Wondering how many episodes are in Welcome to Derry? Here’s the full breakdown of Season 1, including release dates, streaming info, and finale details.
If you’re looking for how many episodes of Welcome to Derry, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know in one place — from the total episode count to the U.S. release schedule, streaming platforms, cast, plot overview, runtime, and deeper insights into its connection with the IT universe.
The answer is straightforward and crucial for fans planning to dive into this terrifying new chapter of the Stephen King multiverse.
Season 1 of Welcome to Derry consists of 8 episodes in total.
This limited horror drama prequel from HBO expands the world of Stephen King’s IT, offering fans an intense journey into the dark past of Derry, Maine — long before the Losers’ Club’s battle with Pennywise. Set in the 1960s, Welcome to Derry explores how the evil that haunts the small town first took root and the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The series is developed by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the visionary siblings behind IT (2017) and IT: Chapter Two (2019), alongside writer Jason Fuchs. Their creative approach ensures continuity with the cinematic world while delivering new layers of mystery, fear, and character-driven storytelling.
How Many Episodes Are in Welcome to Derry Season 1? (Complete Episode Count and Format)
Season 1 includes a total of eight episodes.
HBO’s eight-episode structure follows the successful storytelling format of many of its prestige series. The tightly written arc allows for deep narrative exploration without unnecessary filler. Each episode moves the story forward, unraveling both Derry’s history and the psychological terror that has defined it for generations.
Each episode’s pacing, atmosphere, and character focus are carefully designed to build tension gradually, immersing viewers in a creeping sense of dread that intensifies as the series progresses. Through its eight installments, Welcome to Derry aims to blend emotional storytelling with classic horror, capturing the essence of Stephen King’s universe while expanding upon it.
Welcome to Derry Episode Release Schedule in the U.S. (HBO and Max Timeline)
For viewers in the United States, Welcome to Derry airs exclusively on HBO and streams on Max, following HBO’s traditional Sunday night release schedule. The show’s rollout gives audiences time to absorb each episode’s mysteries before the next chapter arrives.
| Episode | U.S. Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Sunday, October 26 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 2 | Friday, October 31 (Early Release on Max) / Sunday, November 2 (HBO Premiere) | Max + HBO |
| Episode 3 | Sunday, November 9 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 4 | Sunday, November 16 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 5 | Sunday, November 23 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 6 | Sunday, November 30 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 7 | Sunday, December 7 | HBO & Max |
| Episode 8 (Finale) | Sunday, December 14 | HBO & Max |
Season Finale and Viewing Plan
The season finale of Welcome to Derry airs on December 14, 2025, marking the conclusion of Season 1’s terrifying storyline. Each episode builds toward the emergence of Pennywise, and the finale is expected to tie directly into the events leading to IT (2017). This gradual reveal ensures that the mythology behind Derry’s supernatural curse is fully explored by the end of the season.
Welcome to Derry Episode Synopses (Episodes 1 and 2 Recap)
Episode 1 — The Shadows of Derry Begin
The premiere episode introduces viewers to Derry, Maine, during the early 1960s — a picturesque American town hiding a sinister secret. Beneath its small-town charm, strange disappearances and eerie events suggest that something monstrous is awakening.
Through masterful direction, Episode 1 establishes the unsettling atmosphere that defines the show. Audiences are introduced to several core characters who will uncover the evil within their town. The cinematography reflects Derry’s dual nature — outwardly peaceful but deeply corrupted underneath. The episode’s final moments leave audiences with the first unsettling hints of Pennywise’s presence, setting up the dark journey ahead.
Episode 2 — The Awakening Beneath
Episode 2 raises the tension as Derry’s residents start to experience increasingly disturbing occurrences. The mysterious force lurking beneath the town begins to take form, manifesting in chilling ways. The episode deepens the backstory of Derry’s founding families and the town’s cursed history, drawing parallels between past and present.
The Halloween release of this episode on Max made it a perfect horror event, amplifying the eerie tone of the series. The story’s slow unraveling keeps viewers questioning the true nature of the evil and its connection to the entity that will become Pennywise.
What Is Welcome to Derry About? (Complete Plot Overview and Storyline Details)
Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to Stephen King’s IT, designed to expand the mythology behind the infamous town and its demonic entity. The show delves into the origins of Pennywise, exploring how the evil force that feeds on fear found its host.
