It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Episode 3 Overview
The third episode of It: Welcome to Derry, titled Now You See It, premiered on November 9, 2025, on HBO Max. This episode deepens the ties between Stephen King's universe and the events of the original It story, embedding significant character crossovers and cosmic mythology into the narrative.
Stephen King References and Connections
Episode 3 contains at least nine confirmed references to Stephen King's works, linking the prequel series to both the 2017 and 2019 It films. It connects events from 1962 to the Losers Club’s story set in 1989, the time frame of the 2017 film It: Chapter One.
27-Year Pennywise Cycle
The show follows King’s established 27-year cycle when Pennywise awakens, feeds, and returns to hibernation. By setting the story exactly 27 years prior to 1989, the narrative reveals how earlier traumatic events contributed to Derry’s supernatural occurrences.
Operation Precept and Government Involvement
General Shaw’s Operation Precept subplot explores the government's Cold War-era efforts to control Pennywise as a weapon, indicating knowledge of the entity long before the Losers Club’s discovery.
"The show operates on Stephen King’s established 27-year cycle, where Pennywise awakens, feeds, and returns to dormancy." – Radio Times
Release Schedule
- Episode 3 airs following Episode 2, maintaining a weekly schedule on HBO Max.
- The first season consists of eight episodes, concluding on December 14, 2025.
Author's summary: Episode 3 of It: Welcome to Derry skillfully links Stephen King’s multiverse by revealing key plot points that bridge the prequel to the original films and explore Pennywise’s cyclical terror in Derry.