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Stephen King Hails New Apple TV Dark Comedy as 'Even Better' Than ‘Widow’s Bay’
Credits: Imago June 1, 2017 - New York, New York, U.S. - Author STEPHEN KING attends the Book Expo 2017 event held at the Jacob Javits Center. New York U.S. - ZUMAk03_ 20170601_zaf_k03_009

Stephen King Hails New Apple TV Dark Comedy as 'Even Better' Than ‘Widow’s Bay’

Originally posted on Netflix Junkie
By Shraddha Priyadarshi  |  Last updated Jun 18, 2026 1:30 AM ET
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Stephen King has called Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Apple TV+'s newest dark comedy thriller, better than Widow's Bay itself. The legendary author rarely hands out comparisons this direct, especially between two shows from the same platform. He did not hold back when explaining exactly what tipped the scales in one show's favor. The remarks did not take long to catch attention across entertainment circles.

The comparison itself already says plenty, while King's exact wording turns this praise into something far more vivid and worth reading in full.

Stephen King picks Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed over Widow's Bay

Stephen King confirmed that Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed has won him over more than Widow's Bay. He took to X to explain exactly why, calling out Apple TV+'s freshest dark comedy thriller as the better watch.  Both shows have carried this year's biggest buzz for the platform, making any side-by-side ranking impossible to ignore.

"WIDOW'S BAY is good. MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED is even better," King wrote.He further added, "It's like Hitchcock came back to do it one more time," summing up the genre shift with a single cinematic reference.

Beyond comparing the two shows, King reserved special praise for Tatiana Maslany and her transformative lead performance. He highlighted her ability to flip between comic timing and pure terror within seconds, calling her range incredible to witness onscreen. Maslany leads an ensemble that includes Jake Johnson as her on-screen ex-husband Karl, Brandon Flynn as the mysterious cam boy Trevor, and Murray Bartlett in a key supporting role.

While the cast clearly elevates every scene, the story driving them into chaos deserves its own spotlight.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed plot unpacks a deadly rabbit hole

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed follows Paula Saunders, a newly divorced fact checker and copy editor adjusting to life after her marriage ended. Saunders becomes convinced she witnessed a crime, and her investigation upends every corner of her world. Blackmail, m*****, cam boys, and youth soccer collide in unexpected ways as she juggles a tense custody battle alongside her unraveling identity. The series blends dark comedy with thriller stakes and emotional depth throughout.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed premiered on May 20th with its first two episodes, releasing new episodes every Wednesday through the season finale on July 5th. Widow's Bay wrapped its own freshman run around June 17th, yet Apple TV+ already confirmed a second season days before that finale aired. Both shows now stand as the platform's two biggest successes this year. Stephen King's verdict, however, leaves little doubt about which one currently holds his attention.

This article first appeared on Netflix Junkie and was syndicated with permission.

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