MGM+ has introduced a new Stephen King horror series following the cancellation of Chapelwaite, which starred Adrien Brody and ended in 2021. The series explored intense themes and received mixed critical reception, yet it built a dedicated audience on the platform, known previously as Epix. Now, with The Institute arriving on MGM+, viewers can anticipate a fresh and gripping adaptation drawn from another of King’s works.
MGM+ Revives Stephen King Adaptations with The Institute
After ending Chapelwaite in 2021, MGM+ returns to Stephen King’s universe with The Institute, marking its first King-based series since the previous show’s cancellation. Both series originate from King’s lesser-known stories, positioning MGM+ uniquely among horror content providers. Chapelwaite was adapted from King’s 1978 short story Jerusalem’s Lot, a precursor to the famed Salem’s Lot novel, which has inspired several screen versions, including HBO Max’s recent 2024 adaptation.
Conversely, The Institute largely stands apart from King’s broader mythology. Whereas the novel references the vanishing residents of Jerusalem’s Lot, the television series omits this connection, focusing instead on its distinct, chilling narrative. The story centers on a group of children and teenagers endowed with psychic talents, held captive in a secretive facility known as The Institute. Subjected to cruel experiments and harsh conditions, these young prisoners band together to resist and escape the organization.
The series shares a cast member in Julian Richings with Chapelwaite and carries forward themes common in King’s work, such as exploited psychic abilities seen in Firestarter, Doctor Sleep, and The Dark Tower. The Institute’s 72% critics’ score and 65% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes indicate a strong reception and suggest it may continue MGM+’s success with Stephen King horror adaptations.
The Reason Behind Chapelwaite’s Single-Season Run
Despite an initial renewal for a second season in 2022, Chapelwaite was ultimately canceled by MGM+, a decision that disappointed many fans. The show’s creator Jason Filardi confirmed the cancellation in November 2023 on the social media platform X, indicating that the story of Captain Boone would not continue. Filardi stated,
“I’m afraid Captain Boone’s story ends on that beach of weathered, Maine sand. There will be no season 2. Thank you to all the Chapelwaite fans!” —Jason Filardi, Creator
The exact reasons for this reversal remain unclear, with speculation ranging from viewership challenges during Epix’s transition into MGM+ to potential budget constraints following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. Although the show held promise and featured Adrien Brody in one of his notable horror roles alongside credits like Predators, The Village, and Splice, the series was unable to secure a future season. This decision stands in contrast to the renewed enthusiasm for other King adaptations, such as the recently praised Salem’s Lot remake.
The Institute Benefits from Stephen King’s Direct Involvement
The Institute appears poised to avoid the fate that ended Chapelwaite, partly due to the active participation of Stephen King as an executive producer. King’s involvement is relatively rare in recent adaptations, but his producer role on The Institute gives the series an authoritative connection to the author’s vision. King has held similar roles in shows like Lisey’s Story, Castle Rock, Mr. Mercedes, and 11.22.63, all of which received considerable attention and multiple seasons.
Directed by Jack Bender, who has a history of collaborating with King on Under the Dome and Mr. Mercedes, The Institute carries creative support with a track record of success. Both these previous series ran for three seasons, showing positive momentum for King-based projects involving Bender. The Institute’s first season contains eight episodes, and King’s producer role suggests that the story might be expanded beyond the original novel.
The narrative explores the lives of Luke, a kidnapped prodigy with psychic powers, and Tim Jamieson, a former cop seeking a fresh start. Their connected fates weave through the mysteries and horrors of The Institute itself. Featuring actors Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby and Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson, the series delves into themes of captivity, resilience, and the abuse of power, consistent with King’s signature style.
If The Institute succeeds in securing a second season, it could herald further Stephen King adaptations on MGM+, potentially transforming the platform into a central destination for King’s storytelling. King’s extensive body of work contains many untapped stories that remain ripe for adaptation, increasing the likelihood of new series emerging following The Institute’s performance.
Comparing Chapelwaite’s Legacy to The Institute’s Potential
Chapelwaite, set in the 1850s, follows Captain Charles Boone as he moves his family to his ancestral home in Preacher’s Corners, Maine. The show explored deep family secrets and the supernatural darkness tied to both the Boone lineage and the surrounding town. Though it lasted only ten episodes and gained moderate critical response with a 60% Rotten Tomatoes rating from critics and higher audience approval, its cancellation left a void for fans who appreciated its atmospheric and somber tone.
In contrast, The Institute presents a more contemporary setting involving psychological horror infused with science fiction elements. Its Rotten Tomatoes ratings—72% critics and 65% audience—reflect a positive reception that might inspire confidence in MGM+ to invest in further seasons. Both series feature actor Julian Richings, linking them through shared casting even as their stories differ markedly.
Adrien Brody’s role in Chapelwaite was an important foray into television horror for the actor, who has thus far not returned to the genre since. The hope remains that future Stephen King adaptations on MGM+ could provide him or other actors similar chances to engage deeply with the genre on a small-screen platform.
The Distinctive Appeal of The Institute’s Storyline and Cast
Centered around children and teens with supernatural abilities, The Institute’s plot highlights themes of exploitation and resistance. Unlike many Stephen King adaptations that connect directly to his larger literary universe, this series stands mostly on its own, offering suspense and mystery in a novel way. This fresh take on psychic phenomena and secretive institutions carries echoes of King’s previous works yet introduces new dynamics and characters to engage viewers.
The cast features Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby, a key figure within the storyline, and Ben Barnes portraying Tim Jamieson, whose personal journey intertwines with the children’s desperate fight for freedom. These characters bring emotional depth to the thriller, further elevating the show’s dramatic impact.
The Institute’s blend of horror, fantasy, and mystery genres reinforces MGM+’s growing reputation as a hub for Stephen King adaptations, particularly with King’s direct creative influence. This involvement signals a commitment to maintain fidelity to King’s style and narrative quality, potentially setting The Institute apart from other adaptations.
Looking Ahead: What The Institute’s Future Could Mean for MGM+
The debut of The Institute on July 13, 2025, opens new avenues for Stephen King adaptations on MGM+. With Jack Bender directing and King serving as executive producer, the show has a strong creative foundation likely to resonate with audiences craving dark, intense storytelling. If it performs well enough to warrant a second season, it may revive MGM+’s Stephen King offerings more robustly than before.
The series’ success might encourage the platform to explore additional King narratives never before adapted for television, ultimately positioning MGM+ as a premier destination for horror fans. The balance of critical approval and viewer interest will be a deciding factor in shaping the network’s future Stephen King projects and the potential return of stars like Adrien Brody to this genre.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Adrien Brody have PTSD?
A. In a recent conversation with New York Magazine, Adrian Brody shared that acting in Roman Polanski’s 2002 film “The Pianist” has given him PTSD. His performance in this biographical drama earned him an Oscar for best actor.
