Bill Skarsgard’s IT: Welcome to Derry Finale Outshines Stranger Things Stars
As 2025 came to a close, a notable contention emerged in the television realm, pitting horror against sci-fi. Bill Skarsgård’s recent project, IT: Welcome to Derry, has begun to challenge the longstanding dominance of Stranger Things, led by Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp.
Bill Skarsgård’s IT: Welcome to Derry vs. Stranger Things
The prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, is set in the chilling town of Derry, Maine. It brings a fresh angle to the horror genre, in stark contrast to Stranger Things’ approach. While Stranger Things has relied on nostalgic themes and a sprawling character ensemble, Derry concentrates on the intense fears stemming from a singular nightmarish figure—Pennywise.
Emotional Impact and Thematic Depth
The finale of IT: Welcome to Derry received praise for its concentrated emotional impact. The narrative capitalizes on the psychological decline of the town, delving into how evil permeates its community. This theme has resonated deeply with many fans, especially contrasting the anticipated finale of Stranger Things, which aired on January 1, 2026.
- Derry’s finale: Focus on isolation and fear.
- Stranger Things finale: Burdened by multiple subplots and a lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes.
The Tone and Stakes of Each Series
In examining the stakes, the Derry finale featured an intense and bloody confrontation. Audiences witnessed significant losses among characters from the 1962 timeline, creating an atmosphere filled with dread. In contrast, many felt the final volumes of Stranger Things leaned too heavily on “plot armor,” leaving some character arcs underdeveloped and the drama watered down.
Character Utilization and Impact
The portrayal of pivotal characters also differed notably between the two series. While Stranger Things left some plotlines unresolved—such as Eight’s limited role in the narrative—Derry committed to its theme and character arcs, evoking a sense of cosmic indifference. This ending lingered with viewers well after the credits rolled.
- Stranger Things: Characters like Kali (Eight) had minimal influence on the storyline.
- Derry: Every scene added to the narrative’s horror, focusing on the darker elements of character interactions.
Technical Execution and Aesthetic Choices
The execution in IT: Welcome to Derry is also noteworthy. It shunned the CGI-laden spectacles of its counterpart for practical effects and psychological realism. This unique approach resulted in a claustrophobic environment, while the visual representation of the “Deadlights” stood out as a remarkable accomplishment.
A Legacy of Television Endings
The contrasting conclusions have led to discussions about the legacy of iconic television endings. Where Derry seems to echo the commitment to its darker themes, Stranger Things appeared to expect that audience involvement could compensate for its inconsistencies.
- Memorable Endings: Comparisons are made to the endings of shows like Breaking Bad and Dark, which maintained strong congruity with character development.
- Look at Stranger Things: Critics likened its finale to high-profile series that suffered from rushed conclusions and plot fatigue.
In summary, Bill Skarsgård’s IT: Welcome to Derry has emerged as a formidable challenger to Stranger Things, particularly due to its focus on psychological horror and strong thematic elements. As fans engage in these discussions, the impact of Derry continues to resonate in the landscape of horror television.
