Horror fans, get ready — Pennywise is back to make your Sunday a little scarier. IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 drops Sunday, November 9, exclusively on HBO and HBO Max, continuing the chilling prequel to Stephen King’s IT universe.
Set decades before the events of IT (2017) and IT: Chapter Two (2019), the series dives deep into the origins of Derry’s curse — and the twisted beginnings of its most terrifying resident. Directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Bill Skarsgård once again as Pennywise, the show has become one of HBO Max’s biggest hits of the year.
🕐 IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Release Time
The third episode airs Sunday, November 9, on HBO and HBO Max at the usual evening slot. Just like the first two episodes, new installments arrive weekly on Sundays — leading up to the season finale on December 14.
📅 Full Episode Release Schedule
Season 1 will feature eight episodes total, releasing every Sunday:
- Episode 1: October 26
- Episode 2: November 2
- Episode 3: November 9
- Episode 4: November 16
- Episode 5: November 23
- Episode 6: November 30
- Episode 7: December 7
- Episode 8 (Finale): December 14
💀 What’s IT: Welcome to Derry About?
Set in 1962, nearly three decades before the events of IT (2017), the series uncovers how the horrors of Derry began — and how the small Maine town became cursed by a shape-shifting evil that returns every 27 years.
The story follows a new cast of characters who begin to notice strange disappearances, eerie visions, and the sinister laughter echoing beneath the streets. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that the darkness consuming Derry has been waiting for them all along.
👥 Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast mixes returning faces and new additions to Stephen King’s world:
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
- Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
- Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
- Chris Chalk as Dick Halloran
- James Remar as General Shaw
- Kimberly Guerrero as Rose
- Stephen Rider as Hank
- Madeline Stowe as Ingrid
- Rudy Mancuso as Pauly
- Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon
- Miles Ekhardt as Matty
- Clara Stack as Lily
- Amanda Christine as Ronnie
- Mikkal Karim-Fidler as Teddy
- Jack Molloy Legault as Phil
- Matilda Lawler as Marge
Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise ties the series directly to the blockbuster IT films, ensuring the same haunting tone and terrifying charm.
🎬 Will There Be a Season 2?
HBO hasn’t officially renewed IT: Welcome to Derry for a second season yet — but the odds look good. The show delivered the third-biggest series premiere in HBO Max history, pulling in 5.7 million viewers within its first three days.
With strong fan reactions and critical praise for its continuity and storytelling, a renewal announcement could drop soon.
📺 How to Watch
You can stream IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max, with subscriptions starting at $10.99/month (with ads) or $18.49/month (ad-free).
HBO Max is also included in Disney+ and Hulu bundles —
- $19.99/month with ads
- $32.99/month ad-free
That gives you access to all three platforms under one plan.
🎈 Pennywise’s Legacy
From his first appearance in Stephen King’s 1986 novel to Skarsgård’s modern portrayal, Pennywise remains one of the most chilling villains in horror. Welcome to Derry digs into his origins, exploring how the town’s sinister history — and Pennywise’s ancient evil — became forever intertwined.
“You’ll float too.”
🧠 Quick FAQs
When does Episode 3 air?
➡ Sunday, November 9, on HBO and HBO Max.
How many episodes are in Season 1?
➡ Eight total, releasing weekly through December 14, 2025.
Where can I stream it?
➡ Exclusively on HBO Max (or via the Disney+/Hulu/HBO bundle).
