First released on October 26, 2025, IT: Welcome To Derry has already generated massive buzz among social media and Stephen King fans. Only a few episodes have been released so far, but we’ve already been able to get a feel for what the series is about and how it differs from the original IT novel. Below, we’ll examine the key differences and what you can expect when you watch the series.
Timeline and structure
IT: Welcome To Derry’s first season, set in 1962, which is different from the two timelines mentioned in the novel. The timeline for “children” in Stephen King’s book primarily takes place in 1958, while the timeline for adults takes place in 1985. Therefore, the first season of the series has a completely different timeline. Likewise, the creators intentionally want to tell the story in reverse, with season two set in 1935 and season three in 1908. These are all timelines not mentioned in the novel, nor the reverse chronology.
But just because the timelines are different doesn’t mean it’s too different from the book. The series leans heavily on the interludes of the novel, so it’s not a complete adaptation.
Narrative tone and horror style
Those who are fans of Stephen King’s novels know that most of them are built with horror in mind. This horror is reflected through intensely psychological, long internal monologues and reflections. It also focuses a lot on build up before it gets to the main “scary” event.
The horror genre, whether in movies, books, or television, continues to permeate popular culture as one of the most popular themes around. This year, the release of movies that recently adapted Frankenstein and a new edition of the series 28 Days Later with 28 Years Later shows how horror continues to evolve into the present day.
This can be seen in other entertainment sectors as well, with horror games another popular category, such as in the iGaming industry where you can redeem an online casino bonus on a horror-themed slot such as one of the Immortal Romance series, for example. The continued adaptation of these themes, like this King adaptation, shows how horror continues to emerge in reimagined ways.
Origins and lore of Pennywise
In Stephen King’s novel, there is a lot of mythology surrounding Pennywise and his origins, including the Macroverse and the Great Turtle. There is also a lot of emphasis on the fact that IT is an extra-dimensional being, which is why he is so difficult to defeat.
From what we’ve seen so far in the series and what we’ve heard from reporting, the show will tone down this cosmic/alien angle. Instead, the focus is more on Derry and its history as a sinister town, with Pennywise bringing a lot of generational trauma. There is also much more conspiracy surrounding his character.
As you watch the series, you will no doubt learn more about why Pennywise has chosen Derry, and why he decides to stay there over the years.
IT: Welcome To Derry season one is currently being released weekly and should wrap up at the end of November. It has some good reviews so far, so while it may differ slightly from the novel, that shouldn’t put you off. If you want a little more horror in your life, this show will definitely deliver.
