On 31 October 2026, the streaming service HBO Max unexpectedly released a special episode of the horror series *It: Welcome to Derry*. The episode, titled «The History of Derry», was timed to coincide with Halloween. Its plot unfolds hundreds of years before the events of the main series and tells the story of an ancient evil linked to Pennywise. The premiere was announced by HBO Max, as well as TheWrap and Bloody Disgusting.
What is the new episode of «The Story of Derry» about?»
This special edition expands the horror universe created by the author by Stephen King. This time, the authors have decided to move away from the usual storylines involving the creepy clown Pennywise and to showcase the town’s earlier history.
According to the official synopsis, three young people set off for Western Wood, where they encounter a mysterious ancient spirit. Their journey becomes part of a story about a supernatural force that will later terrorise the residents of Derry.
According to Bloody Disgusting, the episode lasts around 30 minutes. It expands on the series« mythology and helps viewers better understand the origins of the evil they know from the *It* films.
Certain plot elements may be linked to the Shokopivat indigenous people, who were mentioned in the fourth episode of the first series.
HBO Max has come up with a surprise without any prior announcement
The premiere came as a surprise to fans of the franchise. The streaming platform did not run a large-scale advertising campaign and announced the release of the special episode on the very day it was released.
On social media HBO Max presented a new story as a Halloween treat for viewers. Along with the announcement, short videos were released exploring the origins of evil in Derry.
According to industry publications, the director of the special episode was Tazba Chávez. The actor also appears in it Zan McClarnon, best known for the TV series *Dark Winds*.
This special episode is a standalone story and does not mark the start of the second series.
The second series of *It: Welcome to Derry* — what we know so far
HBO officially renewed the series for a second season in August 2026. The new episodes will transport viewers back to 1935, when the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression.
One of the central storylines will be the story of a gang Bradley — bank robbers who arrive in Derry, …to buy ammunition. However, their arrival in the town leads to bloody events linked to the place’s chilling history.
According to TheWrap, the sequel will focus on one of the most brutal episodes from Derry’s past, as described in Stephen King’s novel.
Work on the series is still ongoing Andrés і Barbara Muschetti, who also worked on the film adaptations of *It*. The showrunner for the second series will be Brad Caleb Kane.
Where to watch the special episode and when the second series will be released
«The Story of Derry» is now available on HBO Max. The availability of episodes and audio tracks depends on the streaming service’s regional catalogue.
The first series of the show premiered in autumn 2025 and was set in 1962. This new special episode allows viewers to revisit the story of Derry without having to wait for a full-length sequel.
As of 31 October 2026, the official premiere date for the second series has not yet been announced. For the time being, viewers can enjoy a special Halloween story that expands the Pennywise universe.
