“IT: Welcome to Derry,” the highly anticipated prequel series to the acclaimed “IT” films, has swiftly established itself as one of HBO’s most significant shows. The series has consistently garnered an increasing viewership each week, culminating in its #1 ranking on HBO Max in over 45 countries, including the United States, following its finale episode, according to FlixPatrol.

The show benefits from the return of its co-creators, Andy Muschietti, who directed both “IT” films, and his sister Barbara Muschietti, a producer on the movies. Their involvement has ensured that the series feels like a genuine continuation of the cinematic universe rather than a mere spin-off. Set 27 years prior to the first “IT” movie, “Welcome to Derry” delves into Pennywise’s 1962 cycle of terror, directly addressing one of Stephen King’s most unsettling chapters: the Black Spot fire. The series commenced with a notably brutal premiere, which the creators themselves likened to the opening of the first film, immediately signaling that the series would not dilute the franchise’s trademark intensity. Instead, it leans fully into the horror, blending visceral set pieces with a slower, more insidious sense of dread that expands the mythology of Derry rather than simply retreading familiar ground.

Beyond its scares, “Welcome to Derry” distinguishes itself through a stronger emphasis on community and history. By focusing on how the town collectively enables, ignores, or suppresses its own horrors, the series reframes Pennywise not just as a singular monster, but as a manifestation of long-standing rot embedded within Derry itself. This approach allows the show to explore heavier themes—racism, generational trauma, and institutional denial—while still delivering the supernatural terror audiences expect from the franchise.

With its combination of strong viewership performance, clear creative vision, and deep respect for Stephen King’s source material, “IT: Welcome to Derry” positions itself as more than a successful prequel. It stands as a meaningful expansion of the “IT” universe, proving that there is still fresh, unsettling ground to uncover in Derry—and that audiences are more than willing to return, so long as the horror remains uncompromising.