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Stephen King’s work has returned to television with The Institute, a dark mix of science fiction and horror built around a group of children who possess unusual abilities. They are taken from their homes under strange circumstances and held by a secretive organization that subjects them to experiments. Based on King’s 2019 novel, the series premiered in July on MGM+.
King himself confirmed through a post on X that the series would continue with season two. Acting as executive producer, he spoke in a way that reflected the show’s central struggle, the teenagers pushing back against the organization experimenting on them. His announcement arrived only a few days before the season one finale scheduled for August 24, 2025.
Sometimes you win just by showing them you’re still willing to fight. #TheInstitute will return for Season 2 on @MGMplus pic.twitter.com/WU5JsXzSVf
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 22, 2025
The cast features Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Martin Roach, and Mary-Louise Parker. Jason Diaz, Jordan Alexander, and Jane Luk appear in recurring roles. The show has not received a unanimous reception, but despite the divided reviews, it has gathered a steady group of viewers who have stuck with it.
Happy Birthday to Dennison’s hero 🥳 Don’t miss out Ben Barnes’ performance as Tim Jamieson in #TheInstitute, now streaming on #MGMplus pic.twitter.com/IPE0yspH8H
— MGM+ (@mgmplus) August 20, 2025
The story largely revolves around Luke Ellis, played by Freeman. Luke is a brilliant teenager who suddenly wakes up in a place designed to look like his own room, though he quickly realizes it is not. He discovers he has been taken by a sinister organization intent on using his gifts.
The first season sticks close to King’s novel while making some adjustments, portraying Luke’s struggle to break free and protect his friends from the same fate. The show’s slow and deliberate pacing has split the viewers. Some felt it leaned too heavily on familiar Stephen King themes, while others praised the atmosphere and character work.
With renewal confirmed, the finale is expected to leave the story on a cliffhanger, setting up the conflicts to come. For fans, knowing that more episodes are on the way makes the wait ahead far easier.
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