After a chilling first season, MGM+ has made a decision about their Stephen King series The Institute. The streamer just announced that they’ve renewed the series based on King’s 2019 novel of the same name for a second season, which will consist of eight episodes.
“‘The Institute’ has thrilled audiences with its distinctive storytelling and exceptional performances that expertly bring the singular voice of Stephen King to the screen,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+ in a statement. “We’re so happy to be able to continue and expand this chilling journey and dive even deeper into the secrets of ‘The Institute’ in season two.”
The series, starring Martin Freeman’s son Joe Freeman alongside Ben Barnes, is directed by Jack Bender from scripts by Benjamin Cavell, based on King’s novel. The series also stars Mary-Louise Parker, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Hannah Galway, and Martin Roach, and is produced by King, Bender, and Cavell, as well as Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, and Ed Redlich. The show’s synopsis is as follows:
The Institute follows the story of teen genius Luke Ellis (Freeman), who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson (Barnes) has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.
“We’ve been so gratified by the response to our first season, which is a testament to the dedication of our fantastic cast and crew,” said Bender and Cavell. “We’re thrilled that Michael Wright and everyone at MGM have enabled us to continue Stephen’s powerful and timely story. From this project’s inception, we’ve felt there would be much more story to tell as our brilliant characters continue to navigate their way through the dangers of the world they’re facing.”
The series is the latest in a long line of King adaptations to hit screens this year, a list which also includes HBO Max’s upcoming It prequel series Welcome to Derry, as well as The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk on the big screen, as well as Mike Flanagan’s Carrie series and Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man.
The Institute Season 1 is available to stream on MGM+.
