There’s a shadow lurking under Derry — a terror creeping through the sewers with a wide, red smile. The IT prequel series “It: Welcome to Derry” transports viewers to 1962, where a family’s arrival coincides with a string of disappearances, but missing children are only the beginning of the horrific things about to happen throughout the town. Horror fans have been counting down the days until this chilling series expands the terrifying universe that has captivated audiences for decades.
Our team at StreamSafely can’t wait to experience this spine-tingling prequel, and we’ve made it our mission to help viewers like you find quick access to the content you love through legitimate channels. We work tirelessly to protect audiences from dangerous piracy websites that can infect your device with malware and expose you to identity theft.
While we can’t protect you from killer clowns, we can certainly guard against online pirates. By directing users to authorized streaming services, we help create a secure environment where fans can immerse themselves in quality entertainment across all genres and age ranges.
Everything You Need To Know About It: Welcome to Derry
“It: Welcome to Derry” is bringing Stephen King’s terrifying universe back in a fresh, new format. Set in the 1960s, the series follows the events that took place before the novel. The story focuses on a couple and their son who move to Derry, Maine, just as a young boy goes missing. However, his disappearance isn’t the first, and it’s only the beginning of terrible things to come.
Plot
Before the Losers Club’s terrifying summer of 1989, Derry’s dark history was already stained with blood. In 1962, a family arrives in Derry just as children begin to vanish, and their presence seems to awaken something terrible. As the town’s residents try to maintain normalcy, an ancient hunger stirs beneath the surface, ready to claim its victims.
Witness the origin story of Pennywise’s reign of terror. “It: Welcome to Derry” will unveil how a quaint town in Maine became a feeding ground for unspeakable evil and horrors that will plague its citizens for generations.
From Page to Screen: The Legacy of King’s Masterpiece
This prequel expands on King’s 1986 novel, “It,” which became a bestseller and earned a British Fantasy Award. The novel tells the story of seven pre-teen outcasts in 1960 who fight an evil sewer-dwelling demon posing as a clown, then reunite to stop it once and for all when it reawakens 27 years later. The novel has been adapted multiple times, each leaving its mark on horror lovers everywhere. The first on-screen iteration was the 1990 two-part television miniseries, which has developed a large cult following over the years, in large part due to Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise, the Dancing Clown.
Then, 27 years later — just like in King’s novel — “It” was reawakened by director Andy Muschietti, who brought the story back with his 2017 box-office sensation “It: Chapter One,” which grossed $704 million worldwide, followed by the 2019 sequel, “It Chapter Two.
The new show comes from filmmakers Andy and Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs. Andrew Muschietti directed the recent blockbuster films with Barbara Muschietti and Fuchs producing. Andy Muschietti previously directed the horror film “Mama” (2013) and went on to helm “The Flash” for DC. The first season started filming in downtown Port Hope, Ontario, in May 2023, taking a significant pause for the writers’ strikes, eventually wrapping in August 2024. The series promises to expand on the vision established in the feature films while exploring new territory in Derry’s blood-soaked history.
Derry’s Terrifying Timeline
As a prequel, you don’t need to watch any of the previous installments of the It saga. However, if you’re craving horror and can’t wait for the new series’s release, we at StreamSafely have several options for you to sink your teeth into:
It (1990 Miniseries): Revisit the classic horror and suspense of the original It screen adaptation. Join the so-called Losers Club as they stand together against a monster that feeds on fear. But thirty years later, when the nightmare returns, and the promise they made as children calls them back.
It: Chapter One (2017): In the summer of 1989, the children of Derry learned that something ancient and evil is lurking beneath their quiet town. Seven kids will face their worst nightmares and discover that together, they might be strong enough to stop it. But evil never forgets.
It: Chapter Two (2019): Twenty-seven years ago, they defeated it. Now, the killing has started again. The Losers Club must return to Derry, face the trauma they buried, and finish what they started as children. Because some evil never dies — it only sleeps. And it’s hungry.
All adaptations are available now on HBO Max.
Release Date & Episode Count
“It: Welcome to Derry” debuted on HBO Max on October 26, 2025. The series reportedly consists of 8 episodes, airing every Sunday until the finale on December 14, 2025.
It: Welcome to Derry Trailer
HBO Max has been giving horror fans more than mere crumbs in the lead-up to the release of the all-new series. The first teaser trailer was released back in May, followed by a second teaser in July, focusing on Derry newcomers, the Hanlon family. Now, experience the horror beneath Derry in HBO Max’s first official full trailer:
Cast & Crew
Bill Skarsgård returns as the terrifying Dancing Clown. The Swedish actor has become synonymous with Pennywise after his terrifying portrayal in both It films. Beyond horror, Skarsgård has demonstrated his range in films like “The Devil All the Time” (2020) and “Nine Days” (2020).
