Among numerous Stephen King adaptations released in 2025, the Stephen King It series captured the most attention with its prequel, It: Welcome to Derry. Premiering in late October, the horror series dominated digital charts for several weeks, reappearing on platforms even after concluding its initial run in mid-December.
Despite positive receptions for other King adaptations like The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, and The Monkey, It: Welcome to Derry surged ahead in popularity. It recently debuted in 10th place on Amazon’s digital platform in the U.S., having previously topped iTunes charts on January 22 before settling at third place on January 25.
Strong Critical and Audience Reception Fuels Ongoing Interest
The series earned notable acclaim, with HBO Max showcasing It: Welcome to Derry to an audience that rated it 82%, closely matching critics’ approval of 81%. However, despite its commercial and critical success, an official renewal for Season 2 remains unconfirmed. Co-creator Barbara Muschietti has expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the high production costs and the ambitious scale of the show as key considerations for HBO.
No one takes this lightly, that’s for sure,
she said in regard to the series’ popularity.
But, of course, we really want to do it. Stephen King wants to do it too, and HBO wants to do it, I’m sure. But it’s still a question we have yet to answer.
— Barbara Muschietti, Co-creator
Additionally, entertainment news from The Hollywood Reporter indicated that although no formal renewal has been announced, a second season is actively in development. This aligns with director Andy Muschietti’s growing involvement in related projects, including The Brave and the Bold, penned by Christina Hodson.
A second season is now in the works, even if it has not been officially renewed.
— The Hollywood Reporter
Blueprint for Three Seasons Rooted in Stephen King’s Novel
The Stephen King It series began with the 2017 film It, directed by Andy Muschietti, followed by the 2019 sequel It: Chapter Two. The series storyline positions It: Welcome to Derry in 1962, set 27 years before the original films and coinciding with Pennywise’s cyclical feeding period, a key plot element occurring every 27 years.
Andy Muschietti has outlined plans for the series to span three seasons, each focusing on distinct catastrophic events drawn from different time periods in King’s novel. These will explore the timeline backward, delving deeper into the mythology surrounding Pennywise and Derry.
We are basing the three seasons of this series on each of these catastrophic events,
Muschietti explained.
There’s a reason why the story is told backwards. So the first season is 1962, the second season is 1935, and the third season is 1908.
— Andy Muschietti, Director
This structured approach not only expands on the original narrative but also strengthens the foundation for future storytelling, setting high expectations for continued audience engagement. Observers anticipate an official announcement from HBO in the near future, given the series’ ongoing digital success.
Principal Cast Members Bringing the Story to Life
The series features a talented ensemble portraying relatable and compelling characters integral to Derry’s chilling story. Among the cast, Taylour Paige stars as Charlotte Hanlon, accompanied by Jovan Adepo in the role of Leroy Hanlon. Their performances contribute significantly to the emotional depth and suspense that define the series.
Season 1 of It: Welcome to Derry is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, attracting viewers with its rich storytelling and atmospheric horror, continuing the legacy of Stephen King’s influential work.
