The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›TV Series›Welcome to Derry
Entertainment • TV 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*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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 series follows a family arriving in town as children begin to disappear and other strange events unfold. It expands the mythology of Pennywise and the evil in Derry.

Premise

The series is set in Derry, Maine, in 1962 and centers on a family that has just moved to town. As children disappear and unsettling events spread, the story leads toward the emergence of Pennywise.

Production

Welcome to Derry was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. It expands the film continuity established in *It* and *It Chapter Two*.

Cast and characters

Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise. The ensemble also includes characters connected to the Hanlon family and other residents of Derry.

Release

The series premiered on HBO on October 26, 2025. It was also made available through HBO Max in markets where that service operates.

Key facts

  • Welcome to Derry is a prequel to the 2017 film *It* and its 2019 sequel *It Chapter Two*.
  • The story is set in 1962, decades before the events of the films.
  • Bill Skarsgård reprises the role of Pennywise.
  • The series was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs.
  • It premiered on HBO in October 2025.
🍁
Canadian context

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

Frequently asked 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.
When is Welcome to Derry set?
The first season is set in 1962, decades before the original story’s main events.
Who plays Pennywise?
Bill Skarsgård reprises the role of Pennywise.
What network carries the series?
The series airs on HBO.

References

  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.