The landscape of television and streaming is set to be shaken this week with a slate of highly anticipated releases, catering to a wide array of genres and audiences. Leading the charge is the much-feared return to Stephen King’s terrifying universe with the premiere of IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO and HBO Max today, October 26, 2025. Meanwhile, the world of international cinema expands on streaming platforms with the arrival of the Malayalam fantasy-thriller Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra on JioCinema on October 31, 2025, and the Tamil drama Idli Kadai on Netflix starting October 29, 2025. These significant releases underscore a vibrant period for new content across premium TV and digital services.
The Origin of Evil: ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Unleashed on HBO
HBO’s ambitious prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, dives deep into the sinister history of Derry, Maine, predating the arrival of the Losers’ Club. Premiering today, October 26, the series explores the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the pervasive evil that has long plagued the town. Set in 1962, the narrative unravels how terror took root in Derry’s foundations, focusing on the grandfather of Mike Hanlon, a character familiar from the films. The eight-episode series boasts an ensemble cast including Bill Skarsgård reprising his iconic role as Pennywise, alongside Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, and Madeleine Stowe. Directed and produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the creative forces behind the recent IT films, IT: Welcome to Derry promises a chilling fusion of supernatural horror and small-town dread, expanding the lore of Stephen King’s terrifying universe. New episodes will air weekly on HBO and stream on HBO Max.
Diverse Global Cinema Arrives on Streaming Platforms
Beyond the chilling scares of Derry, October 2025 continues to deliver a rich tapestry of international films to streaming services.
‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ Blends Fantasy and Folklore on JioCinema
The Malayalam fantasy-thriller Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen K Gafoor, is set to captivate audiences on JioCinema beginning October 31, 2025. This film, lauded as the first female superhero movie from Malayalam cinema, has already achieved significant acclaim, including becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, reportedly crossing the ₹300-crore mark during its theatrical run. Directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra intertwines mythology and folklore, centering on Chandra, a mysterious woman with supernatural abilities. The film, praised for its performances, visuals, and world-building, will be available in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, making its epic story accessible to a broader audience.
‘Idli Kadai’: Dhanush’s Family Drama Lands on Netflix
For fans of compelling dramas, Idli Kadai, the Tamil film written, directed, and starring Dhanush, makes its digital debut on Netflix on October 29, 2025. This film follows Murugan, an aspiring hotel management professional whose dreams clash with his family’s traditional roots and legacy, especially when his father’s beloved idli shack is threatened. After a theatrical release earlier in October, the movie’s arrival on Netflix promises an engaging viewing experience with audio options in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The ensemble cast includes Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Shalini Pandey, Sathyaraj, and Rajkiran, adding depth to Dhanush’s directorial fourth outing.
Other Notable Streaming News
Adding to the week’s content buffet, the live-action series Hataraki Man was added to Netflix outside of Japan on October 22, 2025. This Japanese drama, based on Moyoco Anno’s manga, follows a magazine editor navigating the challenges of work-life balance in Tokyo.
This week’s releases highlight the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, offering a diverse range of genres and international productions to viewers across television and streaming platforms. From supernatural horror to heartfelt dramas and superhero sagas, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
