The horror story of Derry, Maine, is far from over. HBO has renewed “IT: WELCOME TO DERRY” for a second season, bringing viewers back to the terrifying world created by author Stephen King.
The Warner Bros. Television drama is executive produced by filmmakers Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who previously directed the feature films “IT” and “IT Chapter Two.” Brad Caleb Kane will serve as showrunner for the second season.
Since its debut, “IT: WELCOME TO DERRY” has ranked among the top four series premieres in HBO Max history globally. The eight-episode first season is currently available to stream on HBO Max.
The series expands on the mythology established in King’s 1986 novel IT and the Muschietti-directed films. Rather than retelling the story of the Losers’ Club, the series explores the history of Derry and the forces that have haunted the town for generations.
Season 2 will take viewers even further into the town’s dark past. The new season is set in 1935, during the Great Depression, and will center on the bloody massacre of the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who arrive in Derry to purchase ammunition and encounter an unimaginable horror.
The storyline will continue the series’ exploration of Derry’s history while expanding the mythology surrounding Pennywise and the supernatural forces connected to the town.
“We are excited to return to the chilling world of Derry and to further expand on Andy and Barbara Muschietti’s horrifically iconic adaptation,” Sarah Aubrey, head of HBO Max Original Programming, said. “Together with Brad Caleb Kane, they will break new ground in season two, deepening the terror, the mystery, and the unforgettable Pennywise lore that fans love to devour.”
Clancy Collins White, president of Creative Affairs at Warner Bros. Television, said the second season will take audiences on a new journey into 1930s Derry.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti also expressed their enthusiasm for continuing to explore King’s universe, describing the opportunity as a privilege and thanking HBO and Warner Bros. Television for their support.
The first season received positive reviews from several critics, with publications praising its psychological horror, visual style and escalating tension.
IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is produced by HBO and Warner Bros. Television and is based on King’s novel IT. Andy and Barbara Muschietti executive produce through their Double Dream production company alongside Kane, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Jamie Travis and Dhana Gilbert.
With its second season moving the story back to 1935, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY will continue uncovering the events that helped shape the town’s disturbing history — and the horror lurking beneath its surface.