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Preview of the Season
Stephen King’s terrifying universe expands once again in It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series to the blockbuster It films from 2017 and 2019. Set in the 1960s, the series explores the cursed town of Derry, Maine, and the sinister origins of Pennywise the Clown.
Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, reprising his bone-chilling performance that defined a generation of horror fans. The story will cover key events in Derry’s haunted past, particularly the infamous “Black Spot” tragedy, while diving deeper into how evil manifests in the town every 27 years.
Recap of Previous Installments
While Welcome to Derry is a prequel, it builds directly on the events of Stephen King’s It universe. Here’s what you should know before diving in:
- It (2017)
The Losers’ Club—a group of misfit kids in Derry—unites against Pennywise, who feeds on fear. They discover that he awakens roughly every 27 years to terrorize the town. The film is known for its chilling sequences (the sewer opening with Georgie’s paper boat still haunts audiences) and its mix of coming-of-age storytelling with raw horror. - It: Chapter Two (2019)
The story jumps forward 27 years as the Losers’ Club, now adults, return to Derry to face Pennywise once again. The film explores trauma, memory, and how childhood scars shape adulthood. Despite mixed reviews for its length, Skarsgård’s Pennywise remained terrifying, and the finale tied together decades of horror. - Welcome to Derry (2025)
This new series goes back in time to the 1960s, long before the Losers’ Club. It promises to uncover how Derry became cursed, how the Black Spot fire unfolded, and how Pennywise cemented his role as the town’s eternal predator.
For fans who want the full experience, both films are available to stream on Max in most regions.
How and Where to Watch
It: Welcome to Derry will stream exclusively on Max.
- Release Window: October 2025 (exact date TBA)
- Episodes: 9 episodes in the first season
- Subscription Cost: Max plans start at around $10/month (ad-supported) in the U.S., with higher tiers for ad-free and 4K viewing
Availability by Region
- United States – Available directly on Max
- UK & Europe – Likely distributed through Sky Atlantic and NOW TV, or via local licensing deals
- Other regions – Access may vary; a VPN may be required to stream Max
For cast and trailer details, see Entertainment Weekly.
Watching with a VPN
If Max isn’t available in your country—or you want to keep watching while traveling—a VPN allows you to connect through a supported region and stream without restrictions.
| VPN Service | Website / Deal | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Get NordVPN here | Blazing-fast servers, excellent at unblocking Max, top privacy features |
| Surfshark | Get Surfshark here | Unlimited devices, budget-friendly, optimized for streaming |
| ExpressVPN | expressvpn.com | Extremely reliable, premium speeds, works worldwide |
Steps:
- Install a VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a U.S. server.
- Log into Max and start streaming It: Welcome to Derry.
Opinion
Prequels are always tricky—you already know where the story ends. But It: Welcome to Derry has a major advantage: Pennywise’s backstory has never been fully told on screen. Fans of the films have long speculated about the Black Spot fire and other events in Derry’s cursed history, and this series finally puts those on center stage.
If the show keeps the terrifying atmosphere of the films while leaning into deeper storytelling about the town’s people, it could become one of horror television’s defining entries. The return of Bill Skarsgård only raises expectations.
FAQs
Do I need to watch the It movies first?
Not strictly, since this is a prequel—but watching the films will make the experience much richer.
Will Bill Skarsgård return as Pennywise?
Yes, he has confirmed his involvement in the series.
Is this based on Stephen King’s book?
The series draws inspiration from King’s novel but expands on events that were only briefly mentioned in the book.
How many episodes will there be?
Nine episodes are confirmed for the first season.
Can I watch it on Netflix?
No. Welcome to Derry will stream exclusively on Max.
Summary
It: Welcome to Derry premieres in October 2025 on Max, taking fans back to the origins of Pennywise and the horrors that shaped Derry’s history. With nine weekly episodes and Bill Skarsgård reprising his role, this is a must-watch for Stephen King fans and horror lovers.
If Max isn’t available in your country, a VPN is the easiest way to stream. For speed, privacy, and reliability, NordVPN is the top choice.
