IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 4 – Origins, Schedule & More
The eerie town of Derry, Maine, is back to haunt our screens, and the prequel series IT: Welcome to Derry is delivering spine-chilling new details about the town’s darkest resident: Pennywise. With each episode, the mystery deepens, exploring the origins of the malevolent, shapeshifting entity decades before the Losers’ Club first faced it.
Episode 4 was a major turning point, finally providing concrete answers to questions fans have had for years. This post will break down the chilling revelations from the latest episode, provide the full season schedule, and answer all your burning questions about the series.
When Does IT: Welcome to Derry Come Out?
New episodes of IT: Welcome to Derry premiere on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. You can stream the series exclusively on HBO and through the Max streaming service.
IT: Welcome to Derry Full Episode Schedule
The first season consists of eight episodes, building terror throughout the holiday season. Here is the release schedule so you don’t miss a single scare:
- Episode 1: “The Pilot” – Aired October 26
- Episode 2: “The Thing in the Dark” – Aired October 31
- Episode 3: “Now You See It” – Aired November 9
- Episode 4: Aired November 16
- Episode 5: November 23
- Episode 6: November 30
- Episode 7: December 7
- Episode 8 (Finale): December 14
Episode 4 Recap: Pennywise’s Origin Explained
Episode 4 finally confirmed Pennywise’s cosmic origins, staying true to Stephen King’s novel while adding new layers through the history of Derry’s original inhabitants, the Shokopiwah tribe.
Through a vision experienced by Dick Hallorann, we learn from a tribal member, Taniel, that the entity we know as Pennywise crash-landed in the area that would become Derry over a millennium ago. It arrived encased in a “shooting star.” The Shokopiwah people discovered that fragments from this star were the only thing the monster feared, and they managed to create a fragile peace by avoiding its hunting grounds.
This balance was shattered when settlers arrived. Ignoring the tribe’s warnings, they ventured into the monster’s territory, unleashing a cycle of horror upon the town. This explains why Derry has been plagued by tragedy for centuries.
Why Can’t Pennywise Leave Derry?
This is one of the biggest questions in the IT universe. If Pennywise is a powerful cosmic entity, why is it confined to a small town in Maine? Episode 4 provided a definitive answer.
The Shokopiwah tribe didn’t just avoid the creature; they actively trapped it. Using the black star fragments from its own vessel, they created a mystical perimeter that the entity cannot cross. The forest where it was originally contained no longer exists, but the prison remains. In its place now stands a familiar, dreaded location: the House on Neibolt Street. Pennywise is literally and magically bound to Derry, unable to escape the hunting grounds it chose so long ago.
Answering Your Top Welcome to Derry Questions
Fans have a lot of questions about the new series and how it connects to the larger story. We’ve gathered the most common ones and answered them for you—with a few chilling recommendations along the way.
Will Pennywise be in Welcome to Derry?
Yes, absolutely. While the series explores the entity’s influence and many terrifying forms, Pennywise the Dancing Clown plays a central role. Bill Skarsgård, who captivated horror fans with his performance in the recent films, returns to portray the infamous clown. His presence guarantees that the creature’s essence—and its recurring threat—remain central to the story. If you’re watching at night, consider keeping some late-night essentials on hand, like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder to keep your look fresh during every jump scare.
Who Plays Pennywise in the Welcome to Derry series?
Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise, promising more spine-tingling performances. The cast also includes:
- Jovan Adepo
- Chris Chalk
- Taylour Paige
- James Remar
- Madeleine Stowe
- Stephen Rider
If you’re inspired by the cast’s looks or want to recreate a subtle, screen-ready glow, check out the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush—perfect for adding a touch of color whether you’re streaming at home or with friends.
What will Pennywise look like? Will the design be different?
While Pennywise’s terrifying core look remains, the series delves into new nightmare-fueling transformations. Showrunners have teased the reveal of a “terrifying new Pennywise design,” which means we can expect plenty of hair-raising visuals that draw on the unique fears of Derry’s 1960s residents. For those marathon watch sessions waiting to see Pennywise’s next ominous appearance, keep your lips hydrated and camera-ready for every reaction—try the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry for a soft, comfortable feel all night long.
Is Welcome to Derry a Pennywise origin story?
Yes, the series serves as a prequel that delves deep into Pennywise’s backstory. It’s not just about the clown form but about the entity itself—where it came from, how it operates, and how its presence shaped the very foundation of Derry. It explores the 27-year hibernation cycle and the events that lead to another awakening.
Gear Up for the Scares
Watching a horror series like Welcome to Derry is an intense experience. As the tension builds, you might find yourself needing a little something to calm your nerves or just feel a bit more put-together than the terrified residents of Derry. A simple self-care moment, like applying a soothing lip treatment, can be a small comfort during a night of suspense. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is perfect for keeping your lips hydrated while you’re glued to the screen.
And for those marathon-watching sessions that go late into the night, you don’t want to wake up looking like you’ve seen a ghost. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask works overnight to support your skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring you look refreshed, no matter how many jump scares you endured.
Where to Watch IT: Welcome to Derry
You can watch IT: Welcome to Derry exclusively on HBO and the Max streaming service. If you have an HBO subscription through your cable provider, you likely have access to Max already. Otherwise, you can subscribe directly to Max to stream the series and enjoy a vast library of other movies and shows. The series is not available on Netflix or other streaming platforms.
For the best binge-watching experience, consider keeping cozy with the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set—a nourishing body care kit perfect for long viewing sessions.
As Welcome to Derry continues, the darkness consuming the town is only set to grow. With the main characters now seeking the star fragments that keep Pennywise contained, they may be about to unleash a horror they cannot possibly comprehend.