You’ve probably heard the rumors. Or maybe you saw that terrifying first glimpse of Bill Skarsgård’s eyes peering out from a sewer grate again. It’s happening. HBO is taking us back to the most cursed town in Maine, and honestly, it’s about time. If you’re looking for a Welcome to Derry episode guide that doesn't just regurgitate press releases, you’re in the right spot. We're looking at a prequel series that aims to explain why Derry is so uniquely messed up. It isn't just about a clown; it’s about the soul of a city that was born in blood.
Pennywise isn't new. He’s been here for centuries.
The show, officially titled It: Welcome to Derry, serves as a direct bridge to the Andy Muschietti films. It’s set in the 1960s, a decade that Stephen King fans know is pivotal for the town’s lore. We aren't just getting a monster-of-the-week show. This is a deep dive into the cyclical nature of evil.
The Current Welcome to Derry Episode Guide and What to Expect
Right now, the production has confirmed a nine-episode order for the first season. Unlike a lot of streaming shows that feel like a four-hour movie stretched into ten parts, the word from the set is that this is structured around the 27-year cycle. Every 27 years, Derry "wakes up," and people die. Mostly children.
The first episode is rumored to be titled "Beginnings," though titles are often kept under wraps until the last second to avoid spoilers. Expect the premiere to establish the 1960s timeline. This is the era of the "Black Spot" fire, a massive event in King’s novel that the movies only briefly touched on. It was a club for Black soldiers that was burned down by a racist cult. It was also one of the times Pennywise fed the most.
Why the 1960s Setting Matters
If you've read the book, you know the movies shifted the timeline. The "kids" section of the 2017 movie took place in the 80s, while the book had them in the 50s. By setting the show in the 60s, the producers are filling the gap between the origins of the town and the Losers' Club era. We’re going to see a different Derry. It's grittier. It's more overtly divided.
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The episodes aren't just following one group. We have a cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and James Remar. These aren't just cameos; they represent the people of Derry trying to live normal lives while a cosmic entity breathes down their necks.
Breaking Down the Narrative Structure
How do you pace a horror show like this?
The Welcome to Derry episode guide will likely follow a slow-burn descent. The first three episodes usually establish the "missing person" of the week. In Derry, people go missing so often that the town has become numb to it. It’s a collective amnesia. That’s the real horror—not the teeth, but the fact that the parents don't seem to care that their kids are vanishing.
Then comes the mid-season. This is where the supernatural elements usually ramp up. We know Bill Skarsgård is back as Pennywise. He isn't just a guest star; he’s the lead antagonist. However, reports suggest we might see "It" in forms other than the clown. Remember, Pennywise is just a mask. The true form is the Deadlights.
Key Events We Expect to See
- The Black Spot Fire: This is almost a guarantee. It’s a cornerstone of Derry’s history and involves Mike Hanlon’s father.
- The Bradley Gang Shootout: Another historical massacre where the townspeople basically turned into a lynch mob. Derry has a way of making people violent.
- The Kitchener Ironworks Explosion: While this happened earlier in the timeline (1906), the 60s characters might be uncovering the truth about it.
Honestly, the show has a lot of ground to cover. It has to feel like It without being a carbon copy of the movies. If they just do "scary clown jumps out of corner" for nine hours, people will check out. The show needs to lean into the psychological rot of the town.
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Production Details and Creative Lead
Andy Muschietti is heavily involved. He’s directing several episodes, including the pilot. His sister, Barbara Muschietti, is producing alongside Jason Fuchs. This is important because it ensures the visual language stays consistent with the films. The saturated colors, the looming shadows, and that specific "Derry" feel—kind of nostalgic but mostly nauseating—will be there.
The filming took place in Port Hope, Ontario, which has basically become the real-world Derry. They’ve even repainted the "Quality Meats" mural and brought back the creepy vibes to the downtown core.
Why This Prequel is Actually Necessary
Some people think we don't need an origin for Pennywise. They say mystery is better. I get that. But Stephen King’s It is over 1,000 pages long. The movies, as great as they were, left out about 60% of the world-building.
We never really saw how It influences the local government. We didn't see how the police department is basically complicit in the disappearances. The Welcome to Derry episode guide should, if done right, explore the "Macroverse." This is the cosmic side of King’s writing. We might even get glimpses of Maturin the Turtle, the ancient entity that is the polar opposite of Pennywise.
It's a lot of lore to juggle. But if they pull it off, it changes how we watch the movies. Suddenly, those movies aren't just about seven kids; they're the climax of a centuries-long war.
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What to Do While You Wait
The show is slated for a 2025 release on Max. Since it's currently in post-production, there are a few things you can do to prep.
First, re-read the "Derry: The Interludes" sections of the book. They are the best parts. They’re written like a journal by Mike Hanlon, detailing the town’s history. Most of the show’s plot points will likely be pulled directly from these chapters.
Second, watch the 2017 and 2019 films again, but pay attention to the background. Look at the missing persons posters. Look at the dates. The Muschiettis love Easter eggs, and they’ve been planting the seeds for this prequel for years.
Final Thoughts on the Derry Legacy
Derry is a character. That’s the biggest takeaway. The town breathes, it eats, and it sleeps. The Welcome to Derry episode guide will be our map through that living nightmare. It’s not just about the jump scares; it’s about the creeping realization that the place you call home might actually be trying to kill you.
Keep an eye on the official Max trailers. The first few teasers have already shown the iconic red balloon floating through a 1960s neighborhood. It’s a simple image, but it carries a lot of weight.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep track of these specific steps:
- Monitor the Max press room for the official episode titles, which usually drop a month before the premiere.
- Cross-reference character names with the original novel to see which historical Derry families (like the Bowers or the Hanlons) are being featured.
- Watch for "The Black Spot" references in early marketing, as this will be the central anchor for the 1960s timeline.
The wait is almost over. Just stay away from the sewers until then.