The near-feature-length finale of IT: Welcome to Derry wrapped up the series’ first season with chaos, suspense, and plenty of connections to Stephen King’s universe. The series finale saw Derry shrouded in fog as Pennywise’s cycle of terror reached a critical moment, while the kids, along with Dick Hallorann and Major Hanlon, struggled to contain the malevolent clown.

Pennywise’s Fate
At the end of episode 7, Pennywise’s deadly cycle appeared to conclude with a fire at the Black Spot. But the creature’s threat wasn’t over. Military involvement inadvertently weakened one of the pillars that cage Pennywise, allowing the clown to make a dramatic escape attempt across Derry’s river. Using fragments of the meteor that originally brought Pennywise to Earth, the kids were able to restore the cage just in time, sending the creature back to hibernation—at least until the next cycle.

Hints of Time Travel and Future Seasons
The finale also hinted at temporal complexities. Pennywise reveals to Marge that she will one day have a son—Richie Tozier, a key member of the Losers’ Club—blurring the line between past, present, and future. This conversation sets the stage for upcoming seasons, which co-creator Andy Muschietti intends to explore through Pennywise’s earlier killing cycles.

What’s Next for Hanlon and Hallorann
The final scenes tie into the broader Stephen King universe. Hallorann, known from The Shining, plans to work in a London hotel, foreshadowing his eventual connection to the Overlook Hotel. Meanwhile, Major Hanlon decides to stay in Derry and work on a farm, laying the groundwork for his grandson Mike Hanlon, another Losers’ Club member.

A Flash Forward to 1988
The series closes with a flash forward to 1988, revisiting Beverly Marsh during a traumatic event at Juniper Hill. An older Ingrid Kersh, presumably confined since the 1960s cycle, appears, hinting at the series’ cyclical nature and connecting the show to events from IT: Chapter Two. This ending confirms that Derry’s darkness—and Pennywise—remain ever-present threats.

With Season 1 concluded, IT: Welcome to Derry leaves viewers with lingering questions, unresolved timelines, and plenty to anticipate in Seasons 2 and 3.

Check out our latest article: Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead in Brentwood Home