Good news Stephen King fans, it looks like we can put doubts over horror master Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie adaptation firmly to bed, as the show has earned extremely positive reviews from a select number of critics who were able to see the series premiere over two months early.
"I saw the first two episodes of Carrie today, and any doubts I might’ve had vanished just a few minutes in," said Slash Film's Bill Bria. "Mike Flanagan is working his adaptation magic once again. Summer H. Howell is heartbreakingly great as Carrie. Relevant, reverent, & surprising. Can’t wait for the rest!,"
Due to King's 1974 novel being on the shorter side, fans were concerned there wasn't enough material to stretch over eight episodes. However, it sounds as though Flanagan has it gold again. Mama's Geeky critic Tessa Smith added, "All I can say is WOW! This is not at all what you are expecting. It is absolutely incredible, and I am dying for the rest of the episodes. Summer H. Howell is phenomenal. Such a relevant exploration of this story."
Then, when the trailer arrived at SDCC 2026, many viewers didn't know what to make if the modern setting. But, Discussing Film's Tyler Taing stated that the modernization of the story works in its favour. "It’s a big departure for both the source material and Flanagan’s reputation as the keymaster of King’s stories. It’s a true modernization focusing on teenage anxieties and the cycle of violence in our digital age."
"Flanagan is aware many people hold this story near and dear to their hearts," added Taing. "But I find his motivation to peer at today’s issues through the lens of these characters really compelling even if these choices might be controversial. I’m definitely seated for the rest!"
The upcoming series is the fourth Carrie adaptation, following the original 1976 movie, and the 2002 and 2013 movies. The show is created, written, and showrun by Flanagan, with King himself on board as executive producer.
Alongside Summer Howell as Carrie, the show also stars Samantha Sloyan, Siena Agudong, Alison Thornton, Joel Oulette, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard.
Carrie hits Prime Video on October 7. For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Stephen King movies and shows for everything else that's on the way.
