Netflix seemingly made the mistake of canceling one of its most ambitious sci-fi shows 5 years ago, but an upcoming adaptation of aStephen Kingnovel can finally fill the void the series left behind. With the era of streaming seemingly reaching a stage of maturity, many streaming services are losing their patience with shows. Instead of allowing TV series to find their feet and audience, many streamers refuse to give them a second chance as soon as they experience a dip in viewership.
Long beforeNetflix’s graveyard of canceled showswas brimming with unfinished stories and unrealized potential, the streamer dared to pull the plug on one of its most imaginative and high-concept sci-fi series.The Netflix sci-fi shownever acquired a mainstream appeal likeStranger Thingsbut managed to garner a cult following with its exploration of ideas that are rarely seen on television. No other show can replace the canceled Netflix series, but anupcoming Stephen King adaptationmight help fill the void.
Stephen King’s The Institute & Netflix’s The OA Have A Similar Story Setup
Both Capture The Traumas & Struggles Of Those In Captivity
The OAwas an incredible addition to Netflix’s sci-fi catalog. The show had both philosophical depth and emotional resonance as it seamlessly blended ideas surrounding human consciousness, spirituality, alternate dimensions, and life in captivity. Yet, despite earning immense critical acclaim and gaining a loyal set of followers, the show was canceled after two seasons.The OA’s creators, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, had planned a five-season run for the series, but their vision and ambition were cut short by Netflix.
UnlikeThe OA,Stephen King’sThe Institutedoes not dabble with time travel, alternate dimensions, and parallel universes. Similar toThe OA, however,it focuses on a bunch of gifted individuals who are forced to live in captivity and ruthlessly experimented on in the name of scientific interest. After being forced to endure inhuman experiments, the characters from both reach a breaking point before they join forces and set out to find a way to escape captivity. Their resilience is tested, but their shared trauma and growing sense of unity drive them to break free.
…Even thoughThe OAcan never be replaced,The Institutecan potentially be seen as its thematic spiritual successor.
CallingThe Institutea replacement forThe OAwould be a little unfair, given how the Stephen King story takes a more grounded and familiar approach with its portrayal of confinement, exploitation, and the supernatural. However,it is still hard not to see how its portrayal of a group of superpowered individuals' journey towards reclaiming agency is reminiscent ofThe OA’s premise. Owing to this, even thoughThe OAcan never be replaced,The Institutecan potentially be seen as its thematic spiritual successor.
The OA Was Cancelled After Season 2, But The Institute Could Scratch The Same Sci-Fi Itch
The Institute Also Has Elements Of Horror
While only time will tell how MGM+ will approach the Stephen King novel, it seems like its take onThe Institutewill retain the source material’s elements of horror and science fiction. With Jack Bender (of theFromandLostfame) as its showrunner,The Institutewill also embrace a slow-burn mystery approach, where it will gradually unravel the true nature of its titular facility and the motives of the people running it. This would again make it similar toThe OAin more ways than one.
Interestingly,Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij were given the opportunity to endThe OA’s run with a final movie after season 2. However, the two declined the offer because they knew that their five-season vision could not be captured in a movie’s limited runtime. Perhaps, somewhere down the line, Marling and Batmanglij will get the opportunity to return toThe OAand finally finish what they started. Till then, viewers can embrace other similar shows, like MGM+’s adaptation ofStephen King’sThe Institute, and hope thatThe OAwill someday get a second chance.
The OA
The OA is a mystery drama series that follows Prairie Johnson, who returns to her hometown after being missing for seven years with her sight mysteriously restored. As her baffling reappearance raises questions, she refrains from discussing her ordeal with authorities or family, sparking intrigue and speculation.
The Institute
Cast
A kidnapped prodigy with special abilities, Luke, ends up at The Institute, while Tim, a former cop, seeks a new life in a nearby town. Their fates are inevitably linked.
