By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 is a genuinely outstanding piece of television, and one of the most confident expansions of a familiar horror property in recent memory. From the very first episode, it makes its intentions clear. This is not a retread, not a nostalgic victory lap, but a bold deepening of the world and the mythology. Think you know Derry? Think again.
The series wastes no time establishing its tone, delivering horror that is truly terrifying while remaining remarkably consistent in both atmosphere and storytelling. What really stands out is how the show pushes its narrative forward with purpose. Each episode builds momentum, feeding into the next, and the season as a whole feels carefully structured rather than padded. The ending of the first episode completely flips expectations in a way that feels shocking but earned, setting the stage for a story that is far less predictable than you might assume.
The horror itself is excellent. It is not just reliant on jump scares, although there are some very effective ones, but rooted in dread, unease and the slow realisation that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface of Derry. Bill Skarsgård is, unsurprisingly, tremendous. His presence is felt constantly, even in the early stages where Pennywise’s influence is more subtle and creeping rather than overt. Skarsgård manages to be terrifying and oddly charming in equal measure, and the series gives him the space to explore several different shades of the character, all of which he plays to chilling effect.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show is how it tackles its historical and social context. Set against a period of deep racial tension in America’s history, the series does not shy away from the brutal realities faced by African Americans and people of colour. These elements are handled with sensitivity, but also with an unflinching honesty that makes them deeply uncomfortable to watch. In many ways, the political and social horrors on display are just as frightening as the otherworldly presence haunting the town, grounding the supernatural elements in very real human cruelty.
The lore is expanded in a way that feels organic and rewarding. This adaptation goes further than either of the two films in exploring the history and mythology of Derry, offering new insights that enrich the story rather than overexplaining it. For fans of the source material, this deeper dive is incredibly satisfying, and for newcomers, it adds layers of intrigue without becoming overwhelming.
The cast across the board is excellent. Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo and Chris Chalk are all standouts among the adult cast, bringing emotional weight and nuance to their roles. The younger cast, effectively a precursor version of the Losers Club, is equally strong. Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Clara Stack, Blake Cameron James and Arian S Cartaya share a natural chemistry that makes their friendships feel authentic. James Remar, Kimberly Guerrero and Madeleine Stowe also impress in supporting roles, adding further texture to the world of Derry.
If there is a criticism to be made, it lies in the handling of James Remar’s General Shaw during the final two episodes, particularly in the finale. The motivations behind his actions become slightly contradictory and, given everything the character has experienced, feel illogical. The resolution itself is surprisingly disappointing, but this stands out largely because the rest of the series is so well written and assured. With everything else working as well as it does, this misstep is easy to forgive.
Perhaps most impressive of all is how seamlessly the series feels like an extension of the two films. The connective tissue is clear, and the continuity is handled with care, making Welcome to Derry feel less like a spin-off and more like a natural continuation of that cinematic world. And don’t even get me started on that theme tune!
With its assured storytelling, richly layered and engaging lore, genuinely frightening horror and a cast delivering across the board, IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 confidently earns its place as one of the very best television offerings of 2025.
X-Geeks 