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Audiences are thrilled for the horror series It: Welcome to Derry, that's been earning acclaim and weaving in themes from the broader King universe. Now, the broadcaster announced that episode two will debut sooner than expected, scheduled ideally for Halloween.

Schedule Change Particulars

Starting on the last day of October at 3 a.m. EST, the second episode of the Derry prequel will launch on HBO Max, before its linear broadcast. The remaining installments of the show's first season will continue to air on the weekend on both HBO and its streaming arm, building toward the season finale on December 14th.

Storyline Summary

Taking place within the world of King's It, the new series borrows elements from the original story while expanding on the universe established by director Andy Muschietti in the recent movie adaptations. The original It centered on young characters confronting supernatural evils, thus it's suitable that the series upholds that legacy. However, the premiere episode of HBO’s Welcome to Derry demonstrates it set out to escalate the fear, delivering heightened horror than Muschietti’s films and establishing a dark atmosphere for the rest of the season.

Setting and Themes

Taking place in the 1960s, the program introduces a fresh cast of parents and youngsters inhabiting a apparently peaceful community hiding a evil heart. Derry functions through a cruel, recurring cycle—defined by aggression, prejudice, and paranormal events, as a monstrous presence returns every 27 years. While It: Welcome to Derry might seem like it leans too heavily to the films on the surface, what differentiates the HBO Max series is its dual perspective—narrated via the eyes of both children and adults simultaneously. Children are highly exposed to the monster's horror, but the adults don't escape facing their personal demons stemming from Derry’s deep-seated bigotry and lurking supernatural forces.

It: Welcome to Derry premieres on the 31st of October at 12 a.m. Pacific Time.