3 Horror TV Shows to Watch After IT: Welcome to Derry (Including a Stephen King Series That Just Hit Netflix)

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Tonight’s episode wraps up the first season of IT: Welcome to Derry, the TV series based on Stephen King’s popular story. The show has taken the horror franchise in some interesting new directions. While more seasons are planned, and we even know the storylines, it will likely be a while before fans can return to the scary town in Maine and see Pennywise again, given current TV production schedules. Fortunately, there are ways to help pass the time until then.

While you can only find Pennywise the dancing clown in one TV show, there are still many other horror series that offer a similar experience to IT: Welcome to Derry. The biggest drawback is that most of these shows don’t have many episodes, with the longest running for only 24. However, between watching these series, revisiting the Andy Muschietti films, and even checking out the original Tim Curry mini-series, fans of IT have plenty to enjoy while they wait for the next installment.

3) Midnight Mass

Mike Flanagan is known as one of the best directors to adapt the work of Stephen King, with successful films like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck under his belt. While he’s created several popular horror series for Netflix, his 2021 series is particularly reminiscent of King’s style, even though the author wasn’t directly involved in its creation.

If you enjoy the stories of Stephen King, you’ll likely be captivated by Midnight Mass. This series unfolds in a small town haunted by a long history of secrets, and a mysterious newcomer begins to prey on its residents. Creator Mike Flanagan brings together familiar actors like Kate Siegel, Samantha Sloyan, and Alex Essoe, delivering a story that is both deeply emotional and genuinely frightening. Like King’s work, Midnight Mass features rich, layered lore, stemming from the town’s past and the people who live there, as well as the unsettling creature at the heart of the narrative.

You can stream Midnight Mass on Netflix.

2) Castle Rock

The Hulu series Castle Rock is a remarkably creative take on Stephen King’s universe. Unlike most adaptations, it doesn’t focus on a single book or story. Instead, it blends characters, settings, and plot elements from many of King’s works to create a completely original story that will even surprise longtime fans.

The series Castle Rock has two seasons, each exploring a different type of horror. It weaves together characters like Sheriff Alan Pangborn, iconic locations such as Shawshank Prison, and numerous references to other Stephen King stories, including The Shining, Cujo, The Dark Half, Misery, The Body, and ‘Salem’s Lot. If you enjoyed the Stephen King connections in IT: Welcome to Derry, Castle Rock takes it to a whole new level.

As a huge fan of both IT and Stephen King, I was thrilled to see the worlds of Derry and Castle Rock connect! But honestly, the biggest treat for me was getting to see Bill Skarsgard again. There was so much buzz about whether his role would somehow tie back to Pennywise, especially with the show falling between the IT movies. But it turned out to be a completely new and unexpected character, and it’s amazing to see him stretch his acting abilities in a totally different direction. It really showcases how talented he is beyond just his incredible performance as Pennywise!

Castle Rock just started streaming on Netflix and can still be found on Hulu, too.

1) Channel Zero

Inspired by scary internet stories called “Creepypasta,” the anthology series Channel Zero tackles unsettling tales that most TV shows wouldn’t dare to touch. It also explores why these stories become so popular online. In fact, some viewers find its central mysteries and storylines even more compelling than the first season of HBO’s Welcome to Derry. With four seasons available, there’s a lot for fans of IT: Welcome to Derry to enjoy, and Seasons 2 and 3 have earned perfect ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. The other seasons also received high praise, with Season 1 at 86% and Season 4 at 88% approval ratings.

What makes Channel Zero unique is the creative team behind it. While Nick Antosca created and executive produced the series, each season has a single director overseeing every episode. This gives each season a distinct visual style – seasons three and four were directed by Arkasha Stevenson (known for The First Omen) and E.L. Katz (Cheap Thrills), respectively, offering a real treat for horror fans. If you enjoyed the unsettling monsters and complex stories of IT: Welcome to Derry, Channel Zero delivers similar thrills, with its own memorable and terrifying creations like the Demon Baby and Pickle Dad.

Channel Zero can be streamed on AMC+ and Shudder.

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2025-12-14 19:42