Welcome to Derry: HBO’s Terrifying New Chapter in the IT Universe
Introduction: A New Era of Horror Television
IT: Welcome to Derry premiered on HBO on October 26, 2025, marking a significant moment for horror fans and Stephen King enthusiasts alike. This American supernatural horror television series is based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel It and serves as a prequel to the films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). The series represents HBO’s bold return to the horror genre, offering viewers an opportunity to explore the dark origins of one of fiction’s most terrifying villains from the comfort of their homes.
The Story Behind Welcome to Derry
Set in 1962, the series follows a couple with their son who move to Derry, Maine just as a young boy disappears, and with their arrival, terrible things begin to happen in the town. This edge-of-your-seat origin story traces the reign of a multidimensional entity in its current, most horrific form: a murderous, shape-shifting clown known as Pennywise. Amid a spate of unexplained disappearances of local children, a group of misfit friends begin to suspect murder whilst experiencing increasingly disturbing phenomena, whilst several townspeople work together to restore peace.
Production Journey and Future Plans
Development began in March 2022, with the series receiving a production commitment in November 2022 and being greenlit in February 2023. The series stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and others, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise from the films and serving as an executive producer. Notably, three planned seasons are set in 1962, 1935, and 1908 respectively, revealing the show’s ambitious scope in exploring Pennywise’s terrifying history.
Reception and Critical Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, 79% of 131 critics’ reviews are positive, with the consensus noting that whilst scattered plotting occasionally drains fear from its premise, the series compellingly deepens the myth of Pennywise through sharp social commentary and committed performances. The positive reception suggests that Welcome to Derry has successfully carved out its place in the horror television landscape, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh perspective on the iconic story.
Significance for Viewers
For horror enthusiasts, Welcome to Derry represents more than just another prequel—it’s an exploration of evil’s origins and its impact on an American town across different eras. The series’ multi-season plan promises to deliver an epic narrative that will deepen viewers’ understanding of Stephen King’s masterwork whilst maintaining the terror that made the original films so successful.