‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Breaks Records with Massive Premiere Viewership

“It: Welcome to Derry” has made a huge impact right out of the gate, pulling in 5.7 million viewers within its first three days of release, according to Warner Bros. Discovery.

That number includes both traditional HBO viewership tracked by Nielsen and streams on HBO Max. The impressive debut makes it the third most-watched series premiere since HBO Max was launched. Only “House of the Dragon” and “The Last of Us” had bigger openings, the company said.

The new series serves as a prequel to the hit movies “It” (2017) and “It Chapter Two” (2019), which were both based on Stephen King’s classic 1986 horror novel. Set decades before the events of the films, the story dives into the dark beginnings of Derry, Maine — the small town haunted by the evil presence of Pennywise the Clown.

“It: Welcome to Derry” was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, who were all part of the creative team behind the “It” films. Andy Muschietti returned to direct several episodes, including the pilot, while Fuchs and Brad Kane took on showrunner duties.

You’ll love Derry so much, you’ll never leave.#ITWelcomeToDerry premieres October 2025 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/ptRIpC2Emg

— HBO Max (@hbomax) July 27, 2025

The series features an ensemble cast that includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, and Mikkal Karim-Fidler. Bill Skarsgård, who terrified audiences in the films, once again steps into the role of Pennywise while also serving as an executive producer.

Production on the show began in May 2023 but was temporarily stopped that summer due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Filming later resumed and wrapped in August 2024. The show officially premiered on HBO on October 26.

The story begins in 1962 when a family moves to Derry with their young son just as another child goes missing. Soon after, the town begins to experience a string of disturbing events that signal something deeply wrong beneath its surface.

The strong viewership numbers show that fans are still eager for more from the world of “It.” By blending familiar characters, a chilling atmosphere, and the mystery of Derry’s cursed history, the show continues to expand the terrifying universe that began with Stephen King’s book nearly four decades ago.

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