First released on October 26, 2025, IT: Welcome To Derry has already sparked massive chatter among social media and Stephen King fans. Only a few episodes have been released so far, yet we’ve already been able to get a sense of what the series is about and how it differs from the original IT novel. Below, we’ll examine the main differences and what you can expect when watching the series.
Timeline and Structure
IT: Welcome To Derry’s first season, which is set in 1962, which differs from the two timelines mentioned in the novel. The ‘child’ timeline in Stephen King’s book is set primarily in 1958, whereas the adult timeline is set in 1985. Therefore, the first season of the series has an entirely different timeline. Similarly, 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, and neither is the reverse chronology.
However, just because the timelines are different doesn’t mean it differs from the book too much. The series is leaning heavily on the novel’s interludes, so it isn’t a complete re-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 heavily on buildup before reaching the main ‘scary’ event.
The horror genre, whether in films, books or TV, continues to pervade popular culture as one of the most popular themes there is. This year, the release of films such as newly adapted Frankenstein and a new edition to the 28 Days Later series with 28 Years Later, show how horror continues to develop into the present day.
This can be seen in other entertainment sectors too, with horror games another popular category, as in the iGaming industry where you can redeem an online casino bonus on a horror-themed slot like one of the Immortal Romance series, for example. The continued adaptation of these themes, like that of this King adaption, show how horror continues to appear 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 IT is an extra-dimensional being, which is why he is so hard to defeat.
What we’ve seen so far in the series and what we’ve heard from reporting, the show is going to reduce this cosmic/alien angle. Instead, the focus is more on Derry and its history as a sinister town, with Pennywise bringing a whole lot of generational trauma. There is also a lot more conspiracy built around his character.
When watching the series, you’ll 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 conclude at the end of November. It has some great reviews so far, so even though it may differ slightly from the novel, that shouldn’t put you off. If you want a bit more horror in your life, this show will definitely deliver.