In a surprising verdict, a prominent TV critic has declared the new horror series It: Welcome to Derry a superior piece of television to the latest season of the global phenomenon, Stranger Things. Tom Percival, Deputy TV Editor at Metro, published his critique on December 15, 2025, arguing that the Stranger Things magic has faded while the It prequel has recaptured the essence of classic horror.
The Stranger Things Letdown
Percival did not hold back in his assessment of the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, describing them as underwhelming or "pretty 'mid'". He acknowledged that the action in the penultimate episode and the final cliffhanger had merit, but found the initial two episodes exceptionally dull. After a wait of over three years for the show's return, he expressed clear disappointment, feeling the latest season prioritised spectacle over the character-driven soul that defined its early success.
He argues that the first season felt like a passionate project where characters came first, despite the supernatural elements. In contrast, Season 5, in his view, lacks that earnest quality. Percival suggests the show has been "Netflix-ified", becoming overly polished carnage designed as a global event rather than a compelling story to watch at home. He also criticises Netflix's decision to split the season into multiple parts, claiming it robs the narrative of momentum and forces an unnecessary wait for resolution.
A Welcome Return to Classic Horror
The critic's praise, however, is reserved for It: Welcome to Derry, the prequel to the popular It films from the late 2010s. The series, set in the 1960s, follows a new group of children confronting Pennywise the Dancing Clown, once again portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. After viewing all eight episodes, Percival is emphatic: he considers it "something of a horror masterpiece".
He highlights the show's successful balance of genuine scares, unpredictability, and weirdness with humour and uplifting moments. Surprisingly, he found himself emotionally moved by the finale, despite its grim subject matter. For Percival, the series expertly walks the fine line between terror and wonder, much like the classic films he grew up with, such as Gremlins and Poltergeist. He detects an optimistic spirit and a sense of heart beneath the monstrous mayhem, qualities he feels the latest Stranger Things has lost.
The Power of Weekly Release Nostalgia
A significant factor in Percival's enjoyment was the show's weekly release schedule. He states that this format kept his attention sustained over two months, creating a sense of anticipation reminiscent of waiting for weekly TV episodes or even Christmas as a child. This experience, he says, reignited a nostalgic feeling that Stranger Things once provided but now fails to deliver.
Ultimately, Percival's review presents a stark comparison. Where Stranger Things Season 5 represents a shift towards blockbuster-style, fragmented storytelling, It: Welcome to Derry is celebrated for recapturing the intimate, character-focused, and nostalgically potent formula that made its predecessor—and the early seasons of Stranger Things—so beloved. The critique suggests that for some viewers, the real horror masterpiece is no longer found in Hawkins, but in the cursed town of Derry.
