Stephen King's 'The Institute' renewed by MGM+ for second season

By Sophia Soto | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 11:57 AM ET

MGM+ has officially decided to renew The Institute, based on the best-selling Stephen King novel. While casting will be announced at a later date, the second season will be a total of eight episodes.

“The Institute” follows the story of teen genius Luke Ellis who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.

The thriller horror series, which ranks as the best premiere ever on the streaming platform, comes from executive producer Stephen King, director and executive producer Jack Bender, and executive producer and writer Benjamin Cavell.

"Set free but hunted, new dangers await the escapees from the Institute and I can’t wait," King shared.

Sometimes you win just by showing them you're still willing to fight. #TheInstitute will return for Season 2 on @MGMplus pic.twitter.com/WU5JsXzSVf
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 22, 2025

"We’ve been so gratified by the response to our first season, which is a testament to the dedication of our fantastic cast and crew. We’re thrilled that Michael Wright and everyone at MGM have enabled us to continue Stephen’s powerful and timely story. From this project’s inception, we’ve felt there would be much more story to tell as our brilliant characters continue to navigate their way through the dangers of the world they’re facing," Bender and Cavell said.

Michael Wright, head of MGM+, expressed, "The Institute has thrilled audiences with its distinctive storytelling and exceptional performances that expertly bring the singular voice of Stephen King to the screen. We’re so happy to be able to continue and expand this chilling journey and dive even deeper into the secrets of The Institute in season two."

Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Jason Diaz, and Jane Luk starred in the first season.

A release date has not yet been revealed, but season 1 is currently streaming on MGM+.

Sophia Soto

Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Yardbarker, Screensphere, Den of Geek, What to Watch, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, and Starry Constellation Magazine

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