The Stephen King streaming series Mr. Mercedes has found renewed life and popularity on Netflix, where it quickly climbed the platform’s worldwide viewership rankings following its debut this year. Premiering originally in 2017, the show centers on an emotionally troubled detective, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson, and its success now marks another high point for adaptations of Stephen King’s work.
Mr. Mercedes Finds a New Audience on Netflix
Mr. Mercedes, inspired by the trilogy of King novels—Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch—was developed by prolific creator David E. Kelley. The series initially ran for three seasons until 2019, neither ending with formal cancellation nor renewal, but instead landing in limbo. After streaming exclusively on Peacock for several years, its move to Netflix this year introduced the show to a broader, international crowd, propelling it into the streamer’s top ten globally watched shows earlier this week.
The show’s ability to resonate with viewers seems to have grown over time, as it now holds a certified fresh score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with its second season achieving a perfect 100%. Kelley, known for his success with shows like Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies, brought his experience to bear on Mr. Mercedes, which stars not only Brendan Gleeson but also Harry Treadaway, Justine Lupe, Jharrel Jerome, Holland Taylor, and Mary-Louise Parker.
Notable Performances and Critical Reception
When Mr. Mercedes first aired on the now-closed Audience Network, critical assessments praised the performances, particularly that of Gleeson in the leading role. However, some reviewers noted a potential pacing issue for audiences following the show’s original weekly release schedule, as reflected in one review stating,
“pacing likely won’t do the series any favors with the weekly crowd.”
Collider’s review offered this perspective while also highlighting the show’s emotional and psychological depth.
A Big Year for Stephen King Adaptations
Mr. Mercedes is not alone in capturing attention this year among Stephen King fans. The recent theatrical unveiling of Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, another highly anticipated adaptation, adds to a notable season filled with King-related projects. Movies such as The Monkey, The Life of Chuck, and The Long Walk have also made their debuts, while streaming viewers have been treated to series like The Institute and It: Welcome to Derry. The excitement will continue with the upcoming IMAX re-release of The Shining, reinforcing King’s enduring influence on both streaming and cinema.
Impact and What’s Next for the Series
The surge of interest in the Stephen King streaming series Mr. Mercedes demonstrates the ongoing hunger for King’s dark and captivating stories. Netflix’s powerful reach has allowed a new generation to engage with characters such as detective Bill Hodges and witness Brendan Gleeson’s acclaimed performance. With multiple King adaptations currently available and more projects on the horizon, the legacy of these gripping stories continues to grow in today’s entertainment landscape.
Mr. Mercedes can now be streamed on Netflix, giving fans and newcomers another compelling entry in the expanding universe of Stephen King adaptations.
