Carrie First Reviews: A Fresh, Modern Take with Powerful Performances and Thoughtful Themes
Yet another adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie is arriving this month, and the first reviews of the full series mostly say the idea was worth repeating. Mike Flanagan returns with his fourth King adaptation - an 8-episode reimagining starring Summer H. Howell.
Mike Flanagan's Carrie (2026) is the first time King's 1974 novel has been adapted as a full television series rather than a film. Premiering October 7 on Prime Video, all 8 episodes arrive at once. As of writing, it holds an 85% Tomatometer from 74 early reviews, making it the second-best reviewed Carrie adaptation after De Palma's 1976 classic at 94%.
Is it a worthy adaptation?
Critics agree Flanagan isn't remaking the classic shot-for-shot. "Flanagan has created a new take on Carrie White that, while imperfect, is highly addictive" - Collider. "Carrie succeeds in almost every way" - Nerdist. Others note the stretch: "Carrie is one of King's shortest novels, which means any TV series is going to have to stretch the narrative out considerably" - Slashfilm.
A modern, digital-age makeover
Flanagan moves the story into 2025-26 to show how phones and apps amplify cruelty. The infamous first-period scene is now filmed by classmates on cell phones and closes the pilot. Critics call it "as much an exploration of what it means to be an outcast in the modern-day world of Instagram as it is about a telekinetic girl who goes on a rampage at prom" - Nerdist. AV Club adds: "Flanagan isn't remaking a classic, but rather giving Carrie a modern makeover befitting our digital age."
Powerful performances
Summer H. Howell as Carrie is described as a revelation. "Her performance so believable and total that she manages to make the character entirely her own" - Slashfilm. "Howell is a revelation, slowly turning from sheltered good girl into something more rounded" - Comic Book Club. Samantha Sloyan as Margaret White is the other standout: "Carrie's biggest standout is Samantha Sloyan... carves out a sliver of sympathy for Margaret that has never existed" - Collider and The Playlist.
Connections to King's wider universe
Critics note expanded lore with shadings that resemble Firestarter, Needful Things, and The Institute. Flanagan hints at other women through history with similar powers - an idea some call underdeveloped, others call "responsible for some of the most twisted, terrifying moments." Think Gossip Girl meets X-Men and 13 Reasons Why (season 1) according to reviews.
Verdict
Most critics say it justifies its existence. "Mike Flanagan's eight-episode TV series is bloody terrific, expertly directed and acted, and completely justifies its existence by recontextualizing the classic tale in a modern context" - Comic Book Club. The prom-night finale is said to be completely different from the novel, using audience knowledge of the original to build tension. While some feel the connected-universe setup undermines the ending, the series is praised as a timely, tragic take on viral bullying, maternal love and trauma.
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