Terrifying episode 4 of ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ arrives

Horror fans settling in for their Sunday night scares know exactly where to turn. IT: Welcome to Derry has become the go-to destination for viewers craving spine-tingling entertainment, and the journey through the cursed town continues this weekend.

The HBO series has successfully tapped into the terror that made Stephen King’s original novel a cultural phenomenon. By exploring the origins of Pennywise and the dark history of Derry, Maine, the show offers both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh perspective on the nightmare that has haunted readers and moviegoers for decades.

The latest chapter unfolds this Sunday

Episode 4 premieres Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on both HBO and HBO Max. The series maintains its weekly release pattern, giving viewers something to look forward to every Sunday evening as the temperatures drop and the nights grow longer.

This release strategy differs from the binge-model many streaming services have adopted. Instead, HBO has chosen to build anticipation week by week, allowing audiences to discuss theories, dissect clues and speculate about what horrors await in the fictional Maine community.

The approach appears to be working. Millions of viewers have tuned in to witness the 1960s-set nightmare unfold, making it one of the platform’s most-watched recent releases.

A complete roadmap for the terror ahead

The first season consists of eight episodes total, each building upon the disturbing foundation laid in previous installments. The premiere episode, titled The Pilot, launched Oct. 26, immediately establishing the show’s willingness to embrace the darkness at the heart of King’s vision.

Episode 2, The Thing in the Dark, followed on Oct. 31, a perfectly timed Halloween release that capitalized on the season’s spooky atmosphere. The third installment, Now You See It, arrived Nov. 9, continuing to peel back layers of Derry’s sinister past.

Following this Sunday’s episode, viewers can expect new chapters on Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and the season finale on Dec. 14. This schedule takes the series through the holiday season, ensuring fans have something thrilling to anticipate during winter’s darkest weeks.

How the series connects to the films

IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the two-part film adaptation that captivated audiences in 2017 and 2019. Those movies, which told the story of the Losers Club battling an ancient evil, became massive box office successes and introduced a new generation to King’s terrifying creation.

By stepping back in time to the 1960s, the series explores how Pennywise terrorized Derry residents decades before the events depicted in the films. This timeline allows the show to establish its own identity while remaining firmly connected to the larger IT universe.

The decision to focus on earlier victims provides fresh storytelling opportunities. Rather than rehashing familiar characters and scenarios, the series introduces new faces experiencing the unique horror that comes with living in a town where children disappear and adults refuse to acknowledge the pattern.

An ensemble bringing Derry to life

The production assembled an impressive roster of talent to populate its cursed community. Chris Chalk and Jovan Adepo anchor the cast, bringing depth to residents confronting inexplicable terrors. Taylour Paige adds to the ensemble, while veterans James Remar and Madeleine Stowe lend gravitas to the proceedings.

Stephen Rider contributes to the show’s authenticity, and Bill Skarsgård returns to embody the malevolent force at the story’s center. Rudy Mancuso, Blake Cameron James, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Arian S. Cartaya and Clara Stack round out the cast, each adding texture to the town’s rich tapestry of fear.

This blend of established actors and rising talent creates a believable community, making the horror feel grounded and immediate rather than abstract.

What makes this adaptation work

The series succeeds by respecting King’s source material while making smart choices about adaptation. Not every element from the sprawling novel can fit into a television format, so the creative team has focused on capturing the essence of what makes Derry such a uniquely frightening setting.

The 1960s timeframe allows for period-specific scares and social commentary, exploring how horror operates differently in various eras. The show doesn’t shy away from the darkness that made the book so impactful, trusting its audience to handle mature themes and genuine frights.

By releasing weekly rather than all at once, HBO has created appointment television. Fans gather online after each episode to share reactions, theories and favorite moments. This communal viewing experience enhances the show’s impact, turning it into a shared cultural event rather than something consumed in isolation.

As winter approaches and Sunday evenings grow colder, IT: Welcome to Derry continues its exploration of one of horror’s most infamous locations. Episode 4 awaits those brave enough to return to Derry.

Source: USA TODAY