MGM+ has renewed The Institute for an eight-episode second season. Based on Stephen King’s 2019 novel, the thriller is MGM+’s best series premiere to date, and King himself announced the news on social media.
I just finished Season 1 and liked it a lot. It’s also from the producers of Lost, and From on MGM+, which is one of my favorite shows.
Season 2 renewal info below.
Season 2 on the Way
The Institute, which follows kidnapped children with unusual abilities, ended its first season on Sunday. King hinted that Season 2 will push the story into new dangers, saying, “Set free but hunted, new dangers await the escapees from the Institute and I can’t wait.”
Executive producers Jack Bender and Benjamin Cavell added that the strong response to Season 1 convinced them there was more story to tell. MGM+ head Michael Wright called the series a showcase of King’s voice brought to screen and confirmed Season 2 will dig deeper into the secrets of the facility.
“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,” said Bender and Cavell.
“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 Wright. “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.”
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
The Team Behind the Series
The Institute is executive produced by Stephen King, Jack Bender, Benjamin Cavell, Gary Barber, Sam Sheridan, and Ed Redlich, with Bender directing. MGM+ Studios produces the series, while Amazon MGM Studios Distribution handles international releases.
Season 1 Cast
Season 1 starred Ben Barnes (Marvel’s Daredevil, Shadow and Bone) as former police officer Tim Jamieson and Joe Freeman as teen genius Luke Ellis. The ensemble included Mary-Louise Parker, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Jason Diaz, and Jane Luk. Casting details for Season 2 will be announced later.
Story Recap
The series centers on Luke Ellis, who is kidnapped and wakes up inside The Institute, a secret facility housing children with extraordinary abilities. While trapped, Luke tries to outwit his captors as his path collides with Jamieson, a man seeking a fresh start in a nearby town.
Global Release
Season 2 of The Institute will stream exclusively on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, with distribution across additional international territories.
