Stephen King’s The Institute Surges On Streaming Ahead Of Season 2

Stephen King’s The Institute is surging on streaming on the way to returning for season 2. In the past week, there has been news that two different King adaptations are no longer moving forward. The Talisman, from the creators of Stranger Things, won’t be happening at Netflix. Matt and Ross Duffer acknowledged that the story was a difficult one to bring to the screen.

That news was followed by the confirmation that King’s The Revelations of ‘Becka Paulson was no longer happening at The CW due to the network’s change in ownership and shifting priorities. But despite these reports, other Stephen King shows are demonstrating no signs of slowing down.

The Institute has been climbing the Top 10 charts of MGM+ in the U.S. since January 1st. Though it started the year in the #8 spot, the sci-fi thriller has been steadily making its way back to the #1 spot it once held. As of this writing, on January 7th, The Institute is at #7.

Based on King’s 2019 novel of the same name, the thriller centers on teen genius Luke Ellis (played by Joe Freeman). He is kidnapped and then wakes up at the titular institute, a shadowy organization that holds a group of children against their will in an effort to exploit the childrens’ unique abilities. Ben Barnes, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Martin Roach, and Mary-Louise Parker also star in The Institute cast.

Ranking as the biggest premiere ever on MGM+, the series has already been renewed for a second season that will again consist of eight episodes. It’s brought to the screen by TV veterans. The adaptation is executive produced by Justified‘s Benjamin Cavell and Jack Bender, with Bender having previously directed LOST and From. They’ll both be back for The Institute season 2.

The show’s debut tracked Luke’s efforts to break free from his nightmarish situation and assist his new friends in doing the same. Although reviews from critics were mixed, with some noting that it hits on familiar King tropes too frequently, the MGM+ Original developed a solid following as it went along and cemented itself as one of the best dramas on MGM+.

With a renewal confirmed, the upcoming episodes could build on the early success that the adaptation has found. That’s especially true since The Institute makes changes that help to set itself up for a potential long run compared to the standout novel.