It: Welcome to Derry surprises viewers with a new special episode on HBO Max
The episode A Story of Derry takes place hundreds of years before the events of the horror series and was released on Halloween
Fans of "It: Welcome to Derry" received a Halloween treat: The horror series surprised viewers with a new episode, which has since been available on HBO Max under the title "A Story of Derry." What makes it special: The 30-minute story takes place centuries before the events of the series centered on the diabolical horror clown Pennywise. The official synopsis for "A Story of Derry" reads:
"Hundreds of years before Pennywise, three youngsters venture into the Western Wood...where they encounter a terrifying ancient spirit."
HBO has posted a short teaser on social media to get viewers in the mood. The caption for the clip reads: "IT's a surprise Halloween treat. Catch this never-before-seen special exploring the origins of IT in Derry." You can watch the posted teaser video for "A Story of Derry" here:
It: Welcome to Derry Season 2 is a done deal
Regardless of the newly released special episode "A Story of Derry," the future of the series looks bright. As reported by KinoCheck a few months ago, "It: Welcome to Derry" has been officially renewed for a second season. The series adaptation serves as a prequel to Andy Muschietti's two-part "It" film adaptation from 2017 and 2019, which in turn is based on Stephen King's classic novel of the same name. Muschietti also directed several episodes of the series. In the second season, he is once again on board as an executive producer alongside Barbara Muschietti and Brad Caleb Kane. Kane will now serve as the series' sole showrunner; previously, he had shared the role with Jason Fuchs.
Season 2 is set to delve even deeper into the eerie world of the horror clown Pennywise. While the first season was set in 1962, the new episodes are set in 1935 during the Great Depression. The story will focus on the bloody history of the Bradley Gang. The bank robbers also played a role in King's original novel. Apparently, they will take on particular significance in the second season of the horror series. Until then, however, viewers will have to be patient: The release date for the second season of "It: Welcome to Derry" has not yet been announced.
Time jump also planned for Season 3
And what happens next? If there's a third season, there will likely be another time jump. Last year, Andy Muschietti spoke about his plans to tell the story of Pennywise over the course of three seasons, each set in a different time period. He revealed to Variety:
"Our big story arc involves three seasons, mainly based on the three critical cycles of Pennywise, which are 1962, 1935 and 1908."
Another Stephen King Series renewed
It remains to be seen whether a third season will actually materialize. However, anyone who can't get enough of Stephen King series in general can already look forward to the fact that "Carrie" was recently renewed for a second season. The series is based on King's 1974 novel of the same name. In showrunner Mike Flanagan's reimagining, Summer H. Howell plays the protagonist Carrie White, a high school student who develops telekinetic powers. The premiere date for Season 2 has not yet been set, but all eight episodes of the first season of "Carrie" have been available on Prime Video since October 7, 2026. You can get a glimpse of the series in the trailer:
