LOS ANGELES, CA — Fans of Stephen King’s terrifying universe have one burning question: when does the new episode of It come out? After months of rumors, production updates, and teases from Warner Bros., the long-awaited prequel series Welcome to Derry now has an official release window.
The new show will premiere in April 2026 on Max (formerly HBO Max), with the first episode kicking off what promises to be one of the most chilling television events of the decade. Filming wrapped earlier this fall, and post-production is currently underway, meaning fans won’t have to wait much longer to return to the haunting world of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Here’s everything we know about the release, cast, story, and what to expect when the new It series arrives next year.
What Is Welcome to Derry About?
Before diving into when does the new episode of It come out, it’s important to understand what the new series will explore.
Welcome to Derry is a prequel series to the blockbuster It films — It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019) — which together grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. The show will expand on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, diving into the dark origins of Derry, Maine, and the creature that has haunted its residents for centuries.
Set in the 1960s, decades before the events of the first film, Welcome to Derry explores how the town’s curse began — and how the evil known as Pennywise first emerged.
While plot details are still tightly under wraps, insiders have revealed that the series will blend horror with psychological drama, uncovering Derry’s secrets while exploring how fear spreads through communities.
Key story elements expected:
- The origin story of Pennywise’s evil presence.
- The creation of Derry’s curse and why the town is a magnet for supernatural terror.
- The experiences of new characters who uncover the dark truth beneath the surface of their small town.
- Themes of trauma, fear, and how evil thrives when left unchallenged.
Welcome to Derry will act as both a chilling standalone story and a connective bridge to the It films that captivated audiences worldwide.
When Does the New Episode of It Come Out on Max?
So, exactly when does the new episode of It come out?
As of November 2025, Warner Bros. and Max have confirmed that Welcome to Derry will premiere in April 2026. Though an exact day has not been announced, insiders suggest a mid-April debut.
The first season will consist of eight episodes, releasing weekly on Max — similar to other major HBO originals like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us.
Tentative Release Schedule:
| Episode | Release Window | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | April 2026 | Max (U.S.) |
| Episode 2 | April 2026 | Max |
| Episode 3 | April 2026 | Max |
| Episode 4 | May 2026 | Max |
| Episode 5 | May 2026 | Max |
| Episode 6 | May 2026 | Max |
| Episode 7 | June 2026 | Max |
| Episode 8 (Finale) | June 2026 | Max |
Each episode is expected to run about 60 minutes, with cinematic visuals and production quality on par with the It films.
The Creative Team Behind Welcome to Derry
One of the biggest reasons fans are excited about the new series is the return of Andy Muschietti, the visionary director who helmed It and It Chapter Two.
Muschietti and his sister Barbara Muschietti serve as executive producers, ensuring that the tone, visuals, and mythology align perfectly with the films. The show is written by Jason Fuchs (It Chapter Two, Wonder Woman) and Brad Caleb Kane (Black Sails), both of whom have extensive experience crafting rich, character-driven stories.
Confirmed production details:
- Directors: Andy Muschietti (episodes 1–3)
- Showrunners: Jason Fuchs & Shelley Meals (Shadow and Bone)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television & Double Dream
- Filming Locations: Toronto and Port Hope, Ontario (the same locations used for the It movies)
In a recent interview, Andy Muschietti described Welcome to Derry as “a terrifying expansion of the world we built — a look at how fear infects generations.”
Cast: Who’s Starring in the New It Series?
Another big question from fans asking when does the new episode of It come out is whether Bill Skarsgård will return as Pennywise the Clown.
As of November 2025, Skarsgård’s return has not been confirmed, but Warner Bros. has not ruled out a cameo or surprise appearance. Skarsgård has expressed admiration for the project but noted in interviews that the role of Pennywise is “emotionally and physically demanding.”
