Show Review-It: Welcome to Derry

by Madison Bueno

Derry might seem like an ordinary town, but something terrifying is hiding under the surface. IT: Welcome to Derry combines terrifying scenes, mystery, and unexpected humor to keep you hooked and wondering what will come next.

The series premiered on October 26, 2025 on HBO Max. It was developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs and based on Stephen King’s novel IT. The cast included Javan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, and Bill Sharsgård as the terrifying clown Pennywise.

IT: Welcome to Derry takes place in Derry, Maine in 1962 before the events of IT and IT Chapter Two. The first season follows a family who moves to Derry around the time when a young boy goes missing. As they settle into their new home, a group of young friends start experiencing strange events. With more children disappearing, the friends search for answers in their town and discover that Derry is hiding something bigger and darker than anyone could have imagined. As the friends' investigation continues, their different personalities add to the horror and suspense as they learn to trust each other while facing horrifying things they don’t understand. 

I won’t lie, the violence and disturbing images might be a lot for some, but the suspense and mystery make it hard to stop watching. Some parts are graphic, so it may not be for everyone, but fans of intense horror will love it. 

I would recommend IT: Welcome to Derry to everyone who enjoys horror and mystery with some surprise comedy. If you thought IT and IT Chapter Two were good, IT: Welcome to Derry will knock your socks off!