Episode 6 of IT: Welcome to Derry, titled ‘In the Name of the Father,’ digs deep into the past, revealing a chilling family connection that reshapes the entire season. This episode moves beyond simple scares, uncovering the secret history between Nurse Ingrid Kersh and the entity known as Pennywise. The story also pushes its main families toward breaking points as danger from both the supernatural and the townspeople closes in.
The episode aired on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 9 PM ET on HBO and was available to stream on Max.
Meet the Cast and Characters of ‘In the Name of the Father’
The sixth episode features the series’ core cast, with several key performances driving the story into unsettling new territory.
Taylour Paige plays Charlotte Hanlon, the moral center of her family. In this episode, her protective instincts are pushed to the limit as she tries to shield her loved ones from the growing threats in Derry.
Jovan Adepo is Leroy Hanlon, a US Air Force Major grappling with personal trauma. His strained relationship with his son reaches a critical moment in Episode 6, resulting in a physical and emotional confrontation.
Madeleine Stowe delivers a pivotal performance as Ingrid Kersh, the head housekeeper at Juniper Hill Asylum. This episode reveals her lifelong, disturbing connection to Pennywise, whom she refers to as ‘Papa’. Her backstory is shown through flashbacks featuring Tyner Rushing as the young adult Ingrid and Emma-Leigh Cullum as the child version, known then as Periwinkle.
Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise. This episode provides more context about his origins and his relationship with Ingrid, moving him further into the forefront of the story.
The group of children investigating Derry’s horrors remains central. Clara Stack plays Lilly Bainbridge, who is driven by guilt and a urgent need to act. Amanda Christine portrays Ronnie Grogan, who is now dealing with severe trauma and refuses to return to the tunnels. Matilda Lawler is Marge Truman, who shares a tender moment of bonding with Rich as they face the chaos around them. Blake Cameron James plays Will Hanlon, whose determination to help his friends puts him in direct conflict with his father. Arian S. Cartaya is Rich Santos, providing warmth and a sense of stability for the other kids.
Stowe’s Ingrid is the episode’s most unsettling turn. She is charming at first, then unnerving, a woman who loves a monster she calls ‘Papa’.
Other key returning characters include Stephen Rider as the missing Hank Grogan, Peter Outerbridge as the corrupt Chief Clint Bowers, and Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, the soldier with psychic abilities. James Remar also appears as General Shaw.
The Shocking Connection Between Ingrid Kersh and Pennywise
The major revelation of Episode 6 is the detailed backstory of Ingrid Kersh. The episode confirms through flashbacks that she is not just a bystander but the daughter of Pennywise’s original human form, Bob Gray. This explains her strange behavior and cryptic knowledge throughout the season.
Her childhood was marked by this terrifying lineage, and the episode shows how her obsession with the monster she calls ‘Papa’ developed. This connection reframes her actions, suggesting she may have been guiding events from within Juniper Hill Asylum. The reveal ties directly into the larger Stephen King universe, as the name Kersh will be familiar to fans of the 2019 film IT Chapter Two.
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Family Conflicts and the Hunt for Hank Grogan
Beyond the supernatural mystery, the episode grounds its horror in intense family drama. The conflict between Leroy and Will Hanlon escalates dramatically. Leroy, terrified for his son’s safety after the tunnel incidents, slaps Will during an argument in a moment of fear and frustration. This act fractures their relationship at a crucial time.
Meanwhile, the town of Derry is in an uproar searching for Hank Grogan. Wrongly accused and now in hiding at a place called the Black Spot, Hank’s plight forces characters like Charlotte to take a stand, while the town’s collective fear and suspicion continue to grow.
Where to Watch the Series
IT: Welcome to Derry is an HBO original series available exclusively on HBO’s linear channel and the Max streaming service. The series premiered on October 26, 2025. New episodes are released weekly on Sundays, leading to a season finale on December 14, 2025. The season is planned to have eight episodes in total.
For viewers without a subscription, Max offers several plans. These include an ad-supported tier for $9.99 per month, an ad-free version for $16.99 per month, and an ultimate ad-free plan for $20.99 per month. The service also offers annual subscription options and is available as part of certain bundles with Hulu and Disney+.
Also Read: Welcome to Derry Episode 7 Promo: The Pennywise Flashback and Black Spot Clash Explained
