How HBO’s 9-Episode Series Delivers a Masterclass in Mixing Genres

Beyond King’s Horror Reputation

Stephen King is widely associated with horror, but his writing also spans fantasy, science fiction and thrillers. In an anecdote he often tells, a reader asked him to write something uplifting, then rejected The Shawshank Redemption as his work after King pointed out that he wrote it.

That narrow reputation can shape how audiences approach adaptations, including the upcoming Dark Tower series. It: Welcome to Derry offers a reminder of King’s broader range through its mix of genres.

A Town’s Troubled Past

Set in Pennywise’s hometown, Welcome to Derry goes back almost three decades before 2017’s It. Its first season follows another group of suburban children as they face local struggles before encountering the evil entity.

The series combines a coming-of-age drama with horror, while also developing a science-fiction thread. Air Force Major Leroy Hanlan arrives in Derry and learns about the town’s hidden history, including the military’s efforts to understand Pennywise and find a way to weaponize its ancient evil.

A Special Widens The Story

The October 2026 Halloween special, “A Story of Derry,” gives the monster a more scientific context without reducing its threat. Pennywise, known at that time as Tha Galloo, attacks a group of Native American people who try to defend themselves.

A survivor uses astral projection to reach Maturin, the cosmic turtle from the Dark Tower lore. Maturin explains how the entity can be contained, and the tribe remains relatively safe until white invaders destroy the cage built for Pennywise.

Cosmic Stakes, Horror Core

The special brings the show’s science-fiction influences and cosmic scale into clearer view. Its connection to King’s wider universe makes the story feel more expansive and ambitious. Even with these additional layers, It: Welcome to Derry remains primarily a horror series. The mix of genres highlights how the show can broaden its world while preserving the fear at its center.