It: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 – Release Date, Time, Cast, and What’s Coming Next on HBO Max
Fans of Stephen King’s chilling universe are in for another terrifying ride. HBO Max’s It: Welcome to Derry has quickly become one of the most talked-about horror series of the year, diving deep into the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the cursed town of Derry, Maine. With two episodes already out, the suspense continues to build for Episode 3 — and it promises more dark secrets, shocking discoveries, and spine-tingling horror.
Here’s everything you need to know about It: Welcome to Derry Episode 3, including its release date, streaming times, cast details, and what to expect next.
When Will It: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Be Released?
HBO Max has officially confirmed that It: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 will premiere on Sunday, November 9, at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET. The release comes just over a week after Episode 2 dropped early on October 31 as part of HBO’s Halloween celebration.
Following this schedule, new episodes will arrive every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, leading up to the season finale in mid-December.
Full Season 1 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 (Season Finale): December 14
So, if you’re planning your next Sunday binge, mark your calendars. Every week will bring us closer to the dark origins of Pennywise and the horrors lurking beneath Derry’s streets.
Global Release Times: When Can You Watch Around the World?
It: Welcome to Derry is not only captivating American audiences but also gaining a huge following worldwide. International fans will have access to Episode 3 at different times depending on their local regions.
In the UK, the episode will stream on Sky Max and NowTV, with a repeat broadcast scheduled for Monday, November 10, at 9 p.m. UK time.
For viewers in other countries, release times may vary slightly, so it’s best to check your local HBO Max or partner streaming platforms for accurate schedules.
What Is It: Welcome to Derry About?
Set in the 1960s, decades before the events of It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), It: Welcome to Derry dives into the twisted beginnings of Pennywise and the mysterious curse that haunts the small Maine town.
Created by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (who also directed the It films) alongside Jason Fuchs, the series blends psychological horror with emotional storytelling. It’s not just about jump scares — it’s about exploring fear, trauma, and the darkness that festers in seemingly ordinary places.
According to the creators, the show is designed as a three-season project, with each season peeling back more layers of Derry’s haunted history. Season 2 is rumored to take place in 1935, expanding on events and characters introduced in the first season.
Meet the Cast: The Faces Behind Derry’s Nightmare
The cast of It: Welcome to Derry combines familiar names with rising stars, bringing depth and authenticity to the eerie tale.
- Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, the sinister clown whose horrifying smile has haunted viewers for years.
- Chris Chalk, Jovan Adepo, and Taylour Paige lead the ensemble as residents who slowly uncover Derry’s terrifying past.
- James Remar, Madeleine Stowe, and Stephen Rider add seasoned presence to the drama.
- Supporting roles from Rudy Mancuso, Blake Cameron James, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Arian S. Cartaya, and Clara Stack round out the cast, portraying the townspeople whose lives intertwine with the evil presence below.
Together, they create a gripping ensemble that makes the fictional town of Derry feel disturbingly real.
What to Expect in Episode 3
If Episode 2 left you with questions, Episode 3 is where answers — and more nightmares — begin to surface. The mysterious car filled with skeletons glimpsed in the previous episode is expected to take center stage, hinting at deeper secrets buried within Derry’s history.
Episode 3 is also rumored to explore how Pennywise’s presence begins to seep into the town, influencing its residents and shaping the tragedies that will later define Derry’s future. Fans can expect haunting flashbacks, eerie symbolism, and a few shocking twists that tie the prequel more closely to the It films.
As the horror intensifies, the episode is also expected to highlight the emotional weight behind the terror — how fear and guilt can rot a community from within.
Why Fans Are Loving It: Welcome to Derry
The success of It: Welcome to Derry goes beyond nostalgia. While it connects to the beloved It movies, it stands on its own as a chilling psychological horror series that explores deeper themes of evil, trauma, and denial.
Fans have praised its cinematography, slow-burn storytelling, and unsettling atmosphere — all trademarks of Andy Muschietti’s directorial style. The 1960s setting gives the show a unique, retro aesthetic while grounding its supernatural horror in real-world fears and social tensions.
Critics have also highlighted Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise as a major strength. His ability to blend menace and childlike glee makes every appearance unnervingly magnetic.
How It: Welcome to Derry Connects to the It Movies
The series functions as a direct prequel to It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), expanding on small clues from the films. Viewers will likely notice subtle references and connections — from familiar landmarks like the sewers and the Neibolt House to the recurring theme of Derry’s cursed cycle of violence.
The show also dives into how Pennywise came to be, teasing that his evil may be far older and stranger than anyone imagined. Expect more hints about the cosmic mythology behind It, possibly connecting to Stephen King’s wider universe.
The Future of the Series
Though HBO Max has not yet announced an official renewal, early buzz suggests that It: Welcome to Derry is set to become one of the platform’s flagship horror shows. With two more planned seasons and a deeper dive into the town’s dark origins, there’s plenty more terror to come.
As Andy Muschietti teased in interviews, each season will peel back new layers of Derry’s long history of fear — suggesting that Pennywise might not be the only evil lurking beneath the surface.
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 of It: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter — one that connects past horrors with the birth of Pennywise’s legend. Whether you’re a die-hard Stephen King fan or a newcomer drawn by the mystery, this series is a must-watch for anyone who loves slow-burn horror with real emotional depth.
So, get your lights dimmed and your nerves steeled — because when you return to Derry on November 9, the nightmares are only just beginning.
