Fans of Stephen King’s terrifying world can finally mark their calendars — Welcome to Derry, the highly anticipated prequel to IT, has arrived. After months of teasers, release rumors, and growing fan excitement, HBO confirmed that the series officially premiered on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (6:00 p.m. Pacific Time). Each new episode now airs weekly at the same time on HBO and becomes available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max).
For horror lovers across the United States, the exact premiere time is important — this is when viewers get their first chance to step back into the cursed town of Derry, Maine, decades before Pennywise the Dancing Clown first haunted the Losers’ Club. So, if you’re wondering what time does Welcome to Derry come out, here’s everything you need to know about the show’s schedule, story, and what to expect from this spine-chilling addition to the IT universe.
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U.S. Premiere Time and Full Episode Schedule
The U.S. premiere of Welcome to Derry took place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on HBO. This is HBO’s most coveted programming slot — the same one used for past television phenomena such as Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and Succession.
The network is sticking with its proven formula: releasing one episode per week, every Sunday night. That creates buzz, builds suspense, and gives fans time to analyze each episode’s clues about how evil came to dominate the quiet New England town.
Here’s the official Welcome to Derry release schedule for U.S. audiences:
| Episode | Title | Release Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | The Origins | October 26, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 2 | The Shadows Below | November 2, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 3 | The Flooded Cellar | November 9, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 4 | The Balloons Return | November 16, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 5 | Lost in Derry | November 23, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 6 | The Feast | November 30, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 7 | The Laughter Below | December 7, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 8 | The First Clown | December 14, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
Every episode drops simultaneously on Max, so whether you’re a cable subscriber or a streamer, you can catch the latest installment right at release time.
Where and How to Watch Welcome to Derry
If you’re in the U.S., there are two primary ways to watch Welcome to Derry:
- HBO (Cable or Satellite): Tune in live every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Max (Streaming): Episodes become available at the same time, 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, for both ad-supported and ad-free subscribers.
The dual release makes it easy for fans to experience the premiere no matter their viewing preference. Those who miss the live broadcast can rewatch episodes anytime through Max’s on-demand catalog, usually minutes after the initial airing.
For international viewers, the release time may vary based on regional streaming rights, but the U.S. release remains the benchmark for global scheduling.
About the Series: Welcome to Derry’s Chilling Premise
Welcome to Derry is a prequel series expanding the mythology of Stephen King’s IT, one of the most iconic horror stories of all time. The show is set in the 1960s, several decades before the events of the 2017 and 2019 films.
The story explores how the evil presence that later manifests as Pennywise first emerged in Derry, Maine. Audiences will witness the town’s early descent into fear, paranoia, and tragedy — and learn how Derry’s dark past connects to the terrifying cycle of horror that repeats every 27 years.
While the films focused on the Losers’ Club and their battle against Pennywise, Welcome to Derry dives deeper into the town’s origins and the generational curse that shapes its residents.
Expect a blend of supernatural terror, psychological suspense, and haunting small-town secrets — all crafted with the same cinematic intensity that made IT a global phenomenon.
Cast and Production Team
The creative force behind Welcome to Derry includes some familiar names. Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, who directed and produced the IT films, return as executive producers. They’re joined by Jason Fuchs, who co-wrote the series and helps steer the narrative into new territory.
The cast features a mix of rising stars and veteran performers, though the focus remains on fresh characters rather than the film’s original heroes. This approach allows the show to introduce new perspectives on Derry’s haunted legacy.
The production design captures the eerie, vintage feel of mid-century Maine, using foggy streets, dimly lit carnival grounds, and flickering neon lights to create a sense of unease. Each episode aims for cinematic quality, with detailed set pieces and unnerving soundscapes that keep viewers on edge.
Why the Release Time Matters
The decision to air Welcome to Derry at 9:00 p.m. ET isn’t random — it’s HBO’s signature slot for high-profile, must-watch television. The timing positions the series as a prestige event, giving it maximum visibility in primetime while keeping it consistent with the network’s strongest programming.
This slot also benefits fans nationwide:
- East Coast viewers can enjoy it during traditional primetime hours.
- West Coast audiences can stream the episode early at 6:00 p.m. PT.
- Late-night horror fans can rewatch immediately on Max after airing.
Releasing episodes weekly at the same time builds anticipation and encourages discussion between episodes. It also avoids the binge-and-forget trend of full-season drops, keeping Welcome to Derry in the cultural spotlight for two full months.
What to Expect from Each Episode
Each episode of Welcome to Derry runs about 60 minutes, balancing world-building and horror-driven storytelling.
Fans can expect:
- Slow-burn suspense: Building toward terrifying revelations.
- Historical context: The 1960s backdrop adds social and political layers to the story.
- Mythology expansion: Deep dives into the cosmic horror that powers Pennywise.
- Eerie Easter eggs: References connecting to the IT films and Stephen King’s broader universe.
The first few episodes focus on Derry’s founding families and the discovery of the town’s recurring tragedies. As the series progresses, the tone grows darker, exploring the psychological toll of living in a place where evil never dies.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Since its first trailer release earlier this year, Welcome to Derry has generated huge buzz online. Horror communities, Reddit threads, and fan accounts have been speculating about how closely the show will tie into Pennywise’s origins.
Early audience reactions from the premiere weekend have praised the show’s atmosphere, world-building, and slow-burn approach to fear. Many have noted that it feels more like an extended IT film than a typical television series — a testament to HBO’s cinematic production standards.
The visual tone is nostalgic yet unnerving, using muted colors, haunting sound design, and unsettling camera work to capture the tension between innocence and dread. It’s a creative return to form for King’s horror universe and a reminder of why IT remains one of the most enduring modern myths.
The Importance of Staying on Schedule
Knowing exactly what time Welcome to Derry comes out isn’t just trivia for fans — it’s part of the collective viewing experience. HBO’s 9 p.m. release window means millions of horror enthusiasts are watching simultaneously, sharing reactions online, and building a community around each terrifying reveal.
In an era of fragmented streaming habits, this unified timing rekindles the old-fashioned excitement of appointment television. It turns every Sunday into an event — a return to Derry that fans look forward to all week.
Summary: What Time Does Welcome to Derry Come Out
Here’s a concise recap for fans asking the key question:
- Premiere Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (6:00 p.m. Pacific Time)
- Network: HBO
- Streaming: Max (same-day release)
- New Episodes: Every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET
- Number of Episodes: Eight
Whether you’re a long-time Stephen King fan or new to the world of Derry, tuning in right at 9 p.m. ET guarantees you’ll experience each chilling twist alongside the rest of the U.S. audience.
So, set your reminder — because when the clock strikes nine on Sunday night, the sewers of Derry open once again, and the horror begins anew. Stay tuned, share your thoughts, and tell us what theories you have about the origins of evil in Derry, Maine.