The great thing about shows releasing episodes weekly is the hype it builds. The downside is once you’re obsessed, you do nothing but think about that show for two months straight, with the hyperfixation feeling like Pennywise himself is juggling your thoughts. Yes, if you couldn’t tell already, I absolutely love “It: Welcome to Derry.”
Ever since the first episode dropped, I knew this show was my favorite of 2025, if not the best show in recent years. Saying that as a hardcore “Alien” fan who thought “Alien: Earth” would be my No. 1 is genuinely shocking, but “Welcome to Derry” exceeded my expectations in every way. Now that season 1 has ended and the finale is streaming on HBO Max, I’m even more impressed (and even more obsessed).
“It: Welcome to Derry” episode 8 is sure to shock and thrill viewers, and watching it only confirmed for me that this is my favorite show of the year. Andy Muschietti created something truly special with an incredible cast and Bill Skarsgård’s electrifying return as the dancing clown. Before I descend into a hyperfixated rant about why this show is perfect, here are the five best moments from the finale that sealed the deal.
1. The shock factor hasn’t worn off
Final warning: Major spoilers ahead!
After the shocking events of episode 7 (and literally every other episode), “It: Welcome to Derry” still managed to keep my jaw on the floor throughout the entire fun of episode 8.
After Pennywise is disturbed from his slumber (thanks to the military melting one of the shards keeping him contained in Derry), hell literally breaks loose. He seizes the opportunity to unleash the Deadlights on an entire school of children, making them float and taking them with him as he rides his circus wagon to the outer edges of the town. But not before using a dead teacher’s body as a puppet and…