The confirmed cast includes a mix of new and familiar faces from film and television:
- Madeleine Stowe (Revenge)
- Jovan Adepo (Watchmen)
- Stephen Rider (Daredevil)
- Chris Chalk (Gotham)
- Taylour Paige (Zola)
- James Remar (Dexter)
These characters will reportedly portray the citizens of Derry during the 1960s — some of whom begin to uncover the horrifying pattern of disappearances, violence, and supernatural events tied to the town’s history.
Production Timeline and Behind-the-Scenes Progress
Filming for Welcome to Derry began in April 2024 and wrapped in September 2025, following delays caused by the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes.
The production primarily took place in Toronto and Port Hope, Ontario, which doubled as Derry in the original It films. These small towns were transformed once again into the eerie, fog-covered setting fans remember — complete with the iconic Neibolt House, storm drains, and other recognizable locations.
Post-production work — including editing, sound design, and special effects — is currently underway. Early reports suggest that the first official trailer will debut in January 2026, roughly three months before the premiere.
What Makes Welcome to Derry Different from the It Movies
While Welcome to Derry shares its universe with the It films, the series promises to go deeper into the mythology than ever before. Instead of following a group of children battling Pennywise, the show will explore how the town itself became cursed — and how fear manifests as a living, breathing force.
Expect the tone to be darker and more psychological. While the It films blended horror with themes of friendship and nostalgia, Welcome to Derry will take a more mature, unsettling approach — examining what drives ordinary people to commit horrific acts when fear takes hold.
The series also offers a rare chance to see Pennywise’s origins — a mystery that Stephen King’s novel only hinted at. Whether the show will delve into the creature’s cosmic background (as hinted in the book’s “Deadlights” mythology) remains to be seen.
Stephen King’s Reaction to the Series
Stephen King, the legendary author behind It, has given Welcome to Derry his blessing. In a recent interview, King said he’s “excited to see how the Muschiettis expand the world in new directions while keeping its emotional truth intact.”
King praised the creative team for staying true to the spirit of the original story, saying that Welcome to Derry “captures the dread and sadness that make Derry, Maine, so unforgettable.”
Fans of King’s work are eager to see whether the show will incorporate elements from other stories set in his shared universe — particularly references to The Dark Tower or The Shining.
What Fans Can Expect from the First Episode
The debut episode of Welcome to Derry is rumored to introduce viewers to a young woman returning to her hometown after years away, only to find that Derry’s darkness has been waiting for her.
While the full plot remains secret, leaked production notes suggest that the first episode will open with a mass flooding event that uncovers an ancient structure beneath the town — setting off a chain of supernatural horrors.
Fans can expect the same blend of haunting visuals, psychological terror, and emotional storytelling that made the It movies so successful.
Where and How to Watch the New Episode
When the new episode of It comes out in April 2026, it will stream exclusively on Max. Viewers can access it via the Max app on smart TVs, tablets, and major streaming platforms such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
For those without subscriptions, Warner Bros. is reportedly planning limited theatrical screenings of the first episode in select cities — similar to what HBO did with House of the Dragon. This would give fans a chance to experience Derry’s terror on the big screen before the series launches.
The Cultural Impact of the It Franchise
The It saga has had a massive cultural influence since Stephen King’s novel first hit shelves in 1986. The two modern film adaptations redefined horror for a new generation, turning Pennywise into one of pop culture’s most recognizable villains.
From Halloween costumes to viral memes, Pennywise has become a symbol of fear itself. The anticipation for Welcome to Derry proves that audiences remain fascinated by the story’s mix of terror, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
By expanding this universe into a serialized format, Warner Bros. aims to deliver the most in-depth exploration of King’s world ever brought to television.
Final Thoughts: Counting Down to Derry’s Return
For everyone asking when does the new episode of It come out, the answer is official — April 2026 on Max. The series promises to deliver a terrifying new chapter that uncovers Derry’s dark beginnings, guided by the same creative minds who made It a global phenomenon.
With a stellar cast, a gripping origin story, and Stephen King’s blessing, Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV events of 2026.
Are you ready to return to Derry and face Pennywise’s origins? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the official trailer early next year.