family.

Comparison to the It films

If you enjoyed the 2017 It for its mix of childhood camaraderie and supernatural dread, the prequel promises more of the same — but with a different era and new characters. The absence of the Losers’ Club means the emotional core shifts to a family unit.

Target audience

  • Horror fans who love Stephen King.
  • Viewers who want to see Pennywise in a new light.
  • Anyone curious about Derry’s backstory.
The upshot

For existing It fans, Welcome to Derry is a must-watch. For newcomers, it’s a standalone entry point — but you’ll get more out of it if you’ve seen the films.

The implication: Bill Skarsgård’s return makes this essential viewing for horror fans.

Is It necessary to watch It 2 before Welcome to Derry?

No — Welcome to Derry is a prequel set in 1962, decades before the events of It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). You can watch it without any prior knowledge.

Viewing order recommendations

  • Watch Welcome to Derry first if you want to experience the timeline chronologically.
  • Or watch the 2017 It first for context on Pennywise’s later appearances.

Connections to the films

The prequel features a young Dick Hallorann (played by Chris Chalk), a character from The Shining and Doctor Sleep, tying the King universe together. It also introduces the Hanlon family, whose name appears in the 2017 film.

Spoiler considerations

Watching It Chapter Two might reveal aspects of Pennywise’s origins, but it’s not required. The prequel stands on its own.

The pattern: the series is designed to be accessible to newcomers while rewarding fans.

Pros/Cons

Upsides

  • Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise is a huge draw.
  • Andy Muschietti’s direction ensures visual consistency.
  • Expands the King lore with new characters and a 1960s setting.
  • Weekly release builds anticipation.

Downsides

  • No season 2 confirmed – could end on a cliffhanger.
  • UK release is a day later and requires Sky/NOW subscription.
  • Hardcore fans already know the story of Pennywise – limited surprises.

Timeline of Welcome to Derry

  • March 2023 — Series announced by HBO Max (Wikipedia)
  • 2024 — Filming reportedly begins
  • 2025 — Official teaser released
  • 26 October 2025 — US premiere on HBO Max
  • 27 October 2025 — UK premiere on Sky Atlantic/NOW
  • 14 December 2025 — Finale (Episode 8) airs (Sky)

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Premiere date: 26 October 2025 (US), 27 October 2025 (UK) (Radio Times)
  • Streaming on HBO Max in US; Sky Atlantic/NOW in UK (Sky)
  • Bill Skarsgård reprises Pennywise (Sky)
  • Prequel to It (2017) and It Chapter Two (Wikipedia)
  • Cast includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar (Sky)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of episodes (assuming 8 based on Sky schedule, but not officially confirmed)
  • Whether season 2 will be ordered (Newsweek)
  • Full plot details beyond the 1962 setting
  • UK streaming platform details beyond Sky/NOW

Quotes from the creators

“You’ll love Derry so much, you’ll never leave.”

— Official teaser tagline, HBO Max

“It – Welcome to Derry is an American supernatural horror television series based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel It.”

— Wikipedia entry, Wikipedia

Summary

For horror fans and Stephen King devotees, It: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be the most anticipated TV event of autumn 2025. The week‑by‑week release schedule demands patience, but the promise of a deeper, darker Derry—anchored by Bill Skarsgård’s unforgettable Pennywise—makes the wait worthwhile. For UK viewers, the choice is clear: grab a Sky or NOW subscription by 27 October, or risk falling behind the conversation. Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise ensures the series carries the same menace that made the films a phenomenon.

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, stephenking.fandom.com, northbrief.net, hollywoodlife.com, thetvdb.com, briefingroom.uk, reddit.com, rottentomatoes.com

For a comprehensive overview of the series, check out this IT: Welcome to Derry guide that covers everything from the cast to streaming options.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the rating of Welcome to Derry?

Not yet rated, but likely TV-MA for horror violence and language, similar to the films.

Who plays the young boy who disappears?

That character has not been named in official materials. The cast includes Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon, a young boy, per Sky.

Is Welcome to Derry connected to the 1990 miniseries?

No, it is a direct prequel to the 2017 and 2019 films, not the 1990 TV miniseries.

How many seasons are planned?

Only season 1 is confirmed. No official plans for additional seasons have been announced.

Will there be a theatrical release?

No, it is a streaming series on HBO Max and Sky/NOW.

Does Welcome to Derry require knowledge of the books?

No, the series is designed to be accessible to new viewers, though book fans will spot Easter eggs.

Is the series suitable for young viewers?

Given the horror content, it is likely not suitable for children under 17. Expect graphic violence and disturbing imagery.

Do I need to watch It 2 before Welcome to Derry?

No, the prequel is set before the events of the first film, so you can watch it standalone.

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