Stephen King’s new show could have drawn a subtle connection to a divisive adaptation of the author’s work, but it surprisingly chooses not to. Owing to the narrative parallels and common storytelling devices in many Stephen King stories, it is hard not to theorize how many of them could be interconnected.
Although mostStephen King booksfollow standalone narratives that avoid having any form of character or story crossovers with others, consistent readers of his work have always noticed several overlaps in his stories. A similar narrative overlap exists between two of his most acclaimed novels, both of which have been adapted for television.
One of the two books serves as the source material for an ongoing TV series, which could have drawn the existing link to the other novel’s adaptation. Unfortunately, it seems to intentionally cut this overt reference instead of giving viewers a funStephen King easter egg.
The Institute’s Connection To Salem’s Lot Is Cut From The TV Adaptation
A Conspiracy In The Book Points Towards Salem’s Lot’s Story
The illustration of a small town emerges from the letter O
As many followers of Stephen King’s work would know, the author’s Salem’s Lot and its TV adaptation unfold in the fictional town of Jerusalem’s Lot. Interestingly, in the author’sThe Institute,a female character named Annie discusses a conspiracy theory revolving around the disappearance of the entire town of Jerusalem’s Lotand how it was caused by the government.
By mentioning the fictional town featured in another Stephen King book,The Instituteexplicitly draws a connective thread between the two novels. Although no other links are drawn between the two stories, it is a fun nod to the King of Horror’s larger horror universe. TheInstitute’s TV adaptation, however, does not tread the same path as the book.
Although Annie comes up with several fascinating conspiracy theories in the show as well, none of her stories mention Jerusalem’s Lot or any other aspects of the Stephen King book. InThe Institute’s episode 3, Annie is also found dead in her tent,which confirms the show never intended to draw the book connection.
Salem’s Lot, too, was recently adapted into a movie in 2024. Even though viewers had high expectations from it, the film failed to leave its mark and got a divisive rating of 46% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.The Institute, so far, seems like a far superior adaptation with its Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 72%.
The Institute Has More Similarities To Other Stephen King Stories
Many Common Stephen King Tropes Emerge In The Institute
The Institutetells a well-rounded story of its own, but it seems to share many ideas with otherStephen Kingstories. For instance, the titular facility inThe Institute, where superpowered children are imprisoned and experimented on, seems similar toThe Shop fromFirestarter.
Children with psychic abilities have also been a part of several other Stephen King stories, includingThe Shining,Doctor Sleep,Carrie,The Tommyknockers, andThe Stand.
Similarly,telepathic characters, touted as the Breakers, also appear in Stephen King’sDark Tower. Children with psychic abilities have also been a part of several other Stephen King stories, includingThe Shining,Doctor Sleep,Carrie,The Tommyknockers, andThe Stand. Even thoughThe Institutedoes not cross-reference these, it is fun to assume that all of them somehow unfold in the same universe.
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.
