HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry serves as a chilling yet surprisingly heartfelt prequel to the It films, taking audiences back to the early 1960s to explore the origins of the terror that haunts Derry.
Set against the backdrop of a changing America, the show captures the look and feel of the era with remarkable authenticity. From early mentions of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the beginnings of the Cold War to the vintage cars, clothing, and language of the time, every detail helps ground the supernatural horror in a vivid historical reality.
The 1960s setting isn’t just window dressing either. The creators lean into the social climate of the time, unafraid to portray the racism and cultural tensions that shaped small-town America. Those moments don’t feel forced or exploitative as they add depth and realism to a story already heavy with dread. Derry feels alive and deeply flawed, making it the perfect breeding ground for the evil lurking beneath its surface.
What stands out most is how Welcome to Derry balances its focus between familiar horror and new emotional layers. While many fans might expect to see Pennywise appearing in every episode, the show takes a more restrained approach. The clown’s presence looms large, but the spotlight often shifts to the people of Derry, especially the younger versions of several key characters. These storylines bring new life to the It mythology, offering tender, sometimes heartbreaking glimpses into who these characters were before darkness consumed their lives. The younger cast shines in these moments, delivering performances that feel raw and believable, giving the audience even more reason to care when the horror inevitably strikes.
From a production standpoint, It: Welcome to Derry is top-tier television. The cinematography captures both the haunting beauty and the grim atmosphere of the town, while the costume and set design perfectly transport viewers back to the 60s. Every frame feels intentional, and the music heightens the sense of unease without overwhelming the emotion.
As for the scares, the series delivers enough to keep viewers on edge, even if it doesn’t always reach the intensity of the films. It’s more about tension and psychological dread than outright terror, though when the violence hits, it doesn’t hold back. Bill Skarsgård once again proves he owns the role of Pennywise, slipping back into the clown’s chilling mannerisms with unnerving ease. His appearances are limited but powerful, each one reminding us why he remains one of modern horror’s most terrifying figures.
Performances across the board are strong. Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige lead the cast with energy and depth, while James Remar surprises as General Shaw, delivering one of the show’s most layered characters. The young ensemble brings heart and authenticity, even if their chemistry doesn’t quite reach the heights of the 2017 film’s cast. Still, they carry the emotional weight of the story with ease and give viewers plenty to root for.
Like any ambitious prequel, Welcome to Derry has a few stumbles. The pacing starts off slow, and some fans of Stephen King’s novel might find themselves wishing certain storylines stayed closer to the source material. A few changes and additions may not sit well with purists, but they help the series carve out its own identity. The visual effects can also be hit or miss, especially in the early episodes, but the storytelling and character work more than make up for it.
Overall, It: Welcome to Derry is a great addition to the It universe. It has moments that are genuinely scary and unexpected, yet it never turns into a parody of itself like Chucky on Peacock sometimes does. The series feels confident in its tone, blending horror, emotion, and history into something fresh and unsettling. Fans of the films will find plenty to enjoy here, and even though book purists might take issue with a few creative liberties, there’s no denying that this return to Derry is both thrilling and worthwhile.
