Stephen King’s New TV Series Earns Season 2 Despite Mixed Reviews

Stephen King’s latest TV adaptation, The Institute, is coming back for a second season on MGM+, even after a divisive debut. The show, a mix of sci-fi, horror, and supernatural elements, first premiered in July and is based on King’s 2019 novel of the same name.

The story follows a group of children with extraordinary abilities who are mysteriously abducted and forced into a secretive organization.

King shared the news of the season 2 renewal on X, reminding fans of the suspense and struggles faced by the teenagers in the series. As an executive producer on the show, he remains closely involved with the adaptation.

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 includes Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joe Freeman, who lead the story of a young teenager discovering the institute’s dark secrets and the other children trapped alongside them.

Critics’ opinions have been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 65% approval rating based on 23 reviews, noting that “A slick and schematic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Institute won’t keep everyone committed but still offers up enough intrigue to merit a tour.”

Metacritic gave the show a score of 51 out of 100 from 15 critics, indicating “mixed or average” reactions. While some praised the show’s suspense and character-driven moments, others criticized its pacing and predictable plot points.

Despite the mixed reception, MGM+ has confirmed that the story will continue, giving fans another chance to follow the children’s fight against the mysterious institute and the dark secrets it holds.

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