Stephen King, renowned for offering insightful horror recommendations, has shifted attention to a little-seen miniseries critics heavily criticized, highlighting the contrast in audience and critical reaction. In recent years, King’s opinions have introduced audiences to lesser-known suspense stories, and his endorsement of Apple TV+’s “Before” reignites debate about what truly makes for standout horror.
King’s Recent Recommendations Surprise Fans
Famed for supporting suspenseful stories, Stephen King has consistently used his influence to shine a light on haunting yet underrated gems, often recommending series that unsettle and intrigue. His 2019 endorsement of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Servant” described it as “extremely creepy and totally involving,” and he spoke of NBC/Netflix’s supernatural “Manifest,” saying it felt like
“reuniting with old friends you thought were gone forever.”
Recently, King drew attention to a critically panned show featuring comedy legend Billy Crystal, prompting surprise from horror fans and critics alike.
King commented on Instagram Threads that the Apple TV+ miniseries “Before,” which has a low 30% Rotten Tomatoes score,
“has a creepy EXORCIST vibe, and Billy Crystal is very good. Short and scary episodes.”
For an author who thrives on stories that build tension slowly, it’s no surprise he’s interested in a show many viewers overlooked. “Before” premiered on Apple TV+ on October 25, 2024, with Crystal playing Eli, a child psychiatrist grieving his wife’s death, who finds himself drawn in by Noah, a troubled boy played by Jacobi Jupe. As the story unfolds, Eli sees parallels between his own unsettling visions and Noah’s mysterious outbursts, forming a psychological link that blurs the lines between patient and doctor. Sarah Thorp, who served as creator, showrunner, and executive producer, delivered a drama that challenges genre expectations.
Atmosphere and Mystery Shape ‘Before’
The series “Before” opens with a brooding tone that immediately draws the audience into Eli’s unraveling world. Preparing to retire, Eli is tormented not only by the loss of his wife but also by disturbing premonitions of his own death, making it clear his grasp on reality is weakening. When young Noah enters his care—once mute, now speaking strangely and prone to unexpected violence—the stakes are raised, especially after a shocking incident at school leaves the community on edge. Despite having every reason to step back, Eli is compelled to see the case through, driven by a sense that their fates are intertwined.
Initially, the show’s suffocating atmosphere promises a fresh take within the psychological horror genre, borrowing elements of grounded crime storytelling. This engrossing setup swiftly morphs, however, and by the story’s midpoint, the show’s structure becomes its greatest challenge. Instead of building toward a revelation, “Before” seems to chase its own tail, looping through similar events and conversations. What works to build tension in a feature-length film begins to frustrate across episodes, with each half-hour segment feeling increasingly drawn out. As the narrative repeats, the payoff for patient viewers remains elusive, leading many to wonder if the mystery at its core will ever earn its twist.
King Defends Genre as Critics Dismiss ‘Before’
Upon release, “Before” struggled to find support from major critics, earning a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread disappointment. Critics observed,
“initially intrigues but doesn’t bring enough ideas or variety to sustain what comes after.”
Detractors labeled it as “painfully predictable,” “long and repetitive,” “tonally confused,” and even “the year’s most disappointing show.” King, however, provides a counterpoint by urging viewers to reconsider the narrative through a different lens.
King’s own novels often depict trauma as a cycle rather than a straightforward journey. In his perspective, the repetition seen in “Before” echoes the reality of a fractured psyche: instead of moving from point A to B, trauma causes the mind to spiral through obsession and confusion. For fans who appreciate horror’s psychological roots, these very elements may enhance the anxiety and suspense, making “Before” an acquired taste best suited for true genre enthusiasts. Instead of viewing flaws as failures, King sees them as integral to the character’s struggle and the overall experience of fear and uncertainty that defines psychological horror.
“reuniting with old friends you thought were gone forever.” — Stephen King, Author
“has a creepy EXORCIST vibe, and Billy Crystal is very good. Short and scary episodes.” — Stephen King, Author
“initially intrigues but doesn’t bring enough ideas or variety to sustain what comes after.” — Rotten Tomatoes Critics
The Polarizing Impact of King’s Endorsement
There is ongoing debate over whether “Before” represents a misunderstood classic or simply another disappointing addition to streaming’s horror offerings. As original streaming series introduce viewers to forgotten or niche works, King’s public support argues for the value of unconventional horror narratives—even those met with harsh reviews. For audiences willing to embrace the slow pacing and haunting, repetitive structure, “Before” may offer the sort of distinctive genre tension that appeals to fans precisely because it defies mainstream expectations.
With Billy Crystal giving a haunting performance as Dr. Eli Adler, Jacobi Jupe intensifying the drama as Noah, and Judith Light supporting as Lynn, the cast adds depth and unpredictability. Under Sarah Thorp’s guidance as both showrunner and executive producer, the miniseries aims for depth over broad appeal. As critics and horror fans continue to debate its merits, King’s recommendation cements “Before” as a talking point for those interested in exploring the boundaries of psychological horror storytelling.
“Before” can be streamed on Apple TV+. As the conversation around Stephen King horror recommendations grows, viewers may find themselves drawn to other overlooked gems that test the conventions of fear and suspense.
