As Stranger Things prepares to bow out with its fifth season, fans are scrambling to find a worthy successor to its blend of supernatural thrills and nostalgic charm. The show’s creators have long credited Stephen King as a major influence, particularly drawing from It and Firestarter for themes of childhood resilience and eerie small-town horrors. Now, a highly anticipated adaptation of one of King’s novels, brimming with gifted children and shadowy organizations, is poised to fill the void.

A secretive facility, children with extraordinary powers, and a battle against unseen forces- this series promises the eerie magic fans crave.

MGM+’s upcoming project The Institute, based on a 2019 Stephen King novel, follows 12-year-old prodigy Luke Ellis after he is forcibly taken to a clandestine facility housing youths with telekinetic and telepathic abilities. The narrative intertwines his plight with that of Tim Jamieson, a former law enforcement officer seeking solace in a quiet town near the facility’s hidden location. The series mirrors the Duffer Brothers’ approach to blending childhood bonds with supernatural stakes.

Director Jack Bender (Lost) and writer Benjamin Cavell (Justified) helmed the eight-episode production, which wrapped filming in Nova Scotia between August and November 2024. Ben Barnes (Jamieson) anchored the cast, joined by Mary-Louise Parker as Ms Sigsby. The series is expected to broadcast mid-2025 premiere on MGM+, with episodes releasing weekly. Viewers can stream it exclusively on the subscription-based platform.

From The Upside Down To 'The Electric State': Millie Bobby Brown's Latest Netflix Project Ties Back to 'Stranger Things'

The Institute is not just similar to Stranger Things – it cranks the terror dial to eleven, trading Demogorgons for psychological warfare.

Both The Institute and Stranger Things center around gifted children who are exploited by shadowy organizations. In The Institute, Luke Ellis is kidnapped and taken to a facility where his telekinetic abilities are tested, paralleling Eleven’s experiences in Stranger Things with Hawkins Lab. Both narratives explore the trauma inflicted on these children, but The Institute delves deeper into the psychological horrors of institutional control, showcasing the emotional and mental toll on its characters.

Character dynamics in both series feature a group of children banding together against a common enemy. However, The Institute enhances these relationships through Luke's interactions with other captured children, deepening their emotional stakes. While the Netflix hit incorporates a nostalgic 1980s vibe with a mix of horror and adventure, The Institute adopts a more intense psychological horror style, reflecting King’s signature approach to storytelling. With Stranger Things’ final season expected to drop in late 2025, viewers will be ready to dive into a new narrative that promises to keep them on the edge of their seats. 

"This is news to me..." – Sadie Sink Addresses Jean Grey Rumors Post-'Stranger Things' Finale

Ready to dive into Stephen King’s latest screen venture? Drop your predictions below!