I don’t even know where to begin, but I can start by saying that “IT: Welcome to Derry” is not just one of the best shows of 2025, but one of the best shows ever made. And I don’t say that lightly.
Knowing a prequel series was on the way had me super excited since both “It” movies are some of my favorite horror flicks ever. And the thought of getting another dose of Pennywise, this time in longer-form content, had me counting down the days. Having seen the first five episodes, I can safely say it exceeded all expectations and even replaced “Alien: Earth” in my No. 1 spot. As an “Alien” superfan, I’m honestly shocked I’m writing those words.
But that’s just a testament to how incredible “Welcome to Derry” really is. Set 27 years before the first movie, in 1962, it follows the Hanlon family as they move to town just as the evil clown awakens for another cycle. This time, a new group of kids must face the wrath of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise.
Now that the first episode is available on HBO Max, I can finally share just how thrilling (and shocking) this show turned out to be. While it will likely appeal most to fans who have seen the movies and are familiar with Stephen King's franchise, it still explains enough for newcomers to follow along. On top of that, it ramps up both the tension and the gore.
Right on time, just ahead of Halloween. Here’s why you need to add “It: Welcome to Derry” to your watchlist right now.
A show that veers between horror and pure genius
In my interview with show creators Andy (director) and Barbara Muschietti (producer), I asked about "Welcome to Derry's" shock value — because my jaw was quite literally on the floor. They said that while shock value and graphic horror are fun, they also need to serve the story and characters. And that’s arguably what this show does best: it delivers truly shocking moments while leaning heavily into character drama.
In fact, the first 10-15 minutes of episode one feature one of the most shocking scenes my eyes have ever been cursed with. Even though it’s a wild thing to witness on screen, I have to applaud the showrunners for pulling it off because I don’t think I could ever replicate the look I had on my face while watching it. It’s wild stuff and only sets the stage for what’s to come (and trust me, it gets even crazier).
“It: Welcome to Derry” starts how the movies do, by showing the first unlucky child to go missing during the time Pennywise stirs from his slumber. And while the formula is somewhat similar, this time it goes deeper, focusing more on the people of Derry and the creeping dread that slowly consumes them.
“Welcome to Derry” is no doubt a horror show, but thanks to its eight-episode format (rather than a two-hour movie), there’s more room to explore the characters and make the town feel truly lived-in. That’s why we’re introduced to the Hanlon family (relatives of Mike Hanlon from the “It” movies) and follow their time in Derry as they adjust to a not-so-welcoming neighborhood. Because we already know parts of their history through Stephen King’s novel and Mike’s interludes, it’s easy to connect with them and their story.
Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo) is a Korean War veteran stationed in Derry, who brings along his wife Charlotte (Taylour Paige) and their son Will (Blake Cameron James). Leroy soon becomes entangled in complicated matters involving General Shaw (James Remar), who’s determined to locate an “evil force” that dominates part of Derry (you can probably guess who), all while having to work alongside a young Dick Halloran from “The Shining” (Chris Chalk).
Charlotte, meanwhile, is determined to uncover the truth about the town (though she quickly realizes she’s being watched) and Will’s path as a child in Derry is anything but easy. There’s even some fascinating backstory about the Native tribe that first encountered Pennywise when he arrived on Earth, told brilliantly through Rose (Kimberly Norris Guerrero), who holds ancient knowledge of the land and its history.
Of course, with this being set in the “IT” universe, we also meet a new group of kids who not only have their own unique fears in 1962 but also end up crossing paths with Pennywise for very different reasons. I won’t reveal much else about what to expect this time around, but the young actors are incredibly talented and there are some truly horrific scenes of the evil clown going above and beyond to terrify children in this era.
So while “Welcome to Derry” is a super intense watch, it also manages to be genuinely engaging by giving us characters with their own beliefs, trauma, and missions. It’s especially interesting to see how this time period was especially known for prejudice, violence and neglect — the perfect breeding ground for Pennywise’s terror, and crucial in setting the stage for the Black Spot incident.
The showrunners and writers, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, did an incredible job of transporting us back into the world the movies introduced, all while creating stunning set designs that perfectly match the era. And there’s enough genuine horror here to fuel your nightmares for the next few weeks.
This is horror done right
“It: Welcome to Derry” is one of the rare horror shows that manages to balance its scares with character drama. There are even glimpses of comedy and mystery, enough to keep you watching when the horror takes somewhat of a backseat.
Plus, it would feel criminal not to talk about the iconic clown. Pennywise, brought once again to life by Skarsgård, returns to the screen like he never left. And while I don’t want to go into too much detail to preserve your experience, I’ll just say that his appearance had me practically jumping up and down.
What really makes “It: Welcome to Derry” work is the cast as everyone feels believable, which makes the scares hit even harder. From the Hanlon family to the new group of kids navigating the town, the performances are full of personality, heart, and just the right amount of fear.
And yes, the show doesn’t shy away from body horror and gore. It takes things a step further than the movies, with scenes that are genuinely shocking.
What I’m most excited about, though, is where the story could go next. The Muschiettis have said they’re planning more seasons, going back even further into Derry’s history. There’s clearly more story to tell, more secrets to uncover, and I’m definitely here for it. After all, in Derry, the best stories always float.
“It: Welcome to Derry" premieres weekly on HBO Max, starting Sunday, October 26 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, with the season finale airing Sunday, December 14.
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