HBO Max has officially decided to move up the release date of IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 2, aligning it perfectly with Halloween night. After the series premiered on October 26, fans won’t have to wait long for the next scare. Episode 2 will now debut early on HBO Max, dropping at 12 a.m. 
PT / 3 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31. For those who prefer watching on cable, the episode will also air on HBO on Sunday, November 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The show’s remaining six episodes will continue their regular weekly schedule, culminating in a season finale set for December 14.
IT: Welcome to Derry expands Stephen King’s iconic horror universe, serving as both a prequel and an emotional bridge between the 2017 film IT and its 2019 sequel, IT Chapter Two. Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series dives deeper into the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the sinister forces that have haunted the small Maine town for generations. With Andy Muschietti returning to direct multiple episodes, fans can expect the same visual dread, unsettling atmosphere, and psychological tension that made his previous films so terrifyingly memorable.
The early release date seems like a strategic move, letting audiences binge the first two episodes over Halloween weekend – a perfect marketing decision given the season’s appetite for all things creepy. Episode 1 already drew strong reactions from fans and critics alike, with IGN praising its balance of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Many noted how the series avoids rehashing old scares, instead focusing on new characters who experience Derry’s horrors in more intimate and human ways. The writing captures both King’s sense of dread and the Muschiettis’ cinematic flair.
Meanwhile, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery continues to shake things up. Alongside the show’s release, HBO Max recently announced price increases across all tiers. The Basic With Ads plan rises by $1 to $10.99 per month, the Standard plan by $1.50 to $18.49, and the Premium plan by $2 to $22.99. Annual plans are climbing too, with the changes set to take effect from November 20, 2025. Though many users grumbled at the timing, it’s clear Warner Bros. is banking on big titles like Welcome to Derry to justify the hike.
Halloween fans are certainly in for a treat this year – because while Pennywise may not be real, the chills definitely are.
3 comments
They dropping Ep2 on Halloween?? That’s some perfect spooky timing lol
Bro that first ep was way better than I expected, goosebumps all over 😱
Prices going up AGAIN but ngl I’m staying for Pennywise 👀