Overview
- HBO released Episode 2 early on October 31, with the episode also scheduled to air in the usual Sunday slot and weekly thereafter.
- Warner Bros. Discovery says the premiere drew 5.7 million U.S. viewers in its first three days, making it HBO Max’s third-biggest series debut post-launch.
- The latest installment brings a sharpened focus to a Cold War-era storyline featuring a U.S. military presence in Derry.
- Dick Hallorann features prominently, formally connecting the prequel to The Shining and Stephen King’s broader universe.
- The series continues to hold Pennywise mostly off-screen, leaning into grotesque manifestations and 1960s racial tensions as it builds toward a Black Spot–centered season arc teased by the creators.