Overview
HBO's *It: Welcome to Derry* is an eight-episode supernatural horror prequel series to Andy Muschietti's 2017 and 2019 *It* films, loosely inspired by the "interludes" from Stephen King's 1986 novel. Set in 1962 Derry, Maine—27 years before the Losers' Club confronts Pennywise—the show explores the town's cursed history, the origins of the shape-shifting entity (reprising Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise), and how its influence manifests through bigotry, violence, and everyday human horrors.
Developed by Muschietti, his sister Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs (who co-showruns with Brad Caleb Kane), it premieres October 26, 2025, on HBO and Max, with weekly episodes through December 14.
The ensemble cast includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk (as a young Dick Hallorann from *The Shining*), Madeleine Stowe, and young actors like Mikkal Karim Fidler and Clara Stack.
Critically, the series has elicited a polarized response: Rotten Tomatoes sits at 78% positive from 49 reviews (certified fresh), praising its inventive scares and thematic depth, while Metacritic's 56/100 from 19 critics signals "mixed or average" due to complaints about pacing, scares, and franchise fatigue.
It's a gory, lore-heavy expansion that delights die-hard King fans but frustrates others with its uneven execution.
Early viewer buzz on X echoes this divide, with excitement over the pilot's intensity but gripes about directionless plotting.
Strengths
- **Atmospheric Horror and Gore**:
The 1960s setting amplifies the dread, blending period-specific racism, industrial decay, and cosmic evil into a "mean-spirited" tone true to King's vision.
Reviewers laud the "blood-curdling" violence—far gorier than the films—as a highlight, with inventive kills and Pennywise teases that build unease without over-relying on the clown.
Polygon calls it "one of the scariest horror productions in a long time," while Heaven of Horror dubs it "truly terrifying" for targeting both kids and adults.
- **World-Building and Easter Eggs**:
Drawing from King's unused novel material, the series weaves in references like Shawshank Prison and a psychic Dick Hallorann, hinting at a broader "Stephen King-verse." DiscussingFilm praises how it "restores what was lost in the movie adaptations," making Derry feel oppressively alive.
IGN notes the premiere's strong re-establishment of lore, pulling from the book's historical chapters.
- **Standout Performances**:
Chris Chalk's Hallorann steals scenes with "staggering" depth, elevating the back half, per Dread Central.
Variety highlights the ensemble's ability to humanize the terror, and X users rave about the young cast's earnest vulnerability amid the chaos.
- **Pilot Power**:
Nearly universal acclaim for Episode 1:
Vulture calls it a "killer" opener with "conviction," and X posts describe it as "creepy as hell" and "unsettling," setting a high bar with shocking twists and era-specific vibes.
Weaknesses
- **Pacing and Structure**:
The multi-perspective narrative (kids, soldiers, families) fragments the dread, leading to a "slog" feel after the pilot.
IndieWire gripes about "character inconsistencies, leaps in logic," and Collider says it "never proves gripping enough," diluting suspense across five reviewed episodes.
Paste Magazine slams the "dragging" storyline and "shoddy craft" like flat lighting and distracting CG.
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