Photo by Micah Arroyo
The “Carrie” franchise has finally made its bloody return to television as an eight-episode series titled “Carrie” (2026) on Prime Video. The show marks the fifth major screen adaptation of Stephen King’s 1974 novel, with a brand-new twist and fresh ensemble cast. But can this new series live up to the acclaimed 1976 original film?
After a 13-year gap in film adaptations,”Carrie” (2026) officially premiered on October 7, 2026, on Prime Video–exactly two years after its initial announcement in October 2024. The show features main actresses Summer H. Howell as “Carrie White,” Alison Thornton as “Chris Hargensen,” and Siena Agudong as “Sue Snell.” Under Mike Flanagan’s direction, the series reimagines the tragic story of Carrie White, updating it for a modern setting and expanding the mythology. By introducing viral Instagram bullying campaigns, the series updates the world of Carrie for a present-day digital age, replacing the localized high school bullying of the 1976 film. Crucially, Flanagan insisted on King’s direct involvement, marking it the first time the author has ever taken production credit on a “Carrie” adaptation. Since its release, the show is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with an 85% critic score and a 7.9/10 Internet Movie Database (IMDb) rating.
Rather than trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice, the “Carrie” series does something unique to the horror genre. The adaptation distances itself so sharply from other adaptations of “Carrie” that it makes the viewer feel like they are watching something entirely new to television. One of the series’ biggest strengths is how Flanagan expands the characters from the original story. With more time to develop the cast, the show dives deeper into their backgrounds through flashbacks and additional storylines, giving viewers a clearer understanding of their motivations and thoughts. Another great addition to the series is the exploration of Carrie’s powers, something previous adaptations left unexplored. Flanagan introduces a deep mythological exploration behind her iconic telekinesis powers. The series’ one major flaw of the series, however, comes in the later episodes. As the story approaches its conclusion, particularly in episodes seven and eight, the pacing begins to feel rushed. In an attempt to tie together its many storylines, Flanagan introduces additional characters and concepts that create more questions than answers. A lot of these additions feel underdeveloped and confusing. While the series does a great job expanding the original story, it occasionally struggles to bring all of those additions together.
So, how does “Carrie” (2026) actually stack up against “Carrie” (1976)? At their core, the two versions approach the story from opposite directions. The 1976 film relies on a heavy sense of isolation, keeping the lens tightly focused on Carrie White. It rarely ventures into side stories unless they are necessary to move the plot forward. The new series flips this narrative entirely, trading that claustrophobic focus for world-building. Over eight episodes, characters are given plenty of time in the spotlight to show their point of view. The exploration of Carrie’s powers also marks another massive shift. While the original movie leaves her telekinesis powers unexplained, the series ties her abilities to a much bigger picture, linking her powers to a broader theme of female rage. In the end, the new series may not match the tight tension of the original film, but it does deliver a modern reimagining of a beloved story that horror fans shouldn’t miss. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
About the Author
