First Reactions to Mike Flanagan's CARRIE Say It's a Powerful Stephen King Adaptation That Defies Expectations
If you've been wondering whether Mike Flanagan could really turn Carrie into an eight-episode series without stretching Stephen King's classic novel too thin, the first reactions are here, and they should make horror fans very happy.
A small group of critics had the chance to watch the first two episodes more than two months ahead of the show's debut, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. From praise for the updated approach to the emotional weight of the story, it sounds like Flanagan may have another impressive King adaptation on his hands.
One of the first critics to share their thoughts was /Film's Bill Bria, who admitted any concerns disappeared almost immediately.
"I saw the first two episodes of Carrie today, and any doubts I might’ve had vanished just a few minutes in. 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!"
One of the biggest questions surrounding the series has been whether King's relatively short 1974 novel could support an eight-episode season. That concern seems to have been answered, at least based on these early impressions.
Mama's Geeky critic Tessa Smith was especially enthusiastic about what Flanagan has put together, writing:
"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."
When the first trailer debuted during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, the show's modern-day setting sparked plenty of debate among fans.
Updating Carrie for today's world was always going to be a risky move, but according to Discussing Film's Tyler Taing, the change pays off in a meaningful way.
"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."
Taing also believes Flanagan understands exactly how much this story means to longtime fans while still finding something new to say with it.
"Flanagan is aware many people hold this story near and dear to their hearts. 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!"
This marks the fourth live-action adaptation of Carrie, following the iconic 1976 film and the remakes released in 2002 and 2013. Flanagan serves as creator, writer, and showrunner for the series, while King joins the project as an executive producer, giving the adaptation another connection to the original source material.
The series stars Summer H. Howell as Carrie White alongside Samantha Sloyan, Siena Agudong, Alison Thornton, Joel Oulette, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard.
I've enjoyed just about every Stephen King adaptation Flanagan has tackled over the years, along with all of the other projects he’s developed, so these reactions only make me more excited to see what he's done with Carrie.
Updating a story this iconic is always going to divide fans, but it sounds like he found a way to make it feel timely while staying true to the heart of King's novel.
We'll find out for ourselves when Carrie premieres on Prime Video on October 7.