Stephen King's first published novel, Carrie, has terrified audiences for over five decades, and now it's scaring up a whole new generation of fans. Mike Flanagan's eight-episode adaptation premiered on Prime Video on October 7, and it's already the streaming service's number one series. With an 85% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83% audience score, it's clear that this modern retelling has struck a chord.
The series follows Carrie White (Summer H. Howell) as she enters public high school after the sudden death of her father, leaving behind the oppressive religious homeschooling imposed by her fanatical mother, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan). But high school brings its own horrors: a viral bullying scandal, relentless peer pressure, and the casual cruelty of her classmates. As Carrie navigates this minefield, she begins to uncover her own telekinetic abilities—powers she never knew she had.
Flanagan, known for his deeply emotional horror projects like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House, brings a compassionate lens to the familiar story. Critics have praised his ability to explore Carrie's relationships with both her classmates and her mother in new, nuanced ways. The cast includes Siena Agudong as Sue Snell, Alison Thornton as Chris Hargensen, Joel Oulette as Tommy Ross, Josie Totah as Tina Blake, and Matthew Lillard as Principal Grayle.
Collider's Nate Richard called the series "a new take on Carrie White that, while imperfect, is highly addictive," singling out Howell for delivering a fresh interpretation rather than mimicking Sissy Spacek's iconic 1976 performance. Sloyan's portrayal of Margaret White has been described as the show's standout, bringing a terrifying depth to the religious zealot. The adaptation also modernizes the story by incorporating social media, showing how bullying has evolved since King's novel was published in 1974.
This isn't the first time Carrie has been adapted—Brian De Palma's 1976 film and the 2013 remake both left their mark—but Flanagan's version proves there's still plenty of life in the story. It joins a growing list of King adaptations finding new audiences on streaming, including The Green Mile on Tubi and the upcoming It: Welcome to Derry season 2. For those looking to binge more horror, check out our list of horror video games that redefined fear.
All eight episodes of Carrie are now streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Whether you're a longtime King fan or new to the story, this adaptation offers a compelling, modern take on a classic tale of teen angst and supernatural revenge.
