A new show based on an acclaimedStephen Kingnovel has debuted with a solid Rotten Tomatoes score of 80% before its official premiere on July 01, 2025, on MGM+. Since mostTV adaptations of Stephen King’s worksin recent years have been a mixed bag, the new series seems to break the trend with its positive reviews.
The Institute, based on Stephen King’s bookof the same name,currently has 5 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with four critics praising its take on the original story, compelling character beats, and memorable performances. Only one critic, so far, is seemingly not impressed with the series, but other reviews suggest a promising start for the adaptation.
Almost allStephen King showsin the last few years have struggled to land in critics' good books. 2020’sThe Outsiderwas perhaps the last series that earned high ratings from critics. Since then, everything fromThe StandtoLisey’s Storyhas received mixed to poor reviews. Fortunately,The Instituteis seemingly breaking the streak.
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What The Institute’s Early Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Show’s Future
The Institute Could Do What Many King Adaptations Have Failed To
Given howThe Instituteonly has five reviews so far, it may be a little too soon to draw affirmative conclusions about its final critical and audience reception.However, the fact that four out of five critics have responded positively suggests a strong early impression and indicates the series' potential.
Interestingly,Screen Rant’s review (written by Grant Hermanns)cites thatthe series “is way more than an X-Men and Stranger Things clone.“What makes this comparison fascinating is that it confirms how, even thoughThe Instituteseemingly adopts many familiar tropes previously seen in hit franchises, it succeeds at etching its own identity.
Novelty may not always work in a show’s favor,but other positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes affirm thatThe Institutedoes a brilliant job of keeping viewers hooked. The one negative review (viaCollider) suggests the show lacks the sense of tension that drives the original story.
However, since the majority of critics have so far expressed their satisfaction with the series, albeit with a few reservations,it is hard not to be hopeful that it will avoid falling into the same pitfalls as recent adaptions of King’s work.
Our Take On The Institute’s Early Rotten Tomatoes Score
The Institute Is Meeting Our Expectations
With Jack Bender, of theLostandFromfame, as its showrunner,The Institutewas expected to break the spell of underwhelming critical ratings that had dawned upon Stephen King shows in recent years. With four glowing reviews and an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score,The Instituteseems to be on the right path toward meeting audience expectations.
As more reviews pour in,The Institute’s overall score on Rotten Tomatoes could experience a significant upward or downward shift. From the looks of it, though, it will seemingly end up maintaining its stance as one of the betterStephen KingTV adaptations of recent years, with an above-average final score.
The Institute
A kidnapped prodigy with special abilities, Luke, ends up at The Institute, while Tim, a former cop, seeks a new life in a nearby town. Their fates are inevitably linked.
