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Critics Blast 'Welcome to Derry' for Lack of Originality

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Critics say It: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max (October 26, 2025) lacks originality.
They compare it to Stranger Things and argue it borrows heavily.
The show favors a convoluted Pennywise origin over exploring Derry's history.
The plot features Major Leroy Hanlon and a Native American tribe attempting to contain the monster.
Despite strong performances, the child characters lack depth and the trauma feels exploitative.

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Story summary

Critics say It: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max (October 26, 2025) lacks originality.
They compare it to Stranger Things and argue it borrows heavily.
The show favors a convoluted Pennywise origin over exploring Derry's history.
The plot features Major Leroy Hanlon and a Native American tribe attempting to contain the monster.
Despite strong performances, the child characters lack depth and the trauma feels exploitative.