The highly anticipated Season 1 finale of the horror series “IT: Welcome to Derry” is set to air this weekend. This eight-episode series premiered on October 26 and has captivated audiences with its chilling narrative and connection to the iconic “IT” universe created by Stephen King.
“IT: Welcome to Derry” is a prequel to the widely acclaimed films “IT” and “IT Chapter Two,” offering deeper insights into the haunting lore surrounding Pennywise the Dancing Clown, portrayed once again by Bill Skarsgård. The series takes viewers back to 1962, 27 years prior to the events of the first movie, and is developed by the creative team behind the films, including director and producer Andy Muschietti, producer Barbara Muschietti, and co-producer Jason Fuchs.
The finale, titled “Winter Fire,” will air on cable via HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will also be available for streaming on HBO Max at the same time. For viewers interested in accessing the series, HBO Max offers different subscription tiers: an ad-based option for $9.99 per month, an ad-free version at $16.99, and an ad-free tier with 4K Ultra HD content for $20.99 per month.
Critically, “IT: Welcome to Derry” has garnered a solid reception, currently boasting an 80% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 145 reviews. The critics’ consensus highlights the show’s ability to deepen Pennywise’s mythos, citing its unsettling atmosphere and strong performances, although it notes that the plotting can sometimes detract from the overall fear factor.
User ratings also reflect a favorable reception, with a 76% “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 1,000 verified ratings. As the series wraps up its first season, fans are encouraged to catch up on the initial seven episodes, all available on HBO Max, before the finale airs. The concluding episode promises to not only resolve lingering storylines but also further explore the haunting legacy that has captivated horror enthusiasts.
