Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Series

Welcome to Derry

Welcome to Derry is an American horror television series set as a prequel to the film adaptations of Stephen King’s *It*.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Welcome to Derry is a horror prequel series set in Stephen King's fictional town. It premiered on HBO in October 2025, expanding the story of Pennywise.

What it is

Welcome to Derry is an American horror television series that serves as a prequel to the film adaptations of Stephen King’s *It*. Set in Derry, Maine, in 1962, the first season centres on a family arriving in town as children begin to disappear and other strange events unfold. The series explores the origins of the evil that haunts Derry.

Why it matters

The series expands the mythology of Pennywise and the wider horror of Derry, directly connecting to the 2017 and 2019 films. Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise, anchoring the prequel in the same continuity. Developed by the Muschiettis and Jason Fuchs, it offers a deeper look into the town’s dark history.

Key details

The series premiered on HBO on October 26, 2025, and is also available on HBO Max in applicable markets. It was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. The cast includes Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, alongside characters tied to the Hanlon family and other Derry residents.

In short

  • Prequel to *It* (2017) and *It Chapter Two* (2019).
  • Set in 1962, decades before the films.
  • Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise.
  • Premiered on HBO in October 2025.
Canadian angle

Canadian viewers may know the series through HBO-branded distribution in Canada, depending on local streaming and cable availability.

Quick questions

What is Welcome to Derry about?
It is a prequel series about the horror in Derry, Maine, before the events of *It* and *It Chapter Two*.
Is Welcome to Derry based on Stephen King’s novel?
Yes. It is based on Stephen King’s *It* and expands the story world from the films.
Who plays Pennywise?
Bill Skarsgård reprises the role of Pennywise.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_%E2%80%93_Welcome_to_Derry
    Supports: Basic premise, setting, and series title.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19244304/
    Supports: Premise, title, and television-series classification.
  3. Sky — https://www.sky.com/watch/welcome-to-derry
    Supports: Prequel status, 1962 setting, and relation to the It films.
  4. Variety — https://www.variety.com/2025/tv/news/welcome-to-derry-trailer-it-prequel-show-pennywise-1236196449/
    Supports: Developers, production details, Pennywise casting, and prequel context.
  5. HBO Max — https://www.hbomax.com/shows/it-welcome-to-derry/6c39354a-c52d-46d7-982c-b5d196988189
    Supports: Official series description and genre.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/it_welcome_to_derry
    Supports: Network, genre, original language, creators, and release date.