HBO has officially confirmed the release time of It: Welcome to Derry Episode 1. The horror prequel to Stephen King’s It films will premiere on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm PT / 9:00 pm ET. The episode will stream simultaneously on HBO Max in the US, allowing viewers to watch it online as soon as it airs.
The series, titled It: Welcome to Derry, traces the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and sheds light on Derry’s dark history in 1962. It connects the events of the original films into a larger timeline and focuses on Mike Hanlon’s grandfather, revealing how Derry’s darkness began long before the formation of the Losers Club.
When will It: Welcome to Derry Episode 1 air globally?
International viewers can also watch the premiere. In the UK, the first episode will be available on Sky Max and NowTV at 2:00 AM GMT on 27 October, with repeat broadcasts at 9pm the same day. All episodes of Season 1 will be available for on-demand streaming after the premiere, ensuring viewers can watch at their convenience.
HBO has confirmed that the first season will consist of eight episodes, which will be released weekly every Sunday at 6pm PT/9pm ET. The full release schedule is as follows:
- 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 (Final): December 14, 2025
Where to watch it: Welcome to Derry and who are the artists?
The prequel will stream on HBO Max and air on HBO in the US, while UK viewers can watch it on Sky Max and NowTV. The series marks the return of Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti as creative directors.
The cast also includes Taylor Page (The Toxic Avenger), James Remar (Dexter), Jovan Adepo (Babylon), Rudy Mancuso (Musica), Chris Chalk (Perry Mason), Stephen Ryder (What Lies Under the Tree) and Madeleine Stowe (The Last of the Mohicans).
In the first trailer, Mike Hanlon’s grandfather is seen investigating missing children in Derry, connecting the events to the terrifying rise of Pennywise. Stephen King has supported the prequel, praising the creative team for connecting the story to the larger It universe.
Also read: Nobody Wants This Season 2 Ending Explained: How Noah and Joan Face Love, Faith, and Life’s Challenges
(tagstotranslate)it: Welcome to Derry
