The Stephen King Netflix series Mr. Mercedes surged into the platform’s top 10 most-watched global shows after a surprise release earlier this week, introducing a new wave of viewers to its tense detective drama. This addition continues a standout year for Stephen King adaptations, as the streaming giant saw instant interest after Mr. Mercedes switched over from its previous home on Peacock.
Renewed Popularity for Mr. Mercedes After Streaming Move
Originally premiering in 2017 and running for three seasons until 2019, Mr. Mercedes left audiences in suspense when it ended abruptly, neither officially renewed nor canceled. Having first aired on the now-defunct Audience Network and later found a home on Peacock, the series has been discovered by a much broader audience following its Netflix launch. Brendan Gleeson stars as a haunted detective chasing a serial killer, a performance that helped propel the show onto Netflix’s global rankings earlier this week. The series quickly reached the streamer’s top 10 chart, marking a new era of attention for the acclaimed adaptation.
Creative Roots and Accolades
Mr. Mercedes is adapted from Stephen King’s trilogy of novels: Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch. The series was created by David E. Kelley, a veteran showrunner known for hits such as Big Little Lies, Doogie Howser, MD, Ally McBeal, and Chicago Hope. The show consistently received positive critical reception, holding a certified fresh score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its atmospheric storytelling and standout performances, particularly in its 100%-rated second season. David E. Kelley’s creative presence continues to be felt in the industry with his recent work on Apple TV’s Presumed Innocent and an array of other television successes.
Diverse Cast Delivers Riveting Performances
The cast of Mr. Mercedes features a strong ensemble including Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadaway, Justine Lupe, Jharrel Jerome, Holland Taylor, and Mary-Louise Parker. Critics applauded the cast’s dynamic portrayals, with special recognition for Gleeson. Collider’s review noted that,
pacing likely won’t do the series any favors with the weekly crowd.
— Collider Review. Despite any concerns over its pacing, the series has continued to engage audiences, particularly through streaming where binge-watching is common.
Mr. Mercedes Success Among a Surge of Stephen King Adaptations
This year has seen an exceptional output for Stephen King fans, spanning both new films and television projects. In the same week as Mr. Mercedes’ Netflix ascent, Edgar Wright’s The Running Man arrived in theaters, offering another fresh King adaptation. Movies such as The Monkey, The Life of Chuck, and The Long Walk have also contributed to the King resurgence, alongside upcoming shows like The Institute and It: Welcome to Derry. Adding further excitement, a special IMAX re-release of The Shining is on the horizon, giving fans further reason to celebrate King’s ongoing influence.
Looking Ahead for Stephen King Enthusiasts
With Mr. Mercedes earning renewed attention as a top Stephen King Netflix series, the arrival of fresh viewers may prompt further discussion about its unresolved storylines and future prospects. As adaptations continue to populate both streaming and theatrical releases, audiences remain engaged with old favorites and anticipate new projects tied to King’s prolific body of work. Mr. Mercedes is now available for streaming on Netflix, ensuring that fans can experience this intense thriller alongside the expanding slate of Stephen King adaptations.
