Horror fans have been buzzing for weeks: Is Stephen King getting two new shows? The short answer is yes. The King of Horror, whose works have spawned hundreds of film and TV adaptations, is adding two fresh small-screen projects to his already massive catalog. Below, we break down every confirmed detail about the upcoming series, including source material, network partners, and expected timelines.
Confirmed: Stephen King’s Two New TV Projects
King’s team and major streaming networks formally announced the two shows in early 2024, ending months of speculation. Both projects are original adaptations of King’s recent bestselling novels, with no overlap in creative teams to ensure each has a distinct tone.
1. The Institute (MGM+)
Based on King’s 2019 sci-fi horror novel of the same name, The Institute follows a group of children with telekinetic and telepathic abilities who are held captive in a secret government facility. MGM+ ordered the series straight to pilot in January 2024, with Locke & Key showrunner Carlton Cuse attached as executive producer.
King himself has praised the adaptation, noting in a press statement that Cuse “gets the creepy, quiet dread that drives the book.” No cast has been confirmed yet, but production is slated to begin in late 2024, with a potential 2025 release window.
2. Fairy Tale (Apple TV+)
The second project is an adaptation of King’s 2022 fantasy-horror novel Fairy Tale, which follows a teenage boy who discovers a portal to a parallel world filled with dark, twisted versions of classic fairy tale characters. Apple TV+ secured the rights in March 2024, with Stranger Things writers The Duffer Brothers in early talks to executive produce.
King has called Fairy Tale “one of my most personal works,” and insiders say the Apple TV+ series will stay close to the source material’s blend of coming-of-age warmth and spine-chilling horror. Production is expected to kick off in early 2025, targeting a late 2025 or early 2026 release.
Why These Stephen King New Shows Matter
King’s TV adaptations have seen a resurgence in popularity post-2020, with hits like Chapelwaite and Lisey’s Story drawing millions of viewers. These two new projects stand out for a few key reasons:
- They adapt relatively recent King novels, meaning fewer pre-existing fan expectations than older titles like The Shining or IT.
- Both are backed by major streamers with track records of high-budget, prestige genre content.
- King is taking a more hands-on role in both projects than he has with some past adaptations, per his representatives.
What’s Next for Stephen King TV Fans?
While these two shows are the only confirmed new projects as of mid-2024, King has hinted at several more TV adaptations in early development. Fans can also look forward to the 2024 remake of Salem’s Lot for Max, though that’s a film, not a series.
For now, keep an eye on MGM+ and Apple TV+’s social channels for casting announcements and trailer drops for The Institute and Fairy Tale.
Final Verdict: Yes, Two New Stephen King Shows Are Coming
To answer the original question: Yes, Stephen King is getting two new shows. Both The Institute and Fairy Tale are in active development with major streamers, and early signs point to high-quality, faithful adaptations that will please both die-hard King fans and casual horror viewers.
We’ll update this post as more details emerge, so bookmark this page and check back for the latest news on Stephen King’s small-screen takeover.
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