HBO’s hit horror series IT: Welcome to Derry delivered a chilling first season that left viewers with more questions about Pennywise’s dark history. Now, the people behind the show have shared some good news about what comes next.
The co-creators Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti recently confirmed that work on a second season is happening. While HBO has not yet made an official announcement, the sibling duo behind the Stephen King adaptation say the project is moving ahead. Barbara Muschietti put it simply, saying “it is going to be official.”
Creators Explain Why No Official Announcement Yet
Fans have been waiting for news since the first season wrapped up three months ago. The show became one of HBO Max’s biggest debuts, ranking among the top three original series launches on the platform, right behind The Last of Us and House of the Dragon. With numbers like that, a second season seemed like a sure thing. But the silence from HBO left many wondering what was happening.
During a recent interview while promoting their new project They Will Kill You, the Muschietti siblings opened up about the delay. Barbara Muschietti explained that sometimes announcements take time because of business details behind the scenes.
“A lot of times, the announcements are the studio having to declare their confidence for the show,” she said. “We don’t need that because clearly we’re good.”
Andy Muschietti added that contracts and deal-making can slow things down. He noted that everyone involved wants the show to continue, and they are all working toward making it happen.
What to Expect in the New Season
The creative team already has a clear direction for where the story goes next. The first season took place in 1962, showing how Pennywise terrorized the town during that time. For season two, the plan is to jump further back to 1935.
This fits with the show’s larger design. Andy Muschietti previously shared that Welcome to Derry is meant to be a three-season story that moves backward through time. Each season shows another one of Pennywise’s 27-year cycles, revealing more about the creature’s long history with the town.
The 1935 season will focus on the Bradley Gang Massacre, a bloody event mentioned in Stephen King’s original novel. Andy Muschietti teased this by saying “The Bradley Gang is coming in hot.”
Barbara Muschietti gave fans a small preview of what to expect, saying there will be “a lot more fantastic characters” in the new season. She also joked about the time period, adding “There are hats!”
The Depression era setting will bring a different feel to the show. Andy Muschietti mentioned there will be “kids smoking, kids with no teeth,” pointing to the rough, gritty atmosphere of 1930s America.
HBO’s Position on the Show’s Return
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, spoke about the series earlier this year. He made it clear that the show is not stuck in limbo despite the lack of a formal renewal announcement.
“It was a huge success for us,” Bloys said. “Andy and Barbara are hard at work trying to come up with an idea for a story they’d want to tell for another season. I would happily do it.”
He pointed out that one challenge is the source material. Unlike the first season, which had the novel to build from, the new season requires creating original stories. “They want to make sure that they have a story they’re excited to tell,” Bloys explained. “We’ll be there.”
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Recognition and Awards for the First Season
The show’s success has not gone unnoticed in the industry. At the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards held on March 8, 2026, IT: Welcome to Derry took home the award for Best Horror Television Series.
The series also earned nominations in other categories. James Remar and Bill Skarsgård were both nominated for Best Guest Starring Role on Television. Young actors Arian Cartaya and Clara Stack received nominations for Best Young Performer in a Television Series.
At the Saturn Awards press conference, Andy Muschietti spoke about the show’s future. He acknowledged that expectations are high after the first season but expressed confidence in what the team is creating. “I think we’re going to deliver something that is greater,” he said.
What the First Season Set Up
The first season of IT: Welcome to Derry arrived in October 2025 and ran for nine episodes. Bill Skarsgård returned as Pennywise, bringing back the same unsettling presence from the films. The show also starred Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, and Chris Chalk.
The series explored parts of Stephen King’s book that the movies did not cover. It showed how fear and violence have repeated through generations in Derry, with Pennywise always waiting underneath the town. The season finale gave some answers about where the creature came from but left many questions open, setting up the next chapter.
The show’s creative team includes Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, who serve as co-showrunners alongside the Muschiettis. They have all spoken about wanting to expand the mythology while staying true to King’s world.
For viewers in the United States, the first season is available to stream on Max. UK viewers can watch on NOW. The show also streams in Canada, Australia, India, and other regions through the Max platform or local partner services.
While fans wait for an official release date, the Muschiettis have made it clear that work continues. Barbara Muschietti put it simply when asked about the show’s return: “We’re all working towards it.”
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