IT: Welcome to Derry - Review

Nobody ever really dies in Derry.

It: Welcome to Derry floated out of the sewers and onto HBO in 2025. Set in 1962, disappearances and catastrophes plague the town of Derry. A small group of children attempts to uncover the truth behind the evils before it’s too late.

“Is an IT TV series really going to work?” Man, did this series prove me wrong. It: Welcome to Derry is a chilling prequel to Andy Muschiette’s IT franchise. The series takes a deeper descent into Stephen King’s dark story, adding new revelations. From the very first episode, the show establishes a creepy atmosphere, welcoming viewers back to Derry.

The actors, whether for the adult or kid cast, were magnificent. I like the combination of adults and kids. These events have traumatized all generations. The characters themselves are richly drawn, each carrying personal fears that Pennywise exploits in the nightmarish Derry.

Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, Matilda Lawler, Amanda Christine, and Clara Stack lead the way through the dark sewers, learning who to trust and achieving incredible acting. Before filming started, they bonded while watching the IT movies.

The young actors are excellent, embodying terror and creating authentic relationships. Their chemistry is the most important element of all. Friendship is what this story is about. The actors enjoyed spending time together and playing games during breaks.

Performances from Taylour Paige, Javan Adepo, James Remar, Jack Mooloy Legault, Chris Chalk, and Stephen Rider are great as adult characters. Most of the actors said they were drawn to the story, especially their characters’ backstories.

Bill Skarsgard steps back into the cryptic and demonic Pennywise, the Dancing Clown. He is terrifying. You don’t know what Pennywise is capable of, bringing us to surprising revelations in the climax. The series explains more about the clown’s past, suggesting that Derry’s evils stretch back further than anyone realizes.

Andy Muschietti’s return to the director’s chair is a major reason the series works so well. The series went right into planning after IT: Chapter 2 concluded. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Chapter 2. This series expanded on storylines and characters more than the allotted time for a feature film.

Several red balloon Easter eggs are planted in the series. Muschietti’s vision pulls viewers into Derry. He also holds back on certain elements, like revealing the clown to enhance anticipation. He leans heavily into the atmosphere and finds every unsettling way to frighten viewers.

Welcome to Derry is terrifying. There were a few times when I jumped. When it comes to me with horror, instead of covering my eyes, I have a big smile, and I am sitting forward in my seat. I have come to love horror.

My favorite scenes are Veronica’s nightmare and Lily’s horrific experience at the supermarket. Any horrific situation that has to do with eyes is my least favorite, and Marge’s scene with her eyes was painful to watch.

Every scene is well-directed, creating a creepy atmosphere. The cinematography and sound design deserve special praise; quiet scenes often feel as threatening as loud ones, and silence is weaponized to an eerie effect.

The final episode of the series is what I call a finale. Once the final scene ended, I sat staring at the screen in shock at the haunting revelation. Welcome to Derry should be a standalone series. How much can you really expand with the series until it becomes repetitive?

Horror fans and IT fans need to put Welcome to Derry on their list. It’s deeply scary, emotionally unsettling, and expertly crafted.