IT: Welcome to Derry Scores ~80% on Rotten Tomatoes

IT: Welcome to Derry is an HBO Max prequel series set in 1962 that premieres Oct. 26 (Oct. 27 on JioHotstar). The eight-episode show, developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti and drawing on Stephen King’s interlude stories, expands Pennywise’s origins. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise and serves as an executive producer; the principal cast includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige and Joshua Odjick. Series writers and showrunners say the tension is driven less by whether Pennywise survives and more by human cost and shocking choices, with a sense that no character is safe. Early reviews are broadly positive — Rotten Tomatoes sits around 80–82% — with critics praising the scares, body horror and thematic depth, though a minority said the large ensemble sometimes diluted the dread. Coverage notes the show mixes mid‑century Americana and social themes (including race) as it deepens Pennywise’s mythology and telepathic terror.