MGM+ has officially renewed the popular thriller series The Institute for a second season. The announcement was made on August 22, 2025, just two days before the Season 1 finale. The new season will consist of eight episodes. The show is based on Stephen King‘s 2019 novel and has become the best premiere ever on the MGM+ platform.
Stephen King, who serves as an executive producer, shared his excitement about the renewal. He confirmed that the story will continue to follow the escaped children from the Institute as they face new threats.
“Set free but hunted, new dangers await the escapees from the Institute and I can’t wait,” said King .
The series is produced by Jack Bender and Benjamin Cavell, who also expressed their gratitude for the positive response to the first season. They emphasized that there is more story to tell as the characters navigate the dangers of their world.
“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. 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,” said Bender and Cavell .
Michael Wright, the head of MGM+, praised the show for its distinctive storytelling and exceptional performances. He confirmed that the second season will explore the secrets of the Institute more deeply.
“The Institute has thrilled audiences with its distinctive storytelling and exceptional performances that expertly bring the singular voice of Stephen King to the screen. 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,” said Wright .
What to Expect in Season 2
The first season of The Institute followed the story of Luke Ellis, a teenage genius kidnapped and held at a secret facility where children with psychic abilities are subjected to cruel experiments. The season ended with the destruction of the Institute, but several storylines were left open. Ms. Sigsby, the director of the Institute, escaped with a flash drive containing evidence of the facility’s crimes. The finale also revealed that there are other Institutes around the world, overseen by a mysterious figure known as the Man on the Phone.
Joe Freeman, who plays Luke Ellis, shared his thoughts on what Season 2 could explore. He expressed interest in learning more about the characters’ backstories and abilities.
“I want to learn more about precognition, and what the PC track is, and I want to see more backstories. I wanted to see how Nicky grew up, and where he, Kalisha, and George are, as well. It’s a whole world of ideas,” said Freeman .
The second season is expected to delve into the global conspiracy of the Institutes and the ongoing hunt for the escaped children. The show may also explore the moral complexities of the characters, both heroes and villains.
Cast and Production Details
The first season starred Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson, a former police officer, and Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby, the director of the Institute. Joe Freeman played Luke Ellis, with Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Jason Diaz, and Jane Luk portraying other children held at the facility. Casting for Season 2 has not been announced yet, but it is expected that some of the main characters will return.
The series is produced by MGM+ Studios, with Amazon MGM Studios Distribution handling international distribution. The show will premiere on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. Other regions will receive the series through Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.
Release Date and Availability
No premiere date has been set for Season 2 of The Institute. However, production is expected to begin soon, with a likely release in mid-to-late 2026. The first season is currently available to stream on MGM+, and the first episode can be watched for free on Roku TV.
Why The Institute Stands Out
The Institute is Stephen King’s first TV adaptation in six years to be renewed for multiple seasons. The previous multi-season adaptation was Mr. Mercedes, which ran from 2017 to 2019. The show has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling and strong performances, particularly from its young cast. It combines elements of horror, science fiction, and drama to create a unique viewing experience.
The series also addresses themes of power, control, and resistance, making it relevant to modern audiences. Its success on MGM+ has solidified the platform’s commitment to producing high-quality original content.
Also Read: The Institute Season 1 Finale Ending Reveals Avery’s Fate and Sets Up Global Conspiracy