Joining the cast of characters is the Hanlon family, played by Jovan Adepo (“Babylon,” “To Catch a Killer”) and Taylour Paige (“Zola,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”). While much of the characters haven’t been disclosed, check out the other leading actors below:
- Bill Skarsgård: Pennywise
- Jovan Adepo: Leroy Hanlon
- Taylour Paige: Charlotte Hanlon
- James Remar: General Shaw
- Chris Chalk: Dick Hallorann
- Stephan Rider: Hank Grogan
- Matilda Lawler: Marge
- Clara Stack: Lilly Bainbridge
- Blake Cameron James: Will Hanlon
- Joshua Odjick: Taniel
- Arian S. Cartaya: Rich
- Rudy Mancuso: Captain Pauly Russo
- Mikkal Karim-Fidler: Teddy Uris
- Jack Molloy Legault: Phil Malkin
- Matilda Legault: Susie Malkin
- Amanda Christine: Veronica “Ronnie” Grogan
- Chad Rook: Sgt. Masters
- Miles Ekhardt: Matty Clements
- Grant Nickalls: Office Wallace
- Peter Outerbridge: Clint Bowers
- Madeleine Stowe: Undisclosed
- Tyner Rushing: Undisclosed
The crew includes:
- Creators: Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs
- Co-showrunners: Brad Caleb Kane and Jason Fuchs
- Executive Producers: David Coatsworth, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Shelley Meals, Bill Skarsgård, Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti
- Director: Andy Muschietti
- Cinematographer: Rasmus Heise
- Composer: Benjamin Wallfisch
- Production Companies: HBO Max Entertainment
How To Stream It: Welcome to Derry
“It: Welcome to Derry” aired on HBO Max and was released on HBO Max simultaneously on October 26, 2025. Choosing legitimate streaming platforms over piracy sites protects your personal information, device security, and viewing quality while supporting the creators who bring these stories to life.
Illegal streaming sites pose significant risks and often contain malware, collect user data for malicious purposes, and deliver inferior video and audio quality that diminishes the viewing experience. As an HBO Max Original show, “It: Welcome to Derry” will be exclusive to HBO Max, with plenty of packages to choose from. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a streaming site, use StreamSafely’s six tips for recognizing illegal piracy websites and refer to our online movie database to find safe streaming options for all your favorite titles.
Whether you’ve been watching since the first episode or are coming in a few episodes in, there are several ways to experience “It: Welcome to Derry” through secure and authorized channels:
Cable
Traditional cable subscribers can add HBO Max to their television package, which provides access to both the linear HBO channel and the Max streaming service, allowing viewers to watch premiere episodes live or on demand. Get the best of both worlds by going straight to the source!
Streaming Options and HBO Max Add-Ons
HBO Max Standalone Subscription: HBO Max’s official streaming service, HBO Max, offers three tiers to fit different budgets and preferences. The Basic With Ads tier starts at $9.99 per month and provides full access to HBO Max’s content library with occasional commercial breaks. The ad-free Standard plan offers uninterrupted HD streaming. The Premium tier includes 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Atmos audio, and the ability to stream to multiple devices simultaneously, making it perfect for households with multiple viewers.
Hulu With HBO Max Add-On: Hulu subscribers can quickly and easily expand their content library by adding HBO Max to any plan for an additional $9.99 per month.
Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle: If your household has a wide range of age groups or interests, you can get everything from family-friendly princess content to the chilling horror of “It: Welcome to Derry” with the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle. Get everything you love all in one convenient streaming package!
YouTube TV With Entertainment Plus: YouTube TV subscribers can add the Entertainment Plus package, which includes HBO Max along with other premium channels. The add-on costs $29.99 per month, but you can try YouTube TV for 21 days free first!
Prime Video With HBO Max Add-On: Amazon Prime Video subscribers can add HBO Max directly to their account for an additional $9.99 per month, enabling convenient billing and a unified streaming experience without having to switch apps. With a whole section devoted to Paranormal Screams, Prime Video’s library is a great addition to any horror fanatic’s collection.
Get Ready for Derry’s Darkest Chapter
At StreamSafely, we are thrilled to guide horror fans toward this terrifying new chapter in the It saga. With its talented cast, experienced creative team, and rich storyline, “It: Welcome to Derry” has all the ingredients needed to become a horror phenomenon like no other.
Whether you live for horror movies or prefer milder TV shows, StreamSafely works to shield audiences from the real-life dangers of piracy websites and provide you with legitimate streaming options through our comprehensive TV series database — including 100% free streaming platforms. Let StreamSafely be your partner in tracking down classic horror films, discovering new releases, or planning your next binge-watch.
See you in Derry — just make sure to stay out of the sewers and away from dangerous websites.
