The Horror Deepens on Neibolt Street
HBO’s
It: Welcome to Derry has officially crossed the halfway mark, and episode 5—titled
"Neibolt Street"—is already being hailed as the most terrifying installment yet. Released on November 23, the episode dives headfirst into the haunted heart of Derry, Maine, and finally delivers the Pennywise-centric horror fans have been craving.
A Return to the Sewers—and to Pure Terror
Episode 5 wastes no time plunging viewers back into the infamous sewers beneath Derry. The new Losers Club—Teddy, Phil, Lilly, and Ronnie—continue their desperate investigation into the town’s missing children, but this time, the stakes are higher and the scares more relentless. The group’s journey leads them to the decrepit Neibolt Street house, a location that
Stephen King fans will instantly recognize as a nexus of evil.
Inside, the kids confront not only their deepest fears but also the full, horrifying presence of Pennywise. According to early recaps, the episode is packed with chilling set pieces, including a sequence where the dead rise and chase the children through the darkness—a direct nod to the original
It mythos.
Pennywise’s Origins Exposed
Perhaps the biggest shocker of the episode is the
revelation of Pennywise’s origins. HBO’s midseason trailer teased Bill Skarsgård’s return as the iconic clown, and episode 5 delivers on that promise with a series of flashbacks and cryptic visions that peel back the layers of Derry’s supernatural curse. Fans and critics alike are buzzing about the way the show intertwines new lore with classic King elements, making the horror feel both fresh and deeply unsettling.
Cast and Performances: A Standout Ensemble
The ensemble cast continues to impress, with standout performances from the young leads as well as the adult characters navigating the town’s growing hysteria. Critics note that while the episode leans heavily into supernatural spectacle, it doesn’t lose sight of the emotional stakes, especially as the group’s bonds are tested by trauma and betrayal.
Easter Eggs and Franchise Connections
Die-hard Stephen King fans will find plenty to dissect in this episode. From subtle nods to the original
It miniseries to clever references to the wider King universe, "Neibolt Street" is packed with Easter eggs that reward attentive viewers. The showrunners clearly understand the source material, weaving in franchise lore without alienating newcomers.
What’s Next for Derry?
With three episodes left in the season, the tension in Derry is at a breaking point. The events of episode 5 set the stage for an explosive final act, as the Losers Club faces the full wrath of Pennywise and the town’s dark history threatens to consume them all. If the show’s current trajectory is any indication, fans should brace themselves for even more shocking twists and nightmarish visuals in the weeks ahead.
Takeaways
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Episode 5, "Neibolt Street," is now streaming on HBO Max and is being praised for its intense horror and major plot revelations.
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Pennywise’s backstory is explored in depth, with Bill Skarsgård making a chilling return.
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The series continues to blend new material with classic Stephen King lore, keeping both longtime fans and newcomers on edge.
Stay tuned—Derry’s secrets are only getting darker.
Sources
1. IT: Welcome to Derry (TV Series 2025– ) - Episode list - IMDb
2. IT: Welcome to Derry (TV Series 2025– ) - News - IMDb
3. It: Welcome to Derry Brings 8 Episodes of Stephen King Horror to HBO
4. IT (TV Mini Series 1990) - News - IMDb
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