Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Drops Tonight — Pennywise Returns in Chilling New Chapter

The third episode of Welcome to Derry, the prequel to Stephen King’s IT, premieres tonight, November 9, 2025, at 9 PM Eastern Time on HBO Max. Titled “Now You See It,” the episode continues the series’ exploration of Pennywise’s dark origins and the cursed history of Derry, Maine. With the first two episodes establishing the setting and characters, episode three marks a pivotal shift as supernatural forces begin to escalate. Fans are anticipating a deeper dive into the entity’s influence and the psychological horror that defines the series.

Episode Title, Cast, and Story Progression

Episode 3, “Now You See It,” intensifies the narrative as the town of Derry succumbs further to the entity’s presence. Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, whose appearances become more frequent and menacing.

The show, set in 1962, follows a group of young protagonists as they confront growing supernatural threats. The series is created by Jason Fuchs and directed by Andy Muschietti, known for helming the 2017 and 2019 IT films.

The episode will be available for streaming on HBO Max in the U.S. and JioHotstar in India.

Critical Reactions: Praise for Tone and Direction

According to Reuters, episode three “builds dread through character-driven horror,” avoiding overused jump scares. Critics have praised Muschietti’s direction for its atmospheric tension and fidelity to King’s universe.

Entertainment analyst Carla Monroe noted:

“Episode 3 is where the real horror begins. It’s a turning point that deepens the mythology while raising the stakes.”

Impact Analysis: Viewer Engagement and Franchise Expansion

Welcome to Derry has drawn strong viewership since its October 26 premiere. The Halloween-timed second episode saw a spike in early streaming numbers, and episode three is expected to maintain that momentum.

The series expands the IT mythology by introducing new characters and backstories while honoring established lore. This approach appeals to both longtime Stephen King fans and new audiences, reinforcing HBO Max’s strategy of serialized horror storytelling.

What’s Next: Season Trajectory and Future Episodes

Following tonight’s release, new episodes will air weekly through December 14, 2025. With the entity’s power growing and the protagonists’ fates uncertain, the series is poised for a suspenseful mid-season arc.

Speculation continues around deeper connections to the IT films and potential appearances by legacy characters in later episodes.