Review: IT (1990 Miniseries)
Original Release: 1990 · Format: Television Miniseries
The 1990 ABC miniseries of IT introduced a generation to Pennywise the Dancing Clown and to the town of Derry’s hidden horrors. Tim Curry delivers a performance for the ages, blending unsettling charm and outright menace in equal measure.
The adaptation captures the core of the novel’s dual timeline — showing the Losers’ Club as children and later as adults. The nostalgic 1950s-’80s setting (adjusted for TV) gives it a familiar cosy veneer, which makes the horror lurking underneath feel all the more jarring.
Production values are modest by today’s standards; some effects look dated, and moments meant to be nightmare-inducing now bring a charming retro feel. Additionally, the grand metaphysical climax of the novel is heavily simplified to fit TV runtime constraints.
But what it may lack in spectacle, it makes up for with mood and performance. Seeing the kids’ friendship, their fears, and later the return of the adults still hits emotionally. For many viewers, this version remains their first encounter with King’s story — and it still holds up as a meaningful piece of horror television.
Ultimately, if you’re curious about where the big-screen adaptations came from, this miniseries is a must-see. It may not replicate every nuance of the novel, but it honours the core: fear, friendship, and the passage of time.
Updated on: October 28, 2025
Related: IT Book Review | IT 2017 Movie Review | IT Chapter Two Review | Welcome to Derry Review
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