The Stephen King It series has proven to be a major success since its debut in late 2025, with the prequel series It: Welcome to Derry attracting significant attention on multiple digital platforms. The show’s popularity surfaced not only during its initial run on HBO Max but also through strong rankings on Amazon and iTunes, showcasing the enduring appeal of King’s horror universe.
It: Welcome to Derry Reigns Supreme Among 2025 Adaptations
In a year filled with various Stephen King adaptations, including films like The Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, and The Monkey, It: Welcome to Derry stood out as the most prominent project. The series premiered in October 2025 and quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts, maintaining its hold for several weeks. Even after the series finale in mid-December, the show reappeared in digital rankings, reflecting continued viewer interest.
It: Welcome to Derry recently achieved a top 10 position on Amazon’s digital platform in the United States, debuting at number 10. Previously, it had topped iTunes charts on January 22 and held the third spot by January 25. The series earned an 81 percent approval rating from critics and 82 percent from audiences on HBO Max, affirming its widespread acclaim. Despite these successes, the official confirmation for a second season remains pending.
Co-creator Barbara Muschietti provided a guarded update about Season 2 following the first season’s conclusion, highlighting the high standards set by the initial season. She noted the production challenges, saying the series “is not a cheap show.” Regarding future installments, Muschietti explained,
No one takes this lightly, that’s for sure,
and added,
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
Season 2 Prospects Reinforced by Industry Reports
While no formal renewal announcement has been made, industry insights suggest that work on a second season is underway. The Hollywood Reporter recently confirmed Christina Hodson as the writer for The Brave and the Bold, a project tied to It: Welcome to Derry’s co-creator Andy Muschietti. Within this context, the report noted,
A second season is now in the works, even if it has not been officially renewed.
This development signals strong backing from HBO and the creative team, marking an optimistic path forward for fans.
Planned Story Arc: Three Seasons Exploring Different Eras
The It franchise began with the 2017 film directed by Andy Muschietti, adapting Stephen King’s 1986 novel. It: Chapter Two arrived in 2019, continuing the narrative in 2016, decades after the initial events. The series It: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, 27 years before the first film, exploring one of Pennywise’s haunting feeding cycles that recur every 27 years.
Andy Muschietti has explained the intended structure of the show, revealing that each season will focus on distinct time periods, delving into different catastrophic events from King’s novel. Muschietti shared,
We are basing the three seasons of this series on each of these catastrophic events,
and added,
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.
This approach offers a unique narrative perspective and anticipates a multi-season storytelling arc, making the series a long-term project for HBO.
Season 1 is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, where it continues to draw new viewers.
Primary Cast Members in It: Welcome to Derry
The series features a talented cast portraying key characters within Stephen King’s universe. Taylour Paige stars as Charlotte Hanlon, while Jovan Adepo takes on the role of Leroy Hanlon. Their performances contribute to the show’s strong reception and immersive storytelling.
With ongoing interest from both audiences and the production team, the Stephen King It series is positioned for continued success. The unfolding developments around Season 2 and the planned trilogy of seasons promise a deepening of the eerie mythos around Derry and Pennywise, sustaining fan anticipation and setting a high bar in the horror genre.
