The second episode of the highly anticipated horror series, IT: Welcome to Derry, has arrived, continuing the spine-chilling story that expands Stephen King's terrifying universe. As a prequel to the IT films, the series delves deeper into the origins of Pennywise and the curse that plagues the town of Derry, Maine.
Episode 2, titled "The Thing in the Dark," was released on October 31, 2025, offering fans a Halloween treat. For viewers in the US, the episode is available on HBO and HBO Max. It debuted on HBO Max on October 31 at 12:00 am PT/3:00 am ET and will also air on HBO on November 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. In India, the episode will be available on JioHotstar on November 3, 2025. UK viewers can watch the series on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
IT: Welcome to Derry is developed for television by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. The series is based on Stephen King's novel IT and expands the vision established in the IT films. The cast includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise.
Episode 2 picks up in the immediate aftermath of Pennywise's feeding frenzy at the Capitol Theater. The episode continues to lay the groundwork for escalating violence and gives more characters time to "shine". It explores the Hanlon family and the surviving children of Derry, with the aftermath of the attack at the Capitol Theater being central to the children's storyline. Derry's police chief, Clint Bowers, is eager to overlook manager Hank Grogan's alibi in order to quickly arrest someone and calm the town.
IGN's review of the second episode notes that it is at its best when continuing to terrorize the kids in town. The disturbing imagery and creeping tension remain strong, but some outlandish developments at the air base seem to be pointing the conspiracy plot in surprising directions. The review also mentions that the episode plays on the insecurities of Ronnie and Lilly to satisfyingly grotesque effect.
The series is set in 1962 and explores various unexplained phenomena that plague the town. IT: Welcome to Derry addresses Derry's inherent racism, a theme that was present in King's book but not fully explored in the film adaptations.
The series has eight episodes, with new episodes dropping weekly. The season finale is scheduled to release on December 14, 2025.
Here is the full release schedule: * Episode 1: October 26 * Episode 2: October 31 * Episode 3: November 9 * Episode 4: November 16 * Episode 5: November 23 * Episode 6: November 30 * Episode 7: December 7 * Episode 8: December 14
IT: Welcome to Derry is a gruesome and scary series that is sure to please Stephen King fans. Viewers with a sensitive stomach are advised to have a cushion to hand.
