The countdown for It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 is officially underway, with the next chilling installment set to premiere on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max in the United States. Fans of Stephen King’s terrifying universe are eagerly awaiting this episode, which promises to deepen the mystery and horror surrounding the cursed town of Derry, Maine.
Release Schedule & Streaming Details
Here’s what U.S. viewers need to know as the countdown continues:
- Episode 3 Air Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET/PT — available simultaneously on HBO and Max
- Total Episodes: Eight in total, releasing weekly on Sundays
- Finale Date: December 14, 2025
- International Release: Depending on time zones, international regions like the U.K. and India will receive the new episode on November 10
With each episode dropping weekly, the series is maintaining a consistent release rhythm that allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the growing darkness of Derry.
What to Expect in Episode 3
As the countdown to It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 draws closer, anticipation is building around the key storylines and eerie developments ahead.
- The official plot teases a “major find” that leads to new investigations but few answers, with General Shaw ordering Leroy Hanlon and Pauly Russo to assist Dick Hallorann in locating a new dig site.
- Meanwhile, Rose takes part in a tense tribal meeting focused on the expanding military presence in the area.
- The younger characters — Ronnie, Lilly, Will, and Rich — conduct a supernatural ritual seeking proof of an unseen presence, hinting at darker forces that may soon emerge.
- This episode is expected to deliver more insight into Derry’s cursed past and the origins of the evil that would one day manifest as Pennywise the Clown.
Episode 3 is rumored to heighten both the supernatural tension and emotional stakes, as the boundaries between reality and the paranormal begin to crumble.
Why This Episode Matters
The It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 countdown matters for more than just timing — this episode represents a critical turning point in the prequel’s storyline.
- The series, set in 1962, explores the first manifestations of evil in Derry, long before the events of the films It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019).
- The first two episodes established the eerie tone and character arcs; Episode 3 is where secrets begin to unravel and deeper horrors come into focus.
- This is also the point where viewers can expect stronger ties to the original Stephen King mythology, blending psychological terror with the series’ slowly growing mythos.
- The show has already drawn millions of viewers since its premiere, quickly becoming one of the most-watched horror debuts on Max this fall.
For fans of the It franchise, Episode 3 is expected to provide a deeper look into the mythological roots of the entity that would eventually take the form of Pennywise.
Episode Guide and Timing Table
| Episode | U.S. Air Date | U.S. Time (ET/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 26, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 2 | November 2, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 3 | November 9, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 4 | November 16, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 5 | November 23, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 6 | November 30, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 7 | December 7, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
| Episode 8 (Finale) | December 14, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT |
This structured release schedule gives fans a consistent viewing experience, keeping suspense alive through the holiday season.
How to Watch in the U.S.
Watching It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 is easy for U.S. audiences:
- On Television: Tune in to HBO on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.
- Streaming Option: The episode will be available to stream at the same time on Max.
- Subscription Details: Max offers several plans, including ad-supported and ad-free options. Both provide full access to the It Welcome to Derry series.
For the best experience, viewers are encouraged to stream in 4K HDR if available, as the cinematography and sound design play a major role in heightening the horror atmosphere.
What Sets Episode 3 Apart
Episode 3 is expected to bring together multiple narrative threads established earlier in the season. Here’s why fans are especially excited:
- Tension Peaks: The supernatural elements begin to surface in more direct ways, hinting at the true scale of the evil haunting Derry.
- Character Development: Central characters like Rose and Dick Hallorann (a familiar name for The Shining fans) take on new significance as the mystery deepens.
- Cinematic Horror: Director Andy Muschietti’s signature visual style continues to shine, balancing nostalgic 1960s settings with dread-inducing imagery.
- Connections to Stephen King’s Universe: Episode 3 reportedly contains key Easter eggs linking the events in Derry to the broader King multiverse.
The upcoming episode is being described as “the calm before the storm,” setting the stage for the series’ explosive midpoint in Episode 4.
Why Fans Should Tune In on Time
With every episode release, social media conversations ignite within minutes. To avoid spoilers and be part of the live discussion, fans should plan to watch It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 as soon as it premieres.
This is one of those shows where each episode builds upon carefully planted details, and missing even a few minutes could mean overlooking an important clue about Pennywise’s beginnings.
HBO and Max are encouraging fans to engage using the hashtag #WelcomeToDerry, which has been trending every Sunday since the premiere.
Final Thoughts
The It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 countdown is more than just a reminder of when to watch — it’s the anticipation of what horrors will unfold next. As the timeline draws closer to November 9, fans can expect rising dread, new discoveries, and the slow, unsettling emergence of something ancient beneath Derry’s surface.
Don’t miss Episode 3 this Sunday — and when you’ve watched it, share your theories about what’s coming next in Derry below.
