Fans of Stephen King’s chilling universe have been waiting for the release of Welcome to Derry, the prequel series to IT. As of today, the official U.S. release schedule for the highly anticipated horror drama has been confirmed — and viewers now know exactly what time it premieres each week.
The answer to what time does Welcome to Derry come out is straightforward: the series premiered on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (6:00 p.m. Pacific Time) on HBO. New episodes follow the same release pattern, airing weekly at 9 p.m. ET every Sunday night, with same-day streaming available on Max for those watching digitally.
Premiere Time and Weekly Schedule
HBO has chosen the classic primetime slot for its newest horror drama. This mirrors the release strategy of other major series from the network, ensuring maximum viewership and a consistent Sunday night schedule.
Here’s the official release timeline for Welcome to Derry in the U.S.:
| Episode | Release Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 26, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 2 | November 2, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 3 | November 9, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 4 | November 16, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 5 | November 23, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 6 | November 30, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 7 | December 7, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
| Episode 8 | December 14, 2025 | 9:00 p.m. |
Each new episode is available for streaming on Max immediately following its cable airing, meaning fans can choose to tune in live or catch up later in the evening.
Where and How to Watch
Welcome to Derry airs on HBO, one of the most trusted destinations for premium television in the U.S. The series is also available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max), giving viewers the option to watch on-demand using smart TVs, phones, or streaming devices.
For U.S. audiences:
- Cable TV: Watch on HBO every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.
- Streaming: Episodes release simultaneously on Max at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
International release times may vary depending on regional availability, but the 9 p.m. ET premiere remains the benchmark for the U.S. audience.
About Welcome to Derry
Set in the 1960s, Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the hit IT films directed by Andy Muschietti. The series explores the terrifying origins of Pennywise the Clown and delves deeper into the cursed history of Derry, Maine — the small town that has haunted Stephen King’s readers and moviegoers for decades.
The show is produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, alongside Jason Fuchs, and features an entirely new cast of characters whose lives intertwine with the early evil that takes hold of the town. The eerie tone, atmospheric visuals, and psychological storytelling continue the legacy of the IT franchise while expanding its mythology.
Why the Release Time Matters
The Sunday 9 p.m. slot has become HBO’s prime window for prestige programming. Major titles like House of the Dragon, True Detective, and Succession have all thrived in this timeframe. By securing this same slot, Welcome to Derry is positioned as one of the network’s major event releases for late 2025.
Releasing at 9 p.m. Eastern also benefits national audiences:
- East Coast Viewers get a true primetime airing.
- West Coast Viewers can tune in as early as 6 p.m. Pacific.
- Streamers on Max can watch immediately after broadcast or on-demand anytime.
The timing ensures accessibility across time zones, giving the show a nationwide simultaneous debut and maximizing the initial buzz.
Viewer Anticipation and Reception
Since the series announcement, Welcome to Derry has generated strong anticipation among both horror enthusiasts and fans of the IT universe. The prequel promises to deliver a blend of psychological terror, historical storytelling, and supernatural dread — a formula that has made King’s works enduringly popular.
The trailer, released earlier this fall, teased haunting visuals and chilling sequences reminiscent of Pennywise’s menacing presence. Early reviews from premiere screenings highlight the show’s atmospheric design, strong performances, and expanding lore surrounding Derry’s curse.
Episode Length and Format
Each episode of Welcome to Derry runs approximately 60 minutes, featuring cinematic production quality consistent with HBO’s top-tier dramas. The first season includes eight episodes, building toward a suspenseful finale in mid-December.
Episodes feature multiple interconnected storylines exploring how evil takes root in the town long before the events of IT. Expect historical themes, generational trauma, and the slow emergence of the malevolent force later known as Pennywise.
Streaming Availability
For those without HBO cable access, Max provides several subscription tiers, including ad-supported and ad-free options. Episodes typically appear on the Max app at the same time they air on HBO — 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Replays are also available immediately after the episode airs, so viewers who miss the live broadcast can catch up anytime.
If you’re planning a group watch or want to avoid spoilers on social media, tuning in right at 9 p.m. ET remains the best choice.
Summary: What Time Does Welcome to Derry Come Out
To summarize clearly for U.S. viewers:
- Premiere Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time
- Network: HBO
- Streaming: Max (same-day release)
- New Episodes: Every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET
So, if you’re asking what time does Welcome to Derry come out, the answer is 9:00 p.m. ET — every Sunday on HBO and Max.
Get ready for an eerie trip back to Derry, Maine, where the nightmare first began — and evil never truly dies.