The 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s novel IT is often overlooked when discussing beloved horror classics, but it has since garnered a cult following and has even been praised by many as one of the best small-screen adaptations of a King work. With Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise, the miniseries has become an unforgettable experience for many viewers.
Before filming began, the production team faced significant challenges in bringing the epic novel to life. With the miniseries clocking in at 1,138 pages, ABC took a risk on Larry Cohen, who was tasked with adapting the novel for the small screen. Cohen’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, but the network’s Vice-President in charge of the miniseries was more concerned with the question “What is IT?” Cohen recounts his attempts to answer the question, trying various explanations but ultimately being met with another repeated inquiry.
Cohen and director George A. Romero worked on the project for nearly a year, eventually deciding on a 10-hour blueprint for the series. However, ABC started to worry about the commitment of time and risk involved, trimming the project down to six hours. Furthermore, concerns about depicting children in serious trouble led to further cuts. Despite these challenges, the production team was able to cast notable stars such as John Ritter, Harry Anderson, and Tim Reid, adding a touch of comedic flair to the dramatic series.
Stephen King’s IT 2017. (Via IMDB)
As a product of primetime network television, IT had to contend with stricter standards and practices. ABC insisted that the series couldn’t be too gory, with special effects makeup supervisor Bart Mixon recalling an instance where the network wouldn’t allow a wet skeleton to appear on screen. Another significant constraint was the rule that warned against showing children in jeopardy, which was particularly problematic given the theme of children being pursued by a homicidal clown.
Despite these challenges, the miniseries managed to deliver terror effectively without relying on gratuitous violence. The team relied on suggestions and atmosphere to create a sense of unease, which worked in the show’s favor. Initially expected to air in May, IT was pushed to November for “sweeps week,” where it faced stiff competition from other networks’ best offerings. Despite average reviews and interruptions during airing, including coverage of President George H. W. Bush’s European trip, 30 million viewers tuned in to watch Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise.
