- - 5 Stephen King Adaptations to Binge Before 'IT: Welcome to Derry' Season 2

Jeff LuceJanuary 12, 2026 at 12:16 AM

0

Photo by John Lamparski on Getty Images

Waiting for Pennywise to slink back into Derry is no small thing. It: Welcome to Derry quickly became a fan favorite when it premiered, praised for its mix of chilling scares, heartfelt moments, and a careful expansion of Stephen King’s original story. Critics and viewers alike loved how it balanced nostalgia for the 2017 and 2019 films with new layers of character and town history, making Derry feel alive in a way that’s both familiar and unsettling. If you’re itching for more small-town terror while waiting for the confirmed Season 2, these Stephen King adaptations are perfect to fill the gap.

1. It (1990) — Streaming on Max

If you’re in the mood for full-on nostalgia while waiting for Pennywise’s return, the original 2-part It miniseries is a must-watch. Tim Curry’s performance as ITs clown persona is still terrifying, and the story of a group of kids confronting an ancient evil in Derry feels like a perfect prelude to the newer adaptation. The miniseries captures the combination of small-town intimacy and creeping dread that makes King’s work so unforgettable.

2. The Outsider (2020) — Streaming on Max

This series starts as a grounded crime drama before quietly revealing something far darker. The tonal shift is unsettling in the best way, turning grief and doubt into sources of real terror. It’s patient, bleak, and emotionally heavy, which makes the supernatural elements land even harder once they arrive.

Related: Stephen King's 'Dark Tower' Reboot Gets an Update—and an Explanation

3. The Shining (1980) and Doctor Sleep (2019) — Streaming on Max

These two films make an unexpectedly powerful double feature. The Shining remains iconic for its cold, isolating horror and unforgettable imagery, even if it strays from King’s original vision. Doctor Sleep acts as both sequel and emotional reckoning, following an adult Danny Torrance as he confronts addiction, trauma, and the lingering cost of surviving the Overlook. Together, they feel complete.

4. 11.22.63 (2016) — Streaming on Hulu

This 8-episode adaptation trades pure horror for emotional weight, but it still feels deeply King. A time-travel mission to stop the assassination of JFK becomes a meditation on love, sacrifice, and the danger of trying to fix the past. The series builds its tension quietly, letting relationships and consequences do the heavy lifting.

5. Castle Rock (2018–2019) — Streaming on Hulu

Rather than adapting one book, Castle Rock pulls from all corners of King’s universe and creates something new. Familiar names, places, and ideas pop up in unexpected ways, rewarding longtime fans without locking out newcomers. Season two’s focus on Annie Wilkes is a standout, and the show’s eerie, slow-burn energy feels very much aligned with Welcome to Derry.

Whether you want slow-burn suspense, big scares, or emotional depth, these adaptations will keep you in Stephen King mode until Welcome to Derry crawls back onto your screen.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”