How to watch The Institute in Canada

Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch The Institute (2025).

The Institute is a highly anticipated 2025 horror drama series adapted from Stephen King’s 2019 bestselling novel of the same name. Produced as an MGM+ original series, the show follows the harrowing journey of a gifted boy trapped inside a mysterious facility where children with supernatural abilities are exploited. Directed by Jack Bender and written by Benjamin Cavell, the series combines chilling suspense with emotional depth, making it a standout addition to King’s long list of successful screen adaptations.

The story centers on 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who is kidnapped from his Minneapolis home and wakes up in a replica of his bedroom inside a dark, secretive facility known only as The Institute. He soon learns that the children around him all possess telepathic or telekinetic powers and have been subjected to brutal psychological experiments. The Institute is run by the cold and clinical Ms. Sigsby, whose disturbing goals are shrouded in secrecy. Meanwhile, a former police officer named Tim Jamieson has moved to a quiet Maine town to escape his past. As Luke and Tim’s paths begin to converge, they uncover terrifying truths that challenge the limits of morality, power, and survival. The series explores themes of institutional abuse, supernatural ethics, and the strength of resilience in the face of unthinkable control.

When Does The Institute Premiere?

Season 1 of The Institute premiered on July 13, 2025, exclusively on MGM+. The premiere features a special two-episode debut, with new episodes releasing every Sunday through August 24, 2025.

Full Episode Guide – The Institute Season 1

Season 1 of The Institute features a total of eight episodes, beginning with a special two-episode premiere on July 13, 2025. Each subsequent episode will be released weekly every Sunday through August 24, 2025.

Episode 1 – “The Boy”
Premiere Date: July 13, 2025
Teen genius Luke Ellis is abducted from his home and wakes up in a strange room that resembles his own, only to discover he’s been taken to a mysterious facility called The Institute.

Episode 2 – “Shots for Dots”
Premiere Date: July 13, 2025
As Luke begins to understand the disturbing rules of the Institute, he meets Kalisha and other children with extraordinary powers—all of whom share his fate.

Episode 3 – “Graduation”
Premiere Date: July 20, 2025
Tensions rise as Luke witnesses the consequences of “graduating” to the Back Half. Meanwhile, Tim Jamieson begins his new life in a quiet Maine town with an ominous secret.

Episode 4 – “The Box”
Premiere Date: July 27, 2025
Luke and his fellow captives uncover new information about the experiments being conducted on them, and a dangerous plan starts to take shape.

Episode 5
Premiere Date: August 3, 2025
Details for this episode have not yet been released.

Episode 6
Premiere Date: August 10, 2025

Episode 7
Premiere Date: August 17, 2025

Episode 8 (Season Finale)
Premiere Date: August 24, 2025

Cast – Who Stars in The Institute?

The Institute features an ensemble cast led by Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson and Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby. Joe Freeman plays Luke Ellis, the gifted boy at the heart of the story. Additional cast members include Simone Miller as Kalisha, Jason Díaz as Tony, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Martin Roach, Viggo Hanvelt, Dan Beirne, and Birva Pandya. Each actor plays a critical role in building the world of the Institute, from captive children to ethically questionable staff.

Is The Institute Suitable for All Ages?

No, The Institute is intended for mature audiences only. The series carries a TV-MA rating, indicating it contains strong themes, disturbing content, and intense psychological horror. It is not recommended for viewers under 17.

FAQs About The Institute (2025)

Is The Institute based on a real story?
No. The series is based on the 2019 fictional novel The Institute by Stephen King.

Is The Institute a limited series or will there be more seasons?
Currently, The Institute is a standalone limited series with eight episodes. There is no official confirmation regarding a second season.

Where was The Institute filmed?
The series was filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, between August and November 2024.

Is The Institute connected to other Stephen King stories?
While it is not directly connected to other King adaptations, The Institute shares thematic elements with novels like Firestarter and It, particularly in its portrayal of children with paranormal powers and government conspiracies.

Does The Institute follow the book closely?
Yes, the series closely follows the narrative arc of Stephen King’s novel, with minor adjustments for pacing and character development across television format.

The Institute Trailer – 2025

Here’s the trailer for the MGM series “The Institute“:

Find out what #TheInstitute is really hiding. Stream the 2-episode premiere this Sunday on @mgmplus.#WhatAreTheyHiding pic.twitter.com/xYGR6g3zPz

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 11, 2025

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