‘The Institute’ Renewed for Second Season at MGM+

The doors of The Institute will remain open for another season.

Cable and streaming outlet MGM+ has picked up a second season of The Institute, its horror/thriller series based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The renewal comes two days ahead of the show’s first season finale, which premieres Aug. 24.

“The Institute has thrilled audiences with its distinctive storytelling and exceptional performances that expertly bring the singular voice of Stephen King to the screen,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “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.”

The series centers on a group of kids with latent or emerging special abilities who are subjected to cruel experiments at the mysterious institute of the title, along with a local cop (Ben Barnes) whose story intersects with that of the kids. The season one cast also includes Mary-Louise Parker, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Jason Diaz, Jane Luk, Julian Richings and Robert Joy.

Benjamin Cavell (the 2020 version of The Stand) adapated King’s novel and executive produces with the author and director Jack Bender. MGM+ Studios produces.

“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,” Bender and Cavell said in a statement. “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.”

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