It: Welcome to Derry is the chilling new prequel series to It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), inspired by Stephen King’s iconic 1986 horror novel.
Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series dives into the sinister history of the cursed town of Derry, Maine, years before the Losers’ Club would confront Pennywise.
With Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Bill Skarsgård reprising their terrifying roles as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the nine-episode series premieres in late 2025 on HBO/Max.
Though children are central characters in the story, It: Welcome to Derry is not made for young audiences. Rated TV-MA, this horror series contains intense content that demands strong parental discretion.
It: Welcome to Derry Age Rating
Welcome to Derry is rated TV-MA for graphic violence, strong language, sexual content, and mature themes. This rating indicates the content is intended for mature audiences and not suitable for viewers under 17.
Violence
Extremely intense and graphic violence is a core component of the show. Expect frequent depictions of death, mutilation, child endangerment, and supernatural terror.
Scenes may include jump scares, graphic injuries, and disturbing visuals such as floating bodies, dismemberment, and gruesome attacks by Pennywise.
The tone is consistently frightening, with psychological horror and suspense layered over explicit violence.
Language
Strong and crude language is used throughout. Viewers can expect frequent use of the f-word, s-word, and other expletives, including offensive and emotionally charged dialogue. Profanity is realistic to the characters’ trauma and the dark tone of the series.
Sexual Content
Sexual situations, references, and implied intimacy appear in several episodes. Some scenes may include nudity or graphic sexual dialogue. Given the prequel’s intent to explore the town’s disturbing past, mature sexual themes are likely part of the narrative.
Mature Themes
The series explores grim psychological and existential themes, such as childhood trauma, fear-based manipulation, mental illness, racism, and the cyclical nature of violence. Flashbacks and suggestive dialogue may touch on historical abuse, systemic prejudice, and small-town corruption, all viewed through a horror lens.
Is It: Welcome to Derry Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. Due to the highly disturbing horror elements, graphic violence, and mature themes, this series is completely inappropriate for pre-teens. Even horror-curious tweens may find the content deeply upsetting.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended. While some older teens may be drawn to the It franchise, this prequel’s explicit violence and disturbing subject matter exceed typical teen fare.
The inclusion of intense horror, sexual content, and emotionally traumatic situations makes it best reserved for adult audiences.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Series: Watch at least the first episode to evaluate your teen’s sensitivity to horror, violence, and adult themes.
Discuss the Real-World Issues: If older teens insist on watching, talk about the underlying themes such as fear, trauma, and moral courage, helping them process the story beyond the scares.
Set Viewing Boundaries: Make sure teens understand this is not an action or adventure series but a psychological horror narrative aimed at mature viewers.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for It: Welcome to Derry?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for strong violence, coarse language, sexual content, and mature themes.
Q: Is It: Welcome to Derry appropriate for teens?
A: No. The series is designed for mature viewers and is not suitable for teens under 17 due to graphic and disturbing content.
Q: Does the series include graphic violence or gore?
A: Yes. The show features intense horror violence, including gruesome attacks, blood, and psychological terror.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Yes, there are scenes with implied or explicit sexual content, as well as suggestive dialogue.
Q: Where can I watch It: Welcome to Derry?
A: The series will premiere exclusively on HBO/Max in late 2025.