Key Highlights
- HBO’s “It: Welcome to Derry” premieres on October 26, 2025.
- Critics praise the series for its expanded lore and dedicated fanbase, but question its balance of horror intensity and character development.
- The prequel offers a mix of nostalgic elements and new characters to explore King’s universe.
- While the show delivers on the promise of scary moments, it struggles with explaining established lore too thoroughly.
The Return of Derry
HBO’s latest venture into Stephen King’s expansive horror universe, “It: Welcome to Derry,” premieres this Sunday, October 26, 2025. This prequel series aims to expand the lore surrounding the fictional Maine town and its cosmic villain, Pennywise the Clown, while paying homage to the original source material.
New Perspectives on Old Haunts
“It: Welcome to Derry” is a monster mash that fans of Stephen King’s works will find intriguing. The series delves into the origins of Pennywise and provides an additional layer to the complex mythology surrounding the entity. Critics like Chris Evangelista from Slashfilm laud it as “a total monster mash that should satisfy hungry horror fans.” However, others like Nick Schager from The Daily Beast argue that it is a “prequel that belongs, aptly, in the sewers,” suggesting that the series fails to live up to its potential.
Horror and Nostalgia: A Balanced Act?
The first five episodes of “It: Welcome to Derry” have garnered mixed reviews. While some critics appreciate the horror intensity, others find it too explained or lacking in nuance. Chris Hayner from Polygon notes that the series is “entertaining enough to be worth watching,” but questions whether the characters feel authentic for their time period.
“It: Welcome to Derry” also faces criticism for its approach to storytelling. Emma Kiely from Collider points out, “The show doesn’t successfully bring all its disparate narratives together to form one cohesive, terrifying path.” Meanwhile, Tyler Taing from Discussing Film commends the series for being a “worthy prequel,” but warns that it may not appeal to those who prefer more character-driven storytelling.
Horror in the Here and Now: Relevance and Impact
The series tackles themes of fear, violence, and societal issues with varying degrees of success. Aramide Tinubu from Variety argues that “It: Welcome to Derry” offers timely commentary on real-world anxieties, making it relevant for contemporary audiences. Critics like Justin Clark from Slant Magazine, however, find the show “less scary than chaotic,” noting that some of its most unsettling moments are undermined by cheap thrills and underdeveloped characters.
Cast and Crew: Bringing It to Life
The cast features a mix of familiar faces from Stephen King’s works and new actors. Bill Skarsgård, who played Pennywise in the 2017 film adaptation, returns with limited screen time but delivers “another great Pennywise performance,” according to Karen M. Peterson from AwardsWatch.
Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige stand out as lead characters, enhancing the series’ emotional depth.
The visual effects and cinematography are praised by some reviewers. Rasmus Heise’s cinematography is described as “pure magic,” while others criticize the show for feeling too much like a Goosebumps-style production. Overall, despite its flaws, “It: Welcome to Derry” promises to be a significant addition to the Stephen King canon.
“It: Welcome to Derry” premieres on HBO this Sunday, offering horror fans an expanded universe that may or may not live up to expectations. As the series unfolds, it will continue to draw in both die-hard fans and newcomers eager to explore the depths of King’s storytelling.
