IT: Welcome to Derry takes place in 1962, about 27 years before the events of the Losers Club in the IT films. The show follows a new family moving into the eerie town of Derry, Maine, where they quickly encounter strange disappearances and horrifying supernatural events linked to the ancient entity known as Pennywise.

The story expands the mythology of the town and the creature, blending historical context with psychological horror. In addition to Pennywise’s terror, the series introduces a military subplot involving Major Leroy Hanlon and a covert operation that seeks to uncover or confront the nature of “It.” This gives the narrative scope beyond the typical town mystery, touching on elements of paranoia tied to the Cold War era.

Tone and Atmosphere

The series leans heavily into unsettling atmosphere and dread rather than simple jump scares. Critics and audiences have noted that while Welcome to Derry delivers effective horror moments and inventive scares, it also relies on traditional Stephen King horror tropes—small‑town terror, supernatural dread, and grotesque visions. Some reviews praise its eerie mood, effective direction by Andy Muschietti and others, and faithful expansion of the IT universe.

On the other hand, some feedback finds the pacing uneven, characters underdeveloped, and dialogue less compelling than expected for a show with such ambitious lore. A few critics felt the focus on atmosphere wasn’t always enough to carry the deeper narrative beats, making some episodes feel slow or disconnected.

Characters and Performances

The cast brings several strong performances. Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo portray the central couple facing both personal challenges and the town’s creeping horror. Matilda Lawler’s portrayal of the young girl Lilly, alongside the supporting ensemble, adds emotional weight to the series. Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise, and his appearances—rare but terrifying—are frequently cited as the highlights of the show.

The series also introduces Dick Hallorann, a character known from The Shining, reimagined here with a deeper backstory and psychic abilities that connect him to Derry’s mysteries. This blending of Stephen King properties expands the world in intriguing ways, although not all viewers appreciate how these crossovers shift the narrative focus.