HBO Max’s new series IT: Welcome to Derry finally gives horror fans what they’ve been waiting for, something raw, intense, and unapologetically scary. As a prequel to the 2017 IT movie, this show dives deep into how Pennywise came to be, and the first episode already proves that it’s not afraid to go all out.
Right from the start, the show throws you into chaos. The opening scene is shocking and gruesome, reminding viewers that horror can still make your skin crawl. In my opinion, that’s what makes Welcome to Derry stand out. Most new shows today feel repetitive, full of teen romance, predictable drama, or humor that doesn’t hit. But this episode brings something different. It’s dark, it’s weird, and it feels original.
The mix of mystery and fear keeps you hooked, especially as a group of misfit characters start to notice strange things in the town. The addition of the military setting adds another layer of suspense, since they have no idea what’s really going on. And, of course, seeing Bill Skarsgård return as Pennywise is the best part.
By the end, I was genuinely shocked and already waiting for next Sunday’s episode. IT: Welcome to Derry proves that horror doesn’t need to play it safe to be good. It just needs to be bold, and this show definitely is.