The narrative takes inspiration from the interlude chapters of Stephen King’s original novel, which recount Derry’s dark history through the eyes of Mike Hanlon, one of the Losers’ Club members. By drawing from these historical accounts, the series presents a nonlinear narrative — moving backward in time to uncover how the terror began.
The Muschiettis have described the show as a “story told backward,” meaning that audiences will gradually move closer to the moment Pennywise takes shape. This storytelling approach adds mystery and allows each episode to reveal a different layer of Derry’s haunted legacy. Expect moments of psychological horror intertwined with social commentary reflective of the 1960s setting.
Who Stars in Welcome to Derry? (Full Cast and Character Insights)
The ensemble cast of Welcome to Derry brings a blend of fresh faces and familiar talent, ensuring emotional depth and tension throughout the series.
- Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, returning to embody the terrifying villain with unmatched intensity.
- Chris Chalk portrays a Derry resident drawn into the unfolding nightmare, representing the human struggle against evil.
- Jovan Adepo delivers a powerful performance as a man investigating the strange events that plague the town.
- Taylour Paige brings emotional weight to her role, capturing the despair and confusion of those ensnared by Derry’s secrets.
James Remar, Madeleine Stowe, Stephen Rider, Rudy Mancuso, Blake Cameron James, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Arian S. Cartaya, and Clara Stack round out the cast, each playing pivotal roles in uncovering Derry’s mysteries.
Together, the cast creates a layered portrayal of a town living under the shadow of an unspeakable evil. The performances evoke empathy and fear, grounding the supernatural horror in deeply human experiences.
Where to Watch Welcome to Derry in the U.S. (Streaming and Broadcast Platforms)
Streaming on HBO and Max
U.S. viewers can watch Welcome to Derry on HBO every Sunday at 9 PM ET, or stream it on Max shortly after its broadcast premiere. The series is available in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos support, ensuring a cinematic viewing experience at home. Subscribers can also access behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and exclusive featurettes that explore the making of the show.
This dual-release model ensures accessibility for both traditional cable viewers and streaming audiences, a strategy that has proven successful for HBO’s top titles like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us.
How Long Is Welcome to Derry? (Episode Runtime and Total Duration)
Each episode of Welcome to Derry runs between 50 to 60 minutes, maintaining HBO’s signature cinematic pacing. This extended runtime allows for detailed character exploration, slow-building suspense, and expansive world-building.
In total, the first season offers approximately eight hours of horror storytelling, making it ideal for binge-watching or weekly viewing. The show’s pacing mirrors the unsettling rhythms of IT, balancing emotional depth with escalating terror.
The runtime provides enough scope for:
- Deep dives into Derry’s historical lore
- Exploration of key characters’ personal traumas
- Gradual buildup of supernatural tension
- Complex connections between events of the past and the birth of Pennywise
FAQs About Welcome to Derry
How many episodes are in Welcome to Derry Season 1?
There are 8 episodes in total.
Is Welcome to Derry a prequel to IT?
Yes, the series explores the origins of Pennywise and the dark history of Derry.
When does Welcome to Derry Season 1 end?
The season finale airs on December 14, 2025, exclusively on HBO and Max.
Where can I watch Welcome to Derry in the U.S.?
You can watch the series on HBO or stream it on Max.
Who is in the cast?
The cast includes Bill Skarsgård, Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, Madeleine Stowe, and others.
What is the runtime per episode?
Each episode runs approximately 50 to 60 minutes, consistent with HBO’s standard.
Final Thoughts on Welcome to Derry
With its eight-episode format, psychological depth, and faithful connection to Stephen King’s universe, Welcome to Derry stands as one of HBO’s most chilling and ambitious projects to date. The show succeeds in expanding the IT mythology, providing new insights into how fear takes form and how Derry itself became cursed.
For fans of the IT films, this series offers an essential exploration of the world’s most infamous clown and the evil that preys on human vulnerability. Every episode is crafted to immerse audiences in the tension, emotion, and dark legacy of Stephen King’s universe.
As the finale approaches, Welcome to Derry continues to captivate viewers with its layered storytelling, emotional realism, and haunting visuals. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the IT saga or a newcomer to King’s horror world, this series delivers an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience — and it’s only just the beginning of Derry’s dark tale.
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