Stephen King's Comments Comparing Stranger Things And IT

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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King's Praise for Stranger Things' Homages to IT

Stephen King has been publicly complimentary toward Stranger Things, acknowledging its indebtedness to his own work. He's recognized specific elements within the show that echo themes and stylistic choices present in IT. The series shares several key aspects with King's novel:

• A child-centric narrative: Both IT and Stranger Things center on a group of children facing a terrifying threat, relying on their bonds of friendship and courage to survive. The Loser's Club in IT finds a parallel in the group of friends navigating the mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana.

• Small-town setting: The claustrophobic atmosphere of Derry, Maine, in IT is mirrored by the seemingly idyllic yet unsettling small town of Hawkins. This setting amplifies the sense of isolation and vulnerability faced by the characters.

• Childhood trauma as a central theme: Both narratives explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, using the supernatural threat as a metaphor for the darker aspects of growing up and confronting one's fears.

• Supernatural horror: While the specific monsters differ, both IT and Stranger Things utilize elements of supernatural horror to create suspense and terror, blending the fantastical with the very real anxieties of adolescence.

While specific direct quotes from King praising these aspects are harder to pinpoint, his overall positive reception of the show strongly implies an acknowledgement of these thematic and stylistic similarities. The shared atmosphere of dread and suspense, meticulously crafted in both works, further strengthens this connection.

Key Differences Highlighted by King (or implied): IT vs. Stranger Things

Despite the undeniable similarities, King's implied commentary also highlights crucial differences between IT and Stranger Things. These distinctions reveal contrasting approaches to storytelling and tone.

• Scale and nature of the threat: Pennywise, the terrifying entity in IT, is a force of pure, primal evil, embodying childhood fears in their most visceral forms. The threats in Stranger Things, while undeniably terrifying, are often more grounded in science fiction and government conspiracies, lacking the explicitly cosmic horror of IT.

• Tone and atmosphere: Stranger Things, with its 80s nostalgia and blend of horror and adventure, has a lighter tone compared to the relentlessly grim and gruesome depiction of evil in IT. King's masterpiece often pushes the boundaries of graphic horror, a stark contrast to the more family-friendly (albeit still scary) approach of Stranger Things.

• Character development: While both series feature strong child characters, IT delves deeper into the psychological complexities and lasting trauma experienced by its protagonists, resulting in richer, more nuanced character arcs than seen in Stranger Things.

These differences highlight the unique strengths of each work, showing how both can thrive within the horror genre without being direct imitations of one another.

The Impact of King's Comments on the Perception of Both Works

Stephen King's positive (albeit implied) acknowledgment of Stranger Things has undeniably contributed to the show's immense popularity. His reputation as a master of horror lends significant weight to his implicit comparisons, influencing the public's reception and furthering the discourse surrounding both IT and Stranger Things.

• Online discourse: The comparison sparked numerous online discussions analyzing the similarities and differences, further elevating the popularity and visibility of both works.

• Fan opinions: King's implied approval has swayed some fans to view Stranger Things more favorably, considering it a worthy successor or a homage to his iconic novel.

• Source material vs. adaptation: The comparison spurred renewed conversations about the merits and challenges of adapting King's works, particularly regarding the balance between staying true to the source material and creating a distinct viewing experience.

Stephen King's IT and Stranger Things: A Lasting Legacy

Stephen King's perspective on the relationship between IT and Stranger Things illuminates both the striking similarities and key distinctions between these influential works. The shared themes of childhood trauma, small-town settings, and supernatural horror create a common thread, while differing approaches to tone, scale of threat, and character development highlight their individual strengths. King's implied endorsement significantly influenced the public's reception, sparking further discussions on the legacy of both the novel IT and the series Stranger Things.

We encourage you to explore both IT (and its adaptation) and Stranger Things, engaging in further discussion on this fascinating comparison and Stephen King's unique perspective on the genre. What are your thoughts on Stephen King's comparison of IT and Stranger Things? Do you agree with his implied assessment? Share your thoughts and continue the conversation around these incredible works of horror novels and horror series.