Netflix’s recent horror successes are casting a long shadow, with Mike Flanagan’s unique approach to adapting classic books drawing clear inspiration from the Stephen King‘s It adaptation. Flanagan’s latest work reflects the intense influence of King’s iconic story, as seen in The Midnight Club and its connections to It’s legacy in both structure and chills.
Mike Flanagan’s Track Record in Horror Adaptations
Mike Flanagan has secured his reputation as a leader in horror television through several Netflix originals. Previously, he developed The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, both loosely inspired by works from Shirley Jackson and Henry James. Beyond these adaptations, Flanagan expanded his horror portfolio with original ideas, such as Midnight Mass, and by tackling stories from revered authors including Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King himself. Most notably, he wrapped production on a series based on King’s Carrie, underlining his ongoing impact on the adaptation of major horror works for modern audiences.
The Story Behind The Midnight Club
The Midnight Club reimagines Christopher Pike’s novel and incorporates other elements from Pike’s short stories. Set in Brightcliffe, a residence for teenagers with terminal illnesses, the series introduces Ilonka, a promising student whose life is upended by a cancer diagnosis. She soon befriends seven other residents. Together, they form the Midnight Club, meeting secretly in the facility’s library after dark. Their rituals include sharing terrifying tales and making a pact to reach out to each other from the afterlife once death comes for them.
Beneath the nightly storytelling, Ilonka and the group uncover disturbing secrets within Brightcliffe’s history. They become enmeshed in rumors of a cult, strange supernatural ceremonies, and unsettling accounts of a past resident’s miraculous recovery, adding further dimension to the group’s shared journey through illness and fear.
Connections Between The Midnight Club and Stephen King’s It
While The Midnight Club and Stephen King’s It differ in many respects, they share several thematic and narrative parallels. Both series focus chiefly on young protagonists facing supernatural challenges that adults typically overlook or deny. This reliance on a teenage perspective infuses both works with a distinctive young adult sensibility, yet the shows do not shy from presenting disturbing, suspenseful moments that ground their stories in real horror.
A notable resemblance lies in their story structures. Both It and The Midnight Club spotlight characters isolated in segments mirroring personal fears or traumas, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality. In King’s novel, Pennywise singles out the members of the Losers’ Club, transforming their surroundings to exploit deeply personal fears before returning them to ordinary reality, leaving lasting terror in his wake.
Similarly, the stories recounted within The Midnight Club echo the lived experiences of its participants, leaving viewers questioning the boundary between story and reality. The teenagers’ journeys grow increasingly unsettling as their health deteriorates, paralleling the menacing escalation brought by Pennywise as the Losers approach their own confrontations with death.
Expansion and Enduring Legacy of It in Modern Media
Stephen King’s It has generated a robust franchise, inspiring a string of adaptations and further projects. The 2017 film adaptation, which starred Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise and featured a cast including Jaeden Martell and Finn Wolfhard, achieved enormous box office success and became the highest-grossing horror film in history. Its 2019 sequel, It Chapter 2, brought in talents like Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, and James McAvoy, solidifying the franchise’s cultural status.
This year, HBO Max debuted It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series featuring Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise. The show quickly became the third most-watched new release on the streaming platform, demonstrating the continuing appeal of King’s world and its characters.
Critical and audience reception to these adaptations has been overwhelmingly positive, with Stephen King himself expressing approval. Given such enthusiasm, continued expansion of the It universe appears likely, and the themes and narrative approach of the Stephen King’s It adaptation remain influential. With series like The Midnight Club channeling similar energy and storytelling innovation, King’s creation ensures its haunting presence lingers in horror media for new generations of fans.
Notable Cast Members in The Midnight Club
The Midnight Club features an ensemble cast that brings the group’s emotional struggle to life. Samantha Sloyan and Zach Gilford are among the standout performers, contributing to the series’ compelling mix of suspense and character-driven storytelling. Their portrayals have helped ground the series’ supernatural elements in relatable, heartfelt drama, enhancing both the appeal and impact of the show for audiences and critics alike.
