The latest episode of the Geektown Behind The Scenes podcast takes us into the eerie world of ‘The Institute’, the gripping new series based on the novel by Stephen King, premiering Sunday, 13th July 2025 on MGM+.
Spanning eight episodes, ‘The Institute’ follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman – Doctors), who is kidnapped from his home and awakens in a mysterious facility filled with other children with unusual abilities. Overseeing the facility is the formidable Ms. Sigsby, played by Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, The West Wing), whose cold belief in a “greater good” drives her to horrifying lengths. Meanwhile, in a quiet nearby town, former police officer Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes – Shadow and Bone, The Punisher) is seeking peace… but his story is destined to collide with Luke’s in explosive fashion.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the cast and creative team to explore how the show came together and what makes this adaptation of King’s novel so timely and powerful.
First, I chat with writer and executive producer Benjamin Cavell (Justified, SEAL Team) and director/executive producer Jack Bender (Lost, Mr. Mercedes) about adapting the book for TV, finding the right cast, and why this story of children saving themselves hits so hard right now.
Next, we’re joined by Mary-Louise Parker, who talks about the psychological complexity of Ms. Sigsby, the show’s themes of paranoia and control, and how she approached the role of someone who believes she’s saving the world, even as she destroys lives.
Finally, we speak with the series’ emotional core — Joe Freeman and Ben Barnes — about building their characters, working on opposite ends of the narrative, and forming a bond that becomes vital as their paths finally cross.
If you’re a fan of Stephen King adaptations, psychological thrillers, or just love a well-told mystery with real emotional stakes, The Institute is one to watch.
‘The Institute’ premieres Sunday, 13th July 2025 on MGM+.
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