Just when you thought it was safe to turn off the lights, Pennywise the Dancing Clown is back, and he’s already breaking records. The new HBO Max prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, floated to the top of the streaming charts with a terrifyingly successful premiere, pulling in a massive 5.7 million viewers in its first three days. This debut not only cements the series as a must-watch horror event but also places it among the streamer’s most successful launches ever.
Caption: IT: Welcome to Derry has become the third biggest series debut in HBO Max history Credit: HBO/Warner Bros. Discovery Source: IMDb
What Is IT: Welcome to Derry?
For those who haven’t yet returned to the haunted streets of Derry, Maine, the new series is a prequel to the blockbuster films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). Developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the minds behind the recent films, IT: Welcome to Derry is set in the early 1960s, a full 27 years before the Losers’ Club first battled Pennywise. The story expands on the mythology of Stephen King’s iconic 1986 novel, exploring one of the earlier cycles of terror when the shape-shifting entity emerges to feed on the town’s children.
The series introduces a new generation of kids who are forced to confront the town’s dark history after a classmate mysteriously vanishes. At the center of the story is the Hanlon family, who have just moved to Derry, and Major Leroy Hanlon, a decorated Air Force veteran who must protect his family from the ancient evil that lurks beneath their new home. And yes, Bill Skarsgård reprises his nightmare-inducing role as Pennywise, promising to deliver a fresh batch of scares.
How Big Was the Premiere?
To say the premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry was a success would be an understatement. The 5.7 million viewers it attracted in its first three days make it the third biggest series debut in HBO Max history. The only shows to have stronger premieres are the cultural phenomena House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. This is a monumental achievement for a horror series, proving that audiences are hungry for well-crafted, high-budget scares.
What’s even more impressive is how the audience watched the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a staggering 94% of the viewership came from streaming on HBO Max and on-air replays, with only 334,000 viewers catching the initial broadcast on HBO. This demonstrates the power of streaming and how a show can become an event through on-demand viewing. The series also significantly outperformed its Sunday night predecessor, Task, which debuted to 3.1 million viewers, showing that Pennywise has a powerful grip on audiences.
Caption: Bill Skarsgård returns as the terrifying Pennywise in HBO’s prequel series Credit: HBO/Warner Bros. Discovery Source: Bell Media
A Halloween Treat for Fans
In a move that shows HBO’s confidence in their new hit, the network gave fans a special Halloween treat. The second episode of IT: Welcome to Derry was released early on HBO Max, dropping at midnight on October 31st. This not only capitalized on the Halloween hype but also rewarded the millions of fans who tuned in for the premiere. The rest of the eight-episode season will continue to air on Sundays, leading up to what is sure to be a terrifying season finale on December 14th.
A New Chapter in the IT Universe
The Muschiettis have made it clear that they are not just retreading old ground. In an interview, they stated their intention to “create a subversion to get people excited” and avoid making the story feel too familiar. The premiere episode ends with a shocking act of violence that, as Deadline notes, “upends the way the two movies unfolded.” This bold storytelling choice signals that even die-hard fans of the films and the novel have plenty of surprises in store.
By exploring a new time period and a new cast of characters, IT: Welcome to Derry is able to expand the world of It in exciting ways. The series has the freedom to delve deeper into the origins of Pennywise and the curse that plagues the town, while also delivering the character-driven horror that made the films so beloved. It’s a fresh take on a familiar story, and it’s clear that audiences are on board for the ride.
What This Means for Horror on Streaming
The massive success of IT: Welcome to Derry is another sign that horror is a dominant force in the streaming wars. Along with other recent hits like Netflix’s ‘Monsters’ Ignites Fury as Erik Menendez Slams “Dishonest” Portrayal and the renewal of MCU R-Rated Daredevil Show Renewal: Born Again Makes History with Season 3 Greenlight, it’s clear that high-quality horror content is a major draw for subscribers. As streaming services continue to battle for eyeballs, we can expect to see even more investment in genre programming.
IT: Welcome to Derry has set a new standard for horror on streaming. With its cinematic production values, compelling story, and terrifying villain, it’s a show that demands to be seen. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Stephen King or a newcomer to the world of It, this is one trip to Derry you won’t want to miss.
References
- https://deadline.com/2025/10/it-welcome-to-derry-premiere-ratings-hbo-1236603144/
- https.www.thewrap.com/it-welcome-to-derry-premiere-ratings-viewership-hbo-max/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/it-welcome-to-derry-premiere-ratings-1236414293/
