The Institute Season 1 is a new TV series based on Stephen King’s 2019 novel of the same name. The show premiered on July 13, 2025, on MGM+, and follows a group of children with special abilities who are trapped in a secret facility. The story mixes horror, mystery, and thriller elements, staying true to King’s dark storytelling style.
The series has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its suspense and performances, while others feel it doesn’t fully capture the depth of the book. The show stars Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joe Freeman in key roles.
The Institute Season 1 Plot: What Happens in the Series?
The story follows Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman), a 12-year-old boy with telekinetic powers, who is kidnapped and taken to a hidden facility called The Institute. There, he meets other kids with abilities like telepathy and precognition. The place is run by the cruel Ms. Sigsby (Mary-Louise Parker), who claims the children are being trained for a greater purpose—but the truth is much darker.
The kids are divided into two groups:
- Front Half: Where they undergo painful experiments to enhance their powers.
- Back Half: Where children disappear and are never seen again.
Meanwhile, Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes), a former cop, starts investigating strange events in a nearby town, leading him closer to the Institute’s secrets. The season builds toward a climactic rebellion as the children fight for their freedom.
Is The Institute Season 1 Based on a Book?
Yes, the show is a direct adaptation of Stephen King’s 2019 novel. The book was a bestseller, blending sci-fi, horror, and social commentary. The TV series stays mostly faithful to the source material, keeping key characters and plot points.
“The Institute isn’t a perfect series, especially as it stumbles to its conclusion. Yet, it will undoubtedly keep the attention of audiences desperate to uncover the mystery at the center of the story.”
Some changes were made, like aging up Luke from 12 to 14 for the show. The series also expands on certain characters, such as Tim Jamieson, who has a bigger role than in the book.
Cast and Crew of The Institute Season 1
The series features a strong cast, including:
- Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson
- Joe Freeman as Luke Ellis
- Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby
- Simone Miller as Kalisha
- Fionn Laird as Nick
- Julian Richings as Stackhouse
The show is directed by Jack Bender, known for his work on Lost and other Stephen King adaptations like Under the Dome. The writing team includes Benjamin Cavell (Justified) and Sam Sheridan, with King himself serving as an executive producer.
Where to Watch The Institute Season 1
The show is available for streaming on MGM+. It can also be purchased on Amazon Prime Video. The first two episodes were released on July 13, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Reviews and Ratings: What Do Critics Say?
The series has a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a “solid but uneven” adaptation. Some highlights from reviews:
“A slick and schematic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Institute won’t keep everyone committed but still offers up enough intrigue to merit a tour.”
“Even the best efforts of stars Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker aren’t enough to make it more than a passable entry in the ever-burgeoning King-to-screen catalogue.”
On Metacritic, it holds a 52/100, indicating mixed reactions. While some praise the suspense and performances, others feel the story lacks depth compared to the book.
How Many Episodes Are in The Institute Season 1?
The season has 8 episodes, with the finale set for August 24, 2025. The episode titles include:
- “The Boy” (July 13)
- “Shots for Dots” (July 13)
- “Graduation” (July 20)
- “The Box” (July 27)
Will There Be a Season 2?
No official announcement has been made yet. Since the first season covers the entire book, a second season would likely be an original story. However, if the show performs well, MGM+ might consider continuing the series.
Also read: The Pitt Season 2 Confirmed: Release Date, Cast Changes, and What to Expect
Credits: Information gathered from Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Metacritic, and official MGM+ updates.
