๐ Type: TV Series
๐ญ Genre: Horror / Psychological Horror / Drama
๐
Date Watched: December 2025 – January 2, 2026
⭐ Rating: 3.5 / 5
What it’s about:
Set decades before the events of IT, the series explores the dark history of Derry and the recurring presence of an ancient evil that feeds on fear, trauma, and silence.
My thoughts:
IT: Welcome to Derry feels intentionally unfinished, and that works both for and against it. I found myself rewatching both IT films and revisiting Stephen King’s novel just to fully absorb the experience. Eventually, the line between the book and the movies began to blur, but instead of feeling confusing, it actually added depth. Seeing familiar faces while still carrying the weight of the novel made the story more immersive and personal.
The series doesn’t shy away from disturbing material. This is not casual horror meant for all viewers—it is heavy, slow-burning, and psychologically unsettling. Several scenes are genuinely uncomfortable, dealing with abuse, fear, and trauma in ways that linger long after the episode ends. As a horror enthusiast, I appreciated how unapologetically dark the show is, proving that effective horror comes from sustained tension rather than constant shock value.
One of the strongest aspects of the series is its cast, particularly the children. Their performances feel natural and grounded, making their fear and resilience believable. Because of this, the deaths hit harder and feel tragic rather than sensationalized. The show’s approach to Pennywise’s origins also works well—it expands the lore without overexplaining, respecting both the novel and the films while preserving the mystery.
Overall, Welcome to Derry succeeds as a dark companion piece to the IT universe. It is especially rewarding for Stephen King fans, but it also stands on its own as a grim and immersive horror series. Season 2 holds a lot of promise, and I only hope the story is given more room to grow.
Would I recommend it?
Depends. If you’re avoiding spoilers from Stephen King’s novel, this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for a truly unsettling and dark horror experience, this series is worth watching.
