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‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Premieres on HBO, Launching Weekly Prequel to Pennywise Saga

The HBO series deepens Stephen King’s universe by exploring Derry in 1962 through new characters.

Overview

  • Episode 1 debuted Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with new episodes rolling out weekly through the Dec. 14 finale.
  • Andy and Barbara Muschietti developed the series with Jason Fuchs, with Stephen King supportive of the team’s expanded story.
  • Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise and holds an executive producer credit, joining a cast that includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige and Chris Chalk.
  • Set during an earlier 27-year cycle, the season draws from the novel’s Derry interludes and features the Black Spot storyline and a young Dick Hallorann, linking directly to The Shining.
  • Early coverage highlights striking visuals, explicit ties across King’s macroverse and a tone that signals a more unpredictable approach than the films.