'It: Welcome to Derry' Is Moving Towards Finale: Is the New Stephen King Show Worth Watching?

The long-awaited prequel series It: Welcome to Derry premiered on HBO Max. Set 27 years before Andrés Muschietti's 2017 movie, the series immediately captured the attention of fans of Stephen King.

Will it spawn a successful franchise in the vein of Stranger Things and live up to the high expectations? Let's figure it out.

What Is 'It: Welcome to Derry' About?

The action transports viewers to 1962, at the height of the Cold War. In the town of Derry, Maine, a new 27-year cycle begins with the awakening of an ancient monster that feeds on children's fears.

The story begins with the disappearance of a boy named Matty. His friends – comic book fan Teddy, conspiracy theorist Phil, and eccentric Lilly – then begin their own investigation.

Meanwhile, Korean War veterans Major Hanlon and Captain Russo arrive at the local military base and find themselves drawn into the terrifying events, along with their families.

'It: Welcome to Derry' Is Better Than Most Stephen King Adaptations Released in 2025

Among the many projects based on the works of King this year, Welcome to Derry stands out for its high production value and adherence to the spirit of the original.

Andy Muschietti, creator of the original duology, served as producer and director of several episodes, ensuring stylistic continuity.

Welcome to Derry doesn't merely exploit the well-known brand – it skillfully expands the universe by offering a glimpse into Derry's history before the Losers' Club emerged.

'It: Welcome to Derry' Could Become a Worthy Replacement for 'Stranger Things'

Set against the backdrop of the final season of the cult Netflix show, HBO Max's new show emerges as a timely contender for the vacant niche.

The similarities are obvious: a small town, a group of outsider kids investigating supernatural events, a retro 1960s atmosphere, and a terrifying monster. However, welcome to Derry forges its own path by emphasizing mature storylines set in the military and political context of the Cold War.

The planned three seasons, each set 27 years in the past, demonstrate serious ambitions to create a sweeping horror saga that will captivate fans for a long time.

'It: Welcome to Derry' Is a High-Quality Series, but It Has Its Flaws

Despite its many merits, Welcome to Derry isn't perfect. The adult storyline, set in wartime, feels stale and less engaging than a detective story told by teenagers.

The children's story largely mirrors the structure of the 2017 movie, creating a sense of déjà vu. However, each episode offers viewers at least one brilliant, terrifying scene that showcases the creators' hard work and the high budget.

In the end, Welcome to Derry is gripping and keeps you waiting for more episodes. Even in moments of absurdity, it remains true to the spirit of King's insane source material.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'It: Welcome to Derry'?

• It: Welcome to Derry has 79% from critics and 76% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.7/10.