The recent sci-fi horror series The Institute is proving to be a significant hit for MGM+. The Stephen King adaptation has continued to draw strong numbers on the streaming platform months after its Season 1 finale. Adapted from King’s 2019 novel of the same name, the show has managed to establish a solid streaming presence, despite divided critical responses.
The Institute is holding really strong on MGM+
MGM+’s 2025 supernatural horror series The Institute has generated a strong and sustained response on the streaming platform. Notably, as of December 22, 2025, the series has ranked seventh on MGM+’s list of most-watched TV shows (via Flix Patrol).
Consisting of eight episodes, the first season of the series premiered on July 13, 2025. The Season 1 finale was released on August 24. From its start, The Institute established itself as a consistent performer on the service’s internal charts. This momentum proved strong enough for MGM+ to renew the show for a second season before the Season 1 finale.
The story of The Institute centers on Luke Ellis, a teenage boy with telekinetic abilities. He is abducted and taken to a secretive facility where children with extraordinary powers are subjected to disturbing experiments. As Luke learns more about the organization running the Institute, he begins working with other captive children. Together, they plan an escape to expose what is being done to them.
One of the most significant changes from Stephen King’s novel has been widely cited as a big reason for the show’s success. The series relocates former police officer Tim Jamieson’s storyline closer to the Institute itself, eliminating the wide geographic separation present in the book.
Chronicles of Narnia actor Ben Barnes stars as Tim Jamieson, alongside Joe Freeman playing Luke Ellis. Emmy Award winner Mary Louise Parker also stars in the series.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
