‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Hits 5.7 Million Viewers in Three Days, No. 3 HBO Max Premiere Ever

Stephen King’s terrifying universe has once again captivated audiences, with the highly anticipated prequel series, ‘It: Welcome to Derry’, making a formidable debut on HBO and HBO Max. The series premiered on October 26, 2025, and quickly established itself as a significant player in the streaming landscape, drawing millions of viewers into the chilling origins of Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry.

A Stellar Debut: ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Viewership

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ garnered an impressive 5.7 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max within its first three days of release. This substantial viewership figure positions the supernatural horror series as the third most-watched series premiere in HBO Max’s history. It trails only the acclaimed debuts of the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ and the post-apocalyptic drama ‘The Last of Us’, cementing its place among the platform’s most successful launches.

For comparison, ‘House of the Dragon’ premiered to just under 10 million viewers, while ‘The Last of Us’ brought in 4.7 million viewers, both measured within their first day. The strong performance of ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ underscores the enduring appeal of the ‘It’ franchise and the horror genre on major streaming platforms.

Expanding the ‘It’ Universe: What is ‘Welcome to Derry’?

The series serves as a chilling prequel to Andy Muschietti’s successful feature films, ‘It’ (2017) and ‘It Chapter Two’ (2019), both of which adapted Stephen King’s iconic 1986 novel. Set in the 1960s, ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ delves into the dark history of Derry, Maine, exploring the early days and sinister origins of the entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The narrative unfolds approximately 27 years before the events of the first film, offering a deeper look into how evil established itself in the cursed town.

The series centers around new characters, including U.S. Air Force pilot Leroy Hanlon and his wife Charlotte, whose arrival in Derry coincides with unsettling events and disappearances. It aims to provide answers to many questions about Pennywise while also introducing both new and familiar elements to the franchise lore.

Key Players Behind the Fear

The creative force behind the hit ‘It’ films, Andy Muschietti, developed ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ for television alongside his sister Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs. Andy Muschietti is also at the helm, directing multiple episodes, including the pilot. Jason Fuchs penned the first episode and serves as co-showrunner with Brad Caleb Kane.

The cast features a mix of new and returning talent, bringing the terrifying narrative to life:

• Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise.
• Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon.
• Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon.
• Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann.
• James Remar as General Shaw.
• Stephen Rider as Hank Grogan.
• Madeleine Stowe.
• Other cast members include Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Clara Stack, and Rudy Mancuso.

Impact on the Streaming Landscape

The impressive premiere numbers for ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ not only highlight the continued appetite for Stephen King adaptations but also solidify HBO Max’s position as a premier destination for high-profile genre content. The series’ strong initial engagement suggests that well-executed horror prequels connected to established franchises can drive significant viewership and subscriptions. The timing of its release, just ahead of Halloween, also capitalized on seasonal viewing trends, further boosting its impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ premiere?

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ premiered on HBO and HBO Max on Saturday, October 26, 2025.

How many viewers did ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ get in its first three days?

The series drew 5.7 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max in its first three days.

What is the ranking of ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ among HBO Max premieres?

It is the third most-watched series premiere in HBO Max history, following ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘The Last of Us’.

Is ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ a prequel or a sequel?

It is a prequel series, set in the 1960s, exploring the origins of Pennywise before the events of the ‘It’ films.

Who plays Pennywise in ‘It: Welcome to Derry’?

Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise from the ‘It’ feature films.

Conclusion

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ has successfully carved out its niche within the expansive and terrifying world of Stephen King’s ‘It’ saga. Its remarkable debut, securing a spot as the third-highest HBO Max series premiere ever, speaks volumes about the enduring popularity of the franchise and the compelling allure of its horrifying antagonist, Pennywise. As the series unfolds, it promises to deepen the lore and further cement the legacy of Derry as one of fiction’s most unsettling towns, proving that some fears, much like Pennywise, never truly die.