We finally have a date.
After months of speculation, teasers, and that already-creepy first trailer, HBO has officially locked in the premiere for IT: Welcome to Derry. The highly-anticipated prequel series will debut October 26, 2025, on HBO and Max.
Based on Stephen King’s IT but expanding the cinematic universe that director Andy Muschietti launched with the billion-dollar film adaptations, Welcome to Derry rewinds the clock to explore the town’s terrifying history.
A Darker Look at Derry
Set in the 1960s—decades before the Losers Club ever came together—the series digs into how long evil has haunted Derry, Maine. While the IT films focused on the fight against Pennywise, this series reveals just how deep the town’s curse runs.
The show stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, and Bill Skarsgård, who returns as Pennywise.
Behind the Scenes
The series was developed for television by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. Andy Muschietti directs multiple episodes and executive produces alongside Barbara (via their Double Dream banner), Fuchs (FiveTen Productions), Brad Caleb Kane (who also co-showruns), David Coatsworth, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, and Skarsgård.
Fuchs also wrote the teleplay for the first episode and serves as co-showrunner with Kane.
The Horror Returns This Fall
Fans have been waiting for this release date for a minute. HBO first dropped a teaser months ago, then followed with character reveals and subtle clues about the timeline and tone. Now the countdown is officially on.
Blending new mythology with familiar horror, IT: Welcome to Derry will finally show how the nightmare began—long before the red balloon ever floated.
The series premieres October 26, 2025, on HBO and Max. Rewatch the teaser below and get ready to return to Derry.