If horror had a flexing competition, IT: Welcome to Derry would arrive, flex its knuckles, and take the victory immediately. The show has already broken several major streaming charts on HBO/HBO Max, even though it has only aired three episodes so far. IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel to the IT movies, and people can hardly stop talking about it, whether in group chats or with their colleagues.Individuals are already addicted to the spooky enigma of Pennywise’s past, and several are probably speculating whether this may turn into HBO’s next long-running success. Initial reports by HBO and Warner Bros. indicate that the series not only had a good debut but has also continued to draw viewers. The first few weeks of the show have become a streaming phenomenon due to its well-known source material and smart marketing.The impact the first three episodes of IT: Welcome to Derry left on viewers View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe third episode of IT: Welcome to Derry attracted approximately 5 million U.S. viewers in the first three days of its release on HBO and HBO Max. Better still, all the episodes since the show’s premiere on October 26, 2025, have been performing well in terms of per-episode averages. These are the kind of numbers networks and advertisers are usually thrilled to see.These initial viewership figures are important since they demonstrate two key things: hype and consistency. The premiere was not the end of people watching it; on the contrary, they are returning to watch the following episodes. On streaming platforms, this consistent fan base is a massive success, as it indicates visible interest and word-of-mouth hype on social media.A lot of people are drawing comparisons between IT: Welcome to Derry and the biggest series in HBO history, such as House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, and surprisingly, it is in the same category. It is quite an achievement for a horror prequel that might have easily remained a niche. Instead, it has become a series that must be watched every week.Such early figures are also used to drive renewal discussions within the organization and increase marketing confidence. Therefore, they do not merely serve as bragging rights but provide the show with actual backbone.How did it hook viewers so fast View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThere were a few major reasons that made people continue to watch a show about a cursed town in Maine and a killer clown. To begin with, IT is a household name. Pennywise is familiar to everyone, and everyone is aware of the danger, but IT: Welcome to Derry presents a twist on that aspect by drilling into the history of the town and introducing new mysteries.Second, the tone is entertaining and frightening. IT: Welcome to Derry blends a 1960s charm with modern high-paced horror, making it old-fashioned and thrilling simultaneously.Third, the performances and production are strong. The scares actually do their job, and in some cases, even better than what fans anticipated. When that happens, social media goes crazy with reactions. Such clips are free advertising and will draw more people in.Lastly, the audience simply desires answers. They want to know how Pennywise functions and why Derry is so peculiar and cursed. Take all that and combine it with a familiar tale, fresh details, strong scares, and plenty of curiosity, and you have a show that will continue to stay popular long after the first episode.What this means about the future of IT: Welcome to Derry View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHuge initial numbers will not necessarily lead to a renewal, but the possibility is definitely enhanced. The showrunners of IT: Welcome to Derry already intended the series to have several seasons, and the industry also believes the show is meant to last more than a single season. Networks consider viewership consistency, worldwide popularity, reviews, cost, and whether the creators understand the direction of the story when making renewal decisions.The prospects of additional seasons are quite promising, given the strong performance of IT: Welcome to Derry, its high premiere positions in the HBO ratings, and the obvious long-term plan of the creative team. Nevertheless, HBO will also take into account cost, timing, and whether the idea of continuing the prequel concept (where each season tells a story set in a different time in Derry) fits their vision.For more such insights on IT: Welcome to Derry, keep following SoapCentral.