There was definitely a narrative reason why this week's episode of the series marked the first time that Bill Skarsgard appeared as Pennywise, but I can't help but feel like his absence had more to do with not completing his deal to appear in the series until a certain amount of time into production, could just be the cynical part of me there.

Anyone else feel like they waited too long to bring him in or was that the right amount of time?

I agree with you. There's no good story reason for Pennywise to hide its clown identity for so long. The whole concept is that IT is a shapeshifter who, for some mysterious reason, loves being a clown... So why hold back? It's definitely a matter of production pains, and it's quite obvious.

His absence has been felt for sure. I’m still surprised they didn’t at least frame the series with him in that opening episode.

Makes sense if he wasn’t signed or something.

I understand the show is “Derry” not “IT” but… if you’re going to use him in the promos, etc, still very weird that it took so long to see him.