Key Highlights
- It: Welcome to Derry premieres on October 26, 2025.
- The series is described as a “total monster mash” and should satisfy horror fans.
- Critics are divided on the quality of scares and structure.
- References to Stephen King’s novel and other works are present in the series.
The Return of Derry
It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series based on the works of Stephen King, makes its debut on HBO. This eight-episode series aims to expand upon the lore of the fictional town and introduce new characters while staying true to King’s original narrative.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
The reviews for It: Welcome to Derry are mixed, with critics divided on various aspects of the show. Chris Evangelista from Slashfilm describes it as a “total monster mash” that should satisfy fans of the franchise. However, James Mottram from NME (New Musical Express) suggests that it is a “precision-tooled prestige horror,” ramping up the intensity and detail.
The Series Content: A Deep Dive
The series attempts to deepen the mythology of King’s novel with references to various characters and settings from other stories. Critics note that while the show has strong performances, especially from Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige, it struggles in balancing its parallel storytelling. Emma Kiely from Collider highlights that the show is “too hellbent on explaining every single mystery,” leading to a less effective narrative.
Visuals and Atmosphere: A Visual Feast
The cinematography of It: Welcome to Derry has been praised for its visual quality, with Rasmus Heise capturing the essence of 1960s Americana. However, some critics find that the series relies too heavily on “cheesy frights” and cartoonish CGI, which detracts from the overall experience.
Conclusion
A Promising Start
While It: Welcome to Derry may not be a perfect fit for every fan of the franchise, it does offer an engaging and entertaining prequel that honors King’s original work. The series’ ability to maintain its own identity while staying true to the source material is commendable, even if some aspects of the storytelling could be improved.
