The sewers of Derry, Maine, are bubbling with anticipation as HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry finally premieres, promising a chilling return to Stephen King’s most infamous town. But does this prequel series deliver the scares fans crave, or is it just another clown show? Here’s everything you need to know about the horror event of the year.
A Sinister New Chapter in King’s Universe
IT: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, decades before the events of the 2017 and 2019
IT films. The story follows Leroy Hanlon—grandfather to Losers Club member Mike Hanlon—who moves to Derry with his family, only to discover the town’s dark secret: an ancient evil that preys on children, often in the guise of the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The show doesn’t just rehash old scares. It introduces a new cast of characters, including a group of students who find themselves entangled in Derry’s nightmare, and even brings in familiar faces from King’s wider universe, like Dick Halloran from
The Shining.
Critics React: Monster Mash or Missed Opportunity?
Early reviews are pouring in, and the consensus is as split as a cracked red balloon. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently sits at a solid
78% Fresh, with many critics praising its relentless horror and creative monster designs.
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GamesRadar+ highlights the show’s “brutal and unflinching” scares, noting that the horror is even more intense than in the films. The series leans into Pennywise’s shape-shifting abilities, serving up a parade of grotesque forms—from a winged digital baby to a nightmarish Uncle Sam.
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SlashFilm calls it a “total monster mash,” commending the show’s commitment to inventive ghouls and its willingness to embrace the spookhouse spirit of King’s novel.
- However, not everyone is impressed.
IndieWire’s Ben Travers criticizes the series for falling into prequel pitfalls, arguing that it relies too heavily on fan service and fails to stand on its own. Travers laments that the show’s focus on Derry’s origins comes at the expense of compelling storytelling, with some set pieces feeling more “icky” than truly scary.
What to Expect: Release Schedule and Storyline
HBO has confirmed an eight-episode run for Season 1, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. The premiere aired October 26, 2025, and the finale is set for December 14, 2025. The second episode, “The Thing in the Dark,” airs November 3, 2025, and promises to dig even deeper into Derry’s haunted past.
The official trailer teases a moody, atmospheric series, with characters poring over newspaper clippings about missing children and the first hints of Pennywise’s reign of terror. Stephen King himself has endorsed the show, praising its faithfulness to the spirit of his original story.
Inside the Production: Familiar Faces and Fresh Blood
The series is helmed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the creative minds behind the recent
IT films. Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serve as showrunners, bringing a mix of horror pedigree and fresh perspective to the project.
While Bill Skarsgård’s iconic Pennywise is a tough act to follow, the show uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to keep the monster unpredictable. Some critics note that the digital effects can be hit-or-miss, but agree that the delayed reveal of Pennywise makes his eventual appearance all the more impactful.
Should You Watch?
If you’re a horror fan or a Stephen King devotee,
IT: Welcome to Derry is a must-see—at least for the sheer spectacle of its monster mayhem and the chance to revisit one of fiction’s most terrifying towns. Just don’t expect every critic to be on board with the ride. Whether you’re in it for the Easter eggs, the scares, or just to see what new nightmares Pennywise has in store, Derry is open for business—and business is booming.
Tune in Sundays on HBO and HBO Max, but maybe leave the lights on.
Sources
1. News
2. What CinemaBlend And Critics Say About IT: Welcome To Derry
3. IT: Welcome to Derry Release Date: When will new episodes air? Stephen King prequel series release schedule, time, storyline, setting, cast, crew and where to watch
4. It: Welcome to Derry (TV Series 2025– )
5. welcome to derry release time: Latest News & Videos, Photos about welcome to derry release time | The Economic Times - Page 1
6. it welcome to derry: Latest News & Videos, Photos about it welcome to derry | The Economic Times - Page 1
7. IT: Welcome to Derry | Official Teaser | HBO Max
8. It – Welcome to Derry - Wikipedia
9. 'IT: Welcome To Derry' Review: Even Pennywise Can't Save This ...
10. IT: Welcome to Derry First Reviews: A Total Monster Mash with Plenty of Easter Eggs
11. Welcome to Derry
