Welcome to Derry Earns Strong Early Reviews as New IT Prequel Impresses Critics

The new HBO prequel series *Welcome to Derry* is earning strong early reviews. Critics say the show brings fresh fear to the IT universe and delivers a bold look at Pennywise. The series stars Joshua Odjick and brings back Bill Skarsgard. It arrives on HBO Max on October 26.

Early reactions show wide praise for its tone and style. According to ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an average score of 80%. Reviewers note that the story explores the early rise of Pennywise in a darker, more grounded way.

Welcome to Derry Reviews Highlight New Horror Strengths

Several major outlets praised *Welcome to Derry* for its tight storytelling and deep themes. According to Variety, the show is a “terrifying tale” that links past events with concerns that still echo today. Reviewers say it keeps the fear sharp and the mystery steady.

NME also praised the series. The outlet gave it four out of five stars and described it as “precision-tooled prestige horror.” Critics say the sight of the red balloon still brings a real chill. Many note that the series keeps the classic IT tension alive.

Some reviews raised small concerns. Collider wrote that the show sometimes spreads its focus across too many characters. This can weaken the sense of dread. Still, the review did not call it a bad show, only one that could feel uneven at times.

Most critics agree that the series offers strong production and a clear vision. Only one of the early reviews rated it poorly. The overall mood around the show remains upbeat as the release date nears.

How Welcome to Derry Expands the IT Universe

The show is set before the events of *IT* and *IT Chapter Two*. It explores the early roots of Pennywise in the town of Derry. The cast includes Joshua Odjick, Bill Skarsgard, Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, and others.

Fans of the original films will see how the evil force shaped the town long before the Losers’ Club. The series also aims to connect King’s world with modern fears. This gives long-time fans fresh insight into the story.

According to early critics from outlets like Reuters and AP, the series sets up a larger expansion of the Stephen King universe. It also offers new characters and new storylines to give the IT world more depth.

Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of the biggest horror releases of the year. The early praise for *Welcome to Derry* shows strong interest and strong momentum as fans await the official launch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Welcome to Derry about?

The show tells the early story of Pennywise. It shows how fear grew in Derry long before the IT films. It offers new characters and new events.

Q2: When does Welcome to Derry come out?

The series comes out on HBO Max on October 26. It will stream on other platforms the next day in some regions.

Q3: Who stars in Welcome to Derry?

The cast includes Bill Skarsgard, Joshua Odjick, Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, and more. Skarsgard returns as Pennywise.

Q4: How are the early reviews?

Early reviews are mostly positive. Many call the series scary and well made. Only one major review raised larger concerns.

Q5: Is Welcome to Derry linked to the films?

Yes. It is a prequel to the IT movies. It expands the history of the town and Pennywise.