It: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the two most recent films in the franchise, but when the show creators pitched it to HBO, it was a trilogy.

IT: Welcome To Derry' will bring viewers back to Stephen King's horrific universe starting October 26 with new episodes arriving weekly on HBO Max.

Episode 1 was chilling and sets the thrilling tone for the upcoming episodes. While expectations were sky-high for the return to Derry’s haunting streets, early viewers have expressed disappointment over what they’re calling “bad CGI” and underwhelming visuals.

"It" and "It Chapter Two" director Andy Muschietti helmed the opening episode of "It: Welcome to Derry" and he included a nod to his failed DC superhero film.

Based on the 1986 Stephen King novel, “It,” the new HBO series sets a disturbing and terrifying tone right from the jump.

Matty Clements shares a brief time period, but he appears to be the first victim of It, the greater evil power. His existence symbolizes the return of Pennywise in Derry, Maine, the looming threat that viewers are about to witness. Matty's character arc defines the horror of Derry and sets up anticipation for what's to follow.

Andy Muschietti follows his two-part big-screen adaptation of the Stephen King novel with an eight-episode show set in 1962.

Beginning Oct. 31 at 3 a.m. EST (midnight PT), episode two of Welcome to Derry will debut on HBO Max, ahead of its linear premiere Sunday on HBO proper. "Subsequent episodes of the eight-episode season will continue to air Sundays on HBO and HBO Max leading up to the season finale on Sunday, Dec. 14," per HBO PR.

The new horror/drama spin-off series, “It: Welcome to Derry,” debuts this Sunday, October 26 on HBO Max.

Welcome to Derry" Episode 1. If the "It: Welcome to Derry" premiere felt bloodier or more intense than the two movies, well that was by design. The new HBO series takes place in 1962 -- which is the monster's 27-year cycle before the Losers Club face off against him in the 2017 film -- and starts with a bloody bang.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.