Stephen King's Carrie has haunted readers for over five decades, and every adaptation has struggled to step out of the shadow of Brian De Palma's 1976 classic. Sissy Spacek's iconic performance and that unforgettable prom night sequence set a high bar, leaving each new version with a tough act to follow. Now, Mike Flanagan is taking on the challenge with a Prime Video series that stretches Carrie White's story across eight episodes.
Flanagan has built a reputation as one of the most trusted adapters of King's work, with films like Gerald's Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck under his belt. His television credits are equally impressive, including The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher. With Carrie, he's blending his big-screen and small-screen talents, but the early critical response is a bit different from his previous shows.
As of now, Carrie holds an 83% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 46 reviews. That's the lowest score among Flanagan's TV series, though it's still a positive reception overall. For a creator with such a celebrated run of horror television, this ranking might come as a surprise, but it doesn't diminish the show's merits.
What Critics Are Saying About 'Carrie'
Critics have been largely complimentary, praising Flanagan's ability to bring depth to Carrie's tragic story while maintaining the suspense and horror fans expect. Many note that the longer format allows for more character development, especially for Carrie and her mother, Margaret, played with chilling intensity. However, some reviewers feel the series doesn't quite reach the heights of Flanagan's earlier work, citing pacing issues or a lack of the same emotional punch.
Despite the slightly lower score, Carrie is still being hailed as a worthy addition to the King adaptation canon. Flanagan's signature style—slow-burn tension, rich character arcs, and a haunting atmosphere—is very much present. For those who've followed his career, this series is another fascinating chapter, even if it's not his most acclaimed.
If you're curious about how this stacks up against other King adaptations, you might want to check out why HBO's The Outsider remains a bold TV triumph. And for a look at the flip side, there's a list of the worst book-to-movie adaptations that might make you appreciate Flanagan's work even more.
Flanagan's next project, Oculus, is set to haunt Netflix in September 2026, so fans won't have to wait long for more of his horror vision. For now, Carrie is available to stream on Prime Video, and whether you're a longtime fan of the story or new to it, there's plenty to sink your teeth into.
