HBO Max October 2025: A Deep Dive into the New Slate of Horror, Comedy, and Dark Drama

Explore HBO Max’s October 2025 releases, featuring the highly anticipated horror prequel series IT: Welcome to Derry, the dark satirical film The Substance, and the new comedy series The Chair Company from Tim Robinson.

 
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October 2025 brings a perfectly curated lineup to HBO Max, blending the platform's signature prestige drama with seasonal horror and sharp new comedies. Leading the charge is the much-anticipated expansion of Stephen King's universe, ensuring the spooky season is well catered to, alongside dark, thought-provoking films and unique comedic takes.

Horror and Dark Thrillers: Floating Back to Derry

The horror genre is front and center for the Halloween month, anchored by a series that dives into one of pop culture's most terrifying fictional towns.

IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Original Series)

The biggest arrival of the month is the HBO Original series IT: Welcome to Derry, which premieres on October 26, 2025.

This eight-episode prequel is set in the 1960s, a period decades before the events of the modern IT films, and explores the origins of the sinister evil that haunts the town of Derry, Maine, and the initial resurgence of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Created by Andy Muschietti, the director of the two recent IT films, the series is an essential watch for horror fans, promising to fill in the blanks of the town's dark history and the lore surrounding Pennywise.

The Substance (MUBI Film)

Premiering on October 10, 2025, this highly-praised psychological thriller stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. The film is a dark, body-horror-tinged satire on vanity and the pressures of aging in Hollywood.

It follows a celebrity who, in an attempt to retain her youth and status, subscribes to a mysterious black-market medical program that promises to create a "better, younger version" of herself—a terrifying exploration of identity, obsession, and the price of perfection.

Bring Her Back (A24 Film)

This A24 horror film debuts on the service on October 3, 2025. It centers on a family that is torn apart after a loved one vanishes. Years later, her sudden, unexplainable return raises more questions than it provides comfort, forcing the remaining family members to confront unsettling secrets, grief, and the terrifying possibility that the person who returned may not be who they seem.

New Comedies and Dramas

Balancing out the horror, the October slate features new original comedy and drama series from some of the biggest names in television.

The Chair Company (HBO Original Series)

Premiering on October 12, 2025, this new comedy series is co-created by and stars comedy genius Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave).

The show is a dark, paranoid adventure into the world of office furniture, following a man whose obsession with a seemingly innocent chair company leads him down a rabbit hole of suspicious people and a potential global conspiracy. Fans of Robinson’s unique blend of surreal and observational cringe humor can expect a sharply written series that combines workplace absurdity with thriller elements.

An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally (HBO Original Special)

The October 17, 2025, release is a comedy special starring Adam Pally. The special is described as an unconventional blend of stand-up, documentary, and a rock concert, where Pally plays with the truth and his guitar in a unique, one-time-only performance.

The Alabama Solution (HBO Original Documentary)

Debuting on October 10, 2025, this HBO Original documentary is a muckraking murder-mystery produced by Andrew Jarecki (The Jinx). The documentary focuses on the true-crime story of a devastating murder in Alabama and the complexities surrounding the investigation, promising a riveting, deep dive into the case with never-before-seen testimonials.

Country Doctor (HBO Original Documentary)

This documentary, premiering on October 28, 2025, tackles a critical issue in modern America by following a doctor dedicated to his practice in rural America. It highlights the crisis caused by the closure of over 140 rural hospitals since 2010, leaving just one doctor for every 2,500 people, and the struggle to provide medical care in underserved communities.

Notable Library Titles and Acquired Films

October also sees the addition of several popular and classic films, perfectly timed for the Halloween season:

  • The Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise (Arrivals include the original and sequels)
  • Beetlejuice (1988)
  • Hereditary

  • Poltergeist (1982)
  • The Shining
  • Uncut Gems

  • Talk to Me (2023)
  • The Exorcist (1973)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q1: What is the main new horror series premiering on HBO Max in October 2025?

A1: The main new horror series is IT: Welcome to Derry, an HBO Original series that acts as a prequel to the recent IT films, exploring the origins of Pennywise and the town of Derry in the 1960s. It premieres on October 26, 2025.

Q2: What is The Chair Company about, and who is starring in it?

A2: The Chair Company is a new HBO Original comedy series premiering on October 12, 2025. It stars Tim Robinson and is a dark, paranoid comedy about an ordinary man who becomes convinced that an office furniture company is at the center of a global conspiracy.

Q3: Are there any new dark dramatic films arriving on HBO Max in October?

A3: Yes, two notable dark dramatic/horror-leaning films are arriving:

  1. The Substance (Oct. 10): A psychological thriller/body-horror film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley about the destructive pursuit of a "better self."

  2. Bring Her Back (Oct. 3): An A24 horror film about a family dealing with the mysterious return of a loved one who had vanished years prior.

Q4: Which classic horror films are coming to the HBO Max library for Halloween?

A4: A wide array of classic horror films are joining the platform, including the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Beetlejuice, The Shining, Hereditary, and the original The Exorcist.

Conclusion

HBO Max's October 2025 slate is a finely tuned mix designed to appeal to multiple demographics, particularly those seeking chills and sharp wit. The debut of IT: Welcome to Derry provides the headline-grabbing, seasonal horror event, while prestige originals like The Substance and The Alabama Solution offer depth and true-crime intrigue. With The Chair Company bringing the comedic genius of Tim Robinson, and a host of classic horror favorites filling out the library, the platform is set to deliver a strong, diverse month of viewing.