With Stephen King being one of the most decorated authors of all time, it is no surprise his work has been adapted into various shows and films, but his recent sci-fi hit is thankfully making up for a major mistake from three years ago. Alongside inspiring many great writers, King has also had a massive impact on the entertainment industry.
Movies such as IT, The Shawshank Redemption, Misery, The Shining, and so many more are all adapted directly from his novels, highlighting just how influential his career has been. His work remains as relevant as ever in 2025, as Stephen King’s The Long Walk movie is due to hit the big screen in September, and the early reviews are already exceptional.
While his most popular projects tend to be theatrical, he has also been responsible for some great televised stories in recent years, with The Institute being no exception. The sci-fi series hit the ground running when it premiered in July, and its recent update looks set to redeem one of Stephen King’s lesser-known TV shows.
The Institute Season 2’s Confirmation Is A Relief After MGM+ Cancelled Chapelwaite
Following The Institute season 1’s dark ending, the show was officially picked up for a second season, which is great news given Chapelwaite didn’t share the same fate. Although both projects received fairly mixed critical receptions, they were admired by the general audience, suggesting there was an appetite for more regarding each Stephen King adaptation.
Unfortunately, MGM+ cancelled Chapelwaite after a single season, despite the series initially being renewed in 2022. Given it had an interesting premise, some spooky moments, and a high-profile lead in Adrien Brody, it seemed like season 2 was inevitable, yet the horror show was undeservedly axed, making it all the more relieving that The Institute is continuing.
The Institute season 1 finale premiered on August 24, 2025. No release window for season 2 has been revealed.
Blending horror with sci-fi perhaps gives it a more universal appeal worth taking a gamble on, and there is more source material to adapt, hence MGM+ going forward with another season. That said, it’s still possible that the network will change its mind about its second Stephen King show, just like Chapelwaite, but as things stand, the future looks bright for The Institute.
The Institute & From Are Giving MGM+ A Great Sci-Fi Horror Streak
With From already making a big splash on MGM+, The Institute‘s popularity looks like the beginning of an exciting sci-fi horror streak. While some fans have been left frustrated by From season 4’s 2026 release window, it’s a testament to just how successful the show has been, with it easily being among the network’s most lucrative projects.
The addition of The Institute adds yet another great sci-fi horror option to the mix, a genre that MGM+ could try and make its specialty. Knowing Stephen King has already had some well-received, multi-season hits indicates that The Institute could be another flagship show that gives From some healthy competition and keeps viewers tuning into the channel.
Although it could just be a coincidence, the fact that both series are so similar in tone means it will hopefully be a sign of things to come for MGM+, proving how valuable From and The Institute will be going forward.
