When horror lovers heard about the premiere of It: Welcome to Derry’s first reviews, there was a buzz in the air. This new series takes us back into the chilling world of the small town of Derry, Maine—familiar in the lore of It by Stephen King—but now with fresh nightmares and a different era in focus.
It: Welcome to Derry first reviews – what people are saying
In a nutshell, the initial reviews of ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ show a mixed but largely positive response. On the review-aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the series has earned a 77% approval rating based on 53 critic reviews. This suggests that while many critics found value in the show, there are also reservations.
So, what are the highlights from the reviews? Many praise the atmosphere and build-up of tension. For example, some critics say that the series taps well into the unsettling vibe of Derry as a character itself—the town hides horrors, quietly looking the other way. Others commend the performances of adult actors, saying they bring solid gravitas to the prequel.
On the flip side, the show isn’t without its critics. Some critics point to an overly large cast of characters and an unfocused plot. One review described the children’s storyline as less compelling than the adults’ and felt that the pacing sometimes stumbled.
There’s also commentary about the danger of over-explaining the monster origins, which can undermine the mystery that made the original novel and films scary.
For example, one reviewer said that although the terror is “consistently bloody” and the monster’s presence assured, the writing tries to answer “every mystery that is presented, even those that no one was asking.” On the other hand, a different critic called it “an excellent prequel” because it dives deeper into Derry’s mythos rather than simply rehashing the earlier films.
Why the reviews matter & what this means for viewers
When a show like It: Welcome to Derry arrives, and the first reviews are out, it affects both how people decide to watch and how the series is perceived in the media.
A 77% score tells us: many see it as worth watching, but there is room for improvement. For a horror fan or someone curious about the series, that means you should go in with a willingness to engage with its strengths (e.g., atmosphere, lore) and be aware of potential weaknesses (some characters may not land, or plot might feel crowded).
For example, if you love horror that builds slowly, leans on creepiness and dread more than constant jump-scares, then this show may appeal strongly to you. The fact that the creators said they are using a “Jaws effect” (delaying the monster’s big reveal) adds to that sense of slow-build tension.
If instead you prefer straightforward scares or a minimal ensemble, you might feel the pacing or character list is a bit unwieldy.
Another point: because it’s a prequel to the original “It” story, the series has more leeway to explore new ground, but also more risk—fans of the novel or previous films will have expectations. The reviews indicate that it’s ambitious in that regard, delving into Derry’s earlier days and re-imagining how the evil spread in that town. That’s a strong draw. But it also means that the show sometimes feels like it’s trying to please both long-time fans and newcomers at once, which may lead to tonal inconsistencies.
What I would tell someone considering watching based on the reviews
If you’re on the fence, wondering whether to invest time into “It: Welcome to Derry”, here are some takeaways based on what the reviews say:
First, embrace the show’s strengths: strong visuals, a creepy setting, a lot of care going into the era-setting (1960s), and an interesting re-examination of the lore of Derry. For instance, one review noted how the racial and social context of the 1960s (African-American family moving into Derry) is part of the story now, which adds a different dimension. So if you enjoy layered storytelling and horror with social reflection, you’ll likely get value.
Second, manage expectations: this isn’t the same as the 2017/2019 movies in tone or structure. If you expect jump-for-jump scare non-stop horror or the same formulas, you might feel a bit of disconnect. Some reviews find the kid characters less memorable. So if you identify with that part of the story, give it some time to settle.
Third, the “first reviews” suggest watching with patience. The build-up is deliberate. As the directors noted, the monster doesn’t show up in full force immediately—it’s about tension and waiting. If you’re the type who gives up if the first few episodes feel slow, you may want to set aside some episodes and commit a little.
It: Welcome to Derry first reviews tell us the series is promising, especially for fans of horror and those who appreciate rich back-story and atmosphere. It may not be perfect, and some parts may not resonate for everyone, but its ambition and execution in many areas are noteworthy. If you’re into the world of “It” and are curious about where the terror in Derry began, this prequel appears worth a watch.
