Stephen King, known for his passionate and sometimes surprising recommendations, has sparked debate with his latest endorsement of a horror series that critics largely dismissed. His recent spotlight on the Apple TV+ miniseries Before has reignited conversations about what makes a show resonate—even when it fails to win over mainstream reviewers—with King’s horror series recommendation piquing fans’ curiosity.
Stephen King Champions Unlikely Horror Series
Throughout his career, Stephen King has expanded his influence beyond publishing, often offering his perspective on underappreciated thrillers and mysteries. In 2019, he praised M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological horror series Servant, sharing that it was “extremely creepy and totally involving.” King’s recommendations frequently draw attention to projects that might otherwise remain under the radar, as was the case with NBC/Netflix’s Manifest, which he described as feeling like
“reuniting with old friends you thought were gone forever,”
Stephen King, Author.
King’s latest endorsement arrived via Instagram Threads, where he addressed Before, a horror series starring comedy legend Billy Crystal. He commented that the show
“has a creepy EXORCIST vibe, and Billy Crystal is very good. Short and scary episodes,”
Stephen King, Author. Considering King’s fascination with psychological and atmospheric suspense, fans may find his interest in the series a natural extension of his tastes. Before, which premiered on Apple TV+ on October 25, 2024, centers on Crystal’s character, Dr. Eli Adler, a psychiatrist whose encounter with his final patient, a disturbed boy named Noah (played by Jacobi Jupe), drags him into a haunting ordeal that blurs the line between reality and delusion. Sarah Thorp created and served as showrunner and executive producer on the series.
Atmosphere Versus Repetition in ‘Before’
Launching with a dense and unsettling tone, Before wastes no time immersing viewers into a world of growing unease. Eli, preparing for retirement and mourning his wife’s death, is battered by visions that disrupt his grasp on reality. When Noah arrives—a previously mute child now capable of speaking in tongues and exhibiting alarming violence—Eli’s instincts war between concern for his patient and suspicions about their mysterious connection. One notable event is a violent episode at school, signaling the disturbed state Noah inhabits.
For many viewers, the miniseries’ first episodes captivate, setting a gloomy detective-like atmosphere. However, as the story unfolds, anticipation can give way to frustration. Before begins to lean heavily on repetitive narrative devices, looping through similar patterns and delaying its revelations. While the half-hour episodes evoke a taut mood at first, as the series progresses, the pace slows and the repetition tests viewers’ engagement. Confusion replaces suspense; audiences may feel the story is treading water, hinting at a twist that struggles to deliver on its promise.
Critical Backlash and King’s Perspective
Critical response to Before was overwhelmingly negative following its release, with the show earning a lowly 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus noted the series
“initially intrigues but doesn’t bring enough ideas or variety to sustain what comes after,”
Rotten Tomatoes Reviewer. Reviewers argued that Before failed to maintain interest, labeling it predictable, unnecessarily drawn-out, and tonally inconsistent.
Despite this reception, King appears unconvinced by the critics’ verdict. His own body of work often explores how trauma rarely moves in a straight, logical path, seeing instead endless obsession and internal loops as a sign of deep psychological struggle. This insight suggests that King interprets the show’s repetitive cycles—while off-putting to some reviewers—as a meaningful depiction of a fraying mind. Rather than dismiss the series for its structural choices, King seems to appreciate how Before leans into a specific type of horror, one that may feel more authentic to those intimately familiar with the genre.
Assessing ‘Before’ in the Streaming Era
For audiences looking for universally praised horror content, Before’s critical reputation might serve as a warning. Yet as streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix help surface unconventional or niche series to wider audiences, the possibility of finding value in divisive works grows. In this context, King’s endorsement carries weight—he invites viewers to look beyond conventional criticism, urging them to sit with discomfort and ambiguity often dismissed by surface-level evaluations.
Whether or not Before earns a spot among horror’s misunderstood masterpieces or remains simply a misfire will ultimately depend on each viewer’s willingness to engage with its slow-building dread and narrative loops. For some, the show’s willingness to embrace weirdness and unrelenting pacing will be off-putting; for others, these very qualities might mark it as a diamond in the rough. Either way, a Stephen King horror series recommendation ensures Before remains in conversation for those willing to risk the dark descent.
Main Cast of ‘Before’
Billy Crystal leads as Dr. Eli Adler, anchoring the series with a performance noted by King himself for its effectiveness. Judith Light appears as Lynn, contributing further depth to the show’s somber and evocative atmosphere. The supporting cast includes Jacobi Jupe as Noah, whose portrayal of the troubled child is central to the psychological tension that drives the narrative.
Before is now available to stream on Apple TV+. For horror enthusiasts and King’s fans alike, the show stands as a divisive but intriguing addition to the ever-expanding landscape of genre television.
