IT: Welcome to Derry drops its third episode tonight. Episode 3 premieres at 9 PM ET on HBO and Max. The Stephen King prequel continues raising the horror stakes. Pennywise and the terror of Derry, Maine deepens in 1962.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Time: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT on Nov. 9, 2025
- Platforms: HBO and Max streaming
- Season Length: 8 episodes total with weekly Sunday releases
- Cast Highlights: Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Bill Skarsgård
- Next Episode: Episode 4 airs Nov. 16
What Happened in Derry This Week
The prequel series explores Pennywise’s origins in 1962. Two episodes aired already with massive critical support. Episode 2 dropped early on Halloween, Oct. 31. Episode 3 escalates the terror and mystery. The story reveals how evil grips Derry through unsettling supernatural forces.
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The series shows a town where Major Leroy Hanlon arrives to Derry Air Force Base. His family—Charlotte and their son—begin experiencing horrific events. Four misfit kids band together searching for their missing classmate. Director Andy Muschietti maintains intense pacing and dread. Stephen King himself approves of the adaptation, calling specific scenes unforgettable.
“The writer himself recently gave the show his seal of approval in a new interview, revealing the disgusting scene that he can’t stop thinking about.”
Why This Episode Matters Tonight
Welcome to Derry positions itself as 2025’s breakout horror event. HBO and Max face intense competition for streaming time. Episode releases on Sundays at 9 PM ET anchor the network’s schedule. Stephen King fans have waited decades for this origin story adapted properly.
The show already commands critical respect and casual viewer attention. Season 1 contains 8 episodes releasing through Dec. 14. Missing episode 3 means spoilers flood social media immediately. Fans must watch tonight to join the conversation. The moment builds momentum toward the season finale.
Episode Release Schedule and Viewing Details
IT: Welcome to Derry maintains a strict weekly schedule. Here’s the confirmed episode calendar:
| Episode | Release Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1: Pilot | Oct. 26, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
| Episode 2: The Thing in the Dark | Oct. 31, 2025 (Early) | 3 AM ET |
| Episode 3 | Nov. 9, 2025 (Tonight) | 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT |
| Episode 4 | Nov. 16, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
| Episode 5 | Nov. 23, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
| Episode 6 | Nov. 30, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
| Episode 7 | Dec. 7, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
| Episode 8: Season Finale | Dec. 14, 2025 | 9 PM ET |
HBO Max (officially called Max now) drops all episodes simultaneously. HBO airs them on television at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT on Sundays. The early Halloween release for Episode 2 was a special promotional event. Episodes become available 24/7 after the premiere window.
What to Watch For Tomorrow and Beyond
- The deepening horror and emergence of evil in Derry
- Character development for Leroy and Charlotte Hanlon
- Pennywise mythology and origin backstory details
- Social media reactions and fan theories exploding online
- Rotten Tomatoes scores trending higher
The finale airs Dec. 14, 2025, wrapping up the season. Max hasn’t announced a renewal yet. But IT fan engagement suggests Season 2 renewal is likely. Stream tonight to preserve your place in the cultural moment. Derry demands your full attention.
Is Tonight’s Episode Worth Your Time?
Yes. The series commands attention from horror fans and Stephen King devotees. Critics praise the atmospheric storytelling and character depth. The prequel format works brilliantly, revealing how Pennywise took root in Maine’s most tragic town. Episode 3 continues this momentum without hesitation.
HBO invested significantly in this project. Director Andy Muschietti brought his film expertise to television. The budget shows in every frame’s production quality. Tune in at 9 PM ET and experience IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 live. Watch the official preview here:

Sources
- Deadline – Release schedule coverage
- USA Today – Episode timing and streaming availability
- HBO Max – Official previews and announcements

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
