The Best Stephen King TV series is making waves once again, climbing the ranks on Netflix and drawing fresh attention after its original acclaim. With renewed popularity and strong viewership numbers, this series has reignited conversations about quality adaptations of Stephen King’s work.
‘11.22.63’ Rises Above Recent King Adaptations
Although HBO’s popular new entry, It: Welcome to Derry, left a strong impression after its thrilling first season concluded in December, it has not managed to outshine all other adaptations of Stephen King’s creations. Many are excited to see what happens next with Pennywise the Dancing Clown in Season 2, but the standout among King-based series from the last two decades is a show from 2016 that is currently enjoying a second life thanks to Netflix.
This standout is 11.22.63, a sci-fi thriller miniseries that first premiered on Hulu nearly ten years ago. The story follows a time traveler, portrayed by James Franco, who journeys to 1960 with a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The show, which also stars Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Josh Duhamel, Gil Bellows, Lucy Fry, George MacKay, and Daniel Webber, has consistently been praised for remaining true to the spirit and detail of Stephen King’s 849-page novel. This miniseries recently joined Netflix’s U.S. lineup for the first time, resulting in its impressive surge to the third spot in the streaming service’s overall TV show rankings.
11.22.63 is widely recognized for its meticulous attention to detail, bringing King’s original vision to life in a way that few adaptations achieve. The involvement of such a talented cast—including James Franco as Jake Epping, Chris Cooper as Al Templeton, and Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald—has helped elevate it to must-watch status for longtime fans and new viewers alike. King’s own approval adds further legitimacy, as this show has been cited as one of his personal favorites among the television adaptations of his work.
“Jake Epping (Franco), a recently divorced English teacher from Lisbon, Maine, is presented with the chance to travel back in time to 1960 by his long-time friend Al Templeton (Cooper). He is persuaded into going in an attempt to prevent the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963; however, he becomes attached to the life he makes in the past, which could be the mission’s undoing. He must find a way to secretly gather information about people and events leading up to the assassination while also creating and maintaining a new life to avoid suspicion.”
– Official synopsis
How ‘11.22.63’ Outperforms Its Competition
While some are skeptical about whether 11.22.63 truly deserves the title of Best Stephen King TV series over newer offerings like Welcome to Derry, critical reception and audience feedback offer convincing evidence. On Rotten Tomatoes, Welcome to Derry receives strong, well-earned marks, with an 81% critic score and an 82% audience rating.
By comparison, 11.22.63 surpassed these numbers, earning an 83% approval rate from critics and a notably higher 88% from fans on the Popcornmeter. These figures indicate that, at least in terms of reviews and fan enthusiasm, 11.22.63 stands at the top among recent screen adaptations of King’s books. While taste in television always has a personal element, these metrics provide a compelling case for those seeking quality content on Netflix.
Why ‘11.22.63’ Remains Essential Viewing
11.22.63 offers a complex blend of science fiction, suspense, drama, and even elements of romance, making it a rich viewing experience for a diverse audience. As many have yet to experience this acclaimed miniseries, Netflix’s current streaming availability makes this an ideal time for both first-time viewers and returning fans to watch all eight episodes and appreciate the show’s careful storytelling and emotional depth.
The series remains resonant not only for its well-executed thriller elements, but also for its sensitive exploration of history and personal stakes—qualities that sets it apart from other King adaptations. James Franco’s portrayal of Jake Epping, a recently divorced English teacher drawn into a mission that tests his loyalty and emotional bonds, gives the series a strongly personal touch amidst high historical drama.
Meet the Leading Actors of ‘11.22.63’
The show’s high production value is further amplified by its cast. James Franco leads as Jake Epping, the English teacher whose journey drives the story. Chris Cooper plays Al Templeton, the longtime friend who reveals the possibility of time travel and sets events in motion. Sarah Gadon appears as Sadie Dunhill, offering a compelling cornerstone for Jake’s connections in the past, while Daniel Webber stars as Lee Harvey Oswald, whose portrayal deepens the show’s tension and historical intrigue.
Supporting roles from Josh Duhamel, Lucy Fry, George MacKay, and Gil Bellows further enrich the narrative, grounding the series in a richly imagined version of 1960s America and providing context for the emotional, political, and cultural upheaval of the era.
The Ongoing Legacy and Future of King Adaptations
The recent streaming success of 11.22.63 on Netflix demonstrates the enduring appeal of thoughtfully executed adaptations of Stephen King’s novels. With solid critical and fan reception, this series has reasserted its status as a leading entry in the growing list of King-inspired productions. As new projects like HBO’s Welcome to Derry continue to debut, 11.22.63 stands as a benchmark for narrative depth and emotional resonance in the genre.
The resurgence of this miniseries also highlights how streaming platforms can breathe new life into previously released shows, allowing a new generation of viewers to discover standout television anchored by strong performances and careful adaptation. Whether for longtime Stephen King enthusiasts or those seeking compelling drama, 11.22.63 affirms its standing as a top pick—and a definitive answer for anyone looking for the Best Stephen King TV series available today.
