Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Drops Nov. 9 — Military Confronts Pennywise in “Now You See It”

Welcome to Derry episode 3 premieres on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 9 PM ET on HBO Max, continuing the chilling prequel series to IT (2017). Titled “Now You See It,” the episode introduces a military subplot involving Major Leroy Hanlon and deepens the supernatural mystery surrounding Pennywise. The eight-episode season runs through December 14, with new chapters dropping weekly. Critics already hail the series as one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations to date.

Welcome to Derry episode 3, titled “Now You See It,” airs Sunday, Nov. 9 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on HBO Max and HBO cable. The episode follows four misfit kids in 1962 Derry, Maine, investigating a missing classmate amid rising supernatural threats. Major Leroy Hanlon (played by Jovan Adepo) becomes central to the plot as military personnel confront Pennywise. The episode escalates horror elements and explores government experiments, racism, and false accusations. Directed by Aprill Winney, it marks a turning point in the season’s arc.

Cast, Plot, and Release Schedule

• Episode Title: “Now You See It”
• Air Date: November 9, 2025
• Time: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
• Network: HBO / HBO Max
• Streaming: Available next day on-demand
• New Character: Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo)
• Lore Expansion: Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) from The Shining appears
• Release Schedule:
  • Ep 1: Oct. 26 – “The Pilot”
  • Ep 2: Oct. 31 – “The Thing in the Dark”
  • Ep 3: Nov. 9 – “Now You See It”
  • Ep 4–8: Weekly through Dec. 14

All episodes stream exclusively on HBO Max with no free access options.

Quotes and Reactions

CBS Official Synopsis:

“On Halloween night, when a nurse is murdered and arsonist Heston Koontz disappears from a psychiatric facility, Colter follows a trail of unsettling clues to uncover the truth.”

YouTube fan preview:

“The military subplot is going to be peak because knowing they will lose in the future, there’s still possible info on IT.”

Variety review:

“Welcome to Derry is one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made.”

The Guardian praises the series’ blend of body horror, mystery, and emotional depth.

Horror Momentum and Franchise Expansion

Episode 3 of Welcome to Derry is expected to shift the series into full horror mode. The military’s direct confrontation with Pennywise raises stakes and expands the mythos. The appearance of Dick Hallorann connects IT to The Shining, reinforcing the shared universe. The series explores how adult institutions fail children, a recurring King theme. With strong streaming numbers and critical acclaim, HBO Max is poised to extend the franchise beyond this season.

The episode’s timing capitalizes on post-Halloween momentum and growing fan engagement.

What’s Next: Future Episodes and Storyline Threads

• Next Episode: Nov. 16, 2025
• Watch For:
  • Pennywise’s evolving threat
  • Government cover-ups and supernatural experiments
  • Hallorann’s psychic insights
  • Cliffhangers setting up season finale
• Viewer Tips:
  • Catch up on episodes 1–2 before Nov. 9
  • Watch on HBO Max or HBO cable at 9 PM ET
  • Follow HBO Max socials for behind-the-scenes content

The series continues weekly through December 14.