HBO's IT: Welcome to Derry has already made waves, becoming one of HBO Max's most-watched debuts. As a prequel to Andy Muschietti's 2017 film, the series digs into the origins of Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) and the cursed town of Derry, drawing from interludes in Stephen King's iconic novel. With two more seasons planned, fans are clearly hungry for more of King's twisted universe. But what about other small-screen adaptations of his work? King himself has been vocal about which ones he loves—and which ones missed the mark. Here are five shows to watch if you can't get enough of Welcome to Derry.
The Shining (1997)
Stanley Kubrick's film may be legendary, but King famously disliked it. So in 1997, he wrote his own three-part miniseries for ABC to bring his 1977 novel to the screen with more fidelity. The result is a slower, more psychological take on the Torrance family's descent into madness at the Overlook Hotel. Steven Weber plays Jack, a recovering alcoholic who takes a winter caretaker job with his wife Wendy (Rebecca De Mornay) and psychic son Danny. The miniseries explores the hotel's haunted history in greater depth, making it a must for lore enthusiasts. It's not the scariest King adaptation, but it's one of the most faithful.
Under the Dome (2013–2015)
King served as an executive producer and even wrote parts of this CBS series, though he admitted it diverged from his 2009 novel. The high-concept sci-fi/horror follows the residents of Chester's Mill after an impenetrable dome seals them off from the outside world. As the military and media try to break through, the townspeople grapple with paranoia, isolation, and their own dark secrets. Mike Vogel and Rachelle Lefevre lead the ensemble, with Season 1 earning the strongest reviews. It's a quintessential 2010s network drama with a King-sized premise.
The Institute (2025–Present)
Based on King's 2019 novel, this MGM+ series premiered in July 2025 to mixed but promising reviews. Critics have praised the performances—especially from the younger cast—and the eerie atmosphere. The story centers on teenager Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman), who wakes up in a facility holding children with telekinetic and telepathic abilities. As Luke uncovers the facility's sinister secrets, he's joined by familiar faces like Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker. With a second season already ordered, The Institute season 2 promises to expand this psychic corner of King's universe.
Haven (2010–2015)
Loosely inspired by King's novella The Colorado Kid, Syfy's Haven is more supernatural crime procedural than straight horror. But it's packed with Easter eggs for King fans, including references to Derry, IT lore, and Shawshank Prison. The series follows FBI Agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) as she arrives in the Maine town of Haven, where residents suffer from recurring supernatural afflictions known as "The Troubles." Over five seasons, the show builds a rich mythology and slow-burn conspiracies. If you don't mind loose adaptations, it's a fun detour.
The Outsider (2020)
This HBO miniseries, based on King's 2018 novel, is a chilling blend of crime procedural and supernatural horror. When a young boy is found murdered, detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) arrests a popular teacher (Jason Bateman) whose alibi is ironclad. As the investigation unfolds, a shape-shifting entity comes to light. The show's grim tone and stellar cast—including Cynthia Erivo as a private investigator—make it one of the most acclaimed King adaptations in recent years. It's a perfect follow-up for those who appreciate Welcome to Derry's mix of small-town dread and otherworldly terror.
Whether you're into slow-burn psychological horror or high-concept sci-fi, these five shows prove that King's imagination translates powerfully to the small screen. And with more adaptations on the horizon, the master of horror's TV legacy is only growing. For more King-related viewing, check out our ranking of his best 21st-century books or dive into bingeable thriller series under 40 episodes.
