The Institute

If viewed from the perspective of someone who hasn't read the book, the show isn't bad. It has a slow pace, but it's all buildup to The Institute "universe". There's not much horror (other than the nefarious reasons for the Institutes existence), no blood or gore. No monsters other than the humans lacking empathy and humanity. Acting is good, and I did become interested in the characters and what's to become of them as the series progresses. It's too early to tell if the writers will pull any punches, or let us have it.

The series may not be as good as the book or as true to its characters, but it's worth watching.

It is entertaining thus far..... I read the book when it first came out and listened to it again with my teen son in a road trip. It's a "so so" adaptation to screen. So much detail missing but then again there always is.

If you like the sci fi/special powers genre you will enjoy. You are not as invested in the characters as you are with the novel and the casting is a bit "off" but otherwise -- if you haven't read the book you'll be fine.

SK adaptations have always been a bit mediocre, but I think its because its impossible to get the way SK writes to transfer to the screen. This one is quite good, better than a lot I have seen and I have seen pretty much everything. I read this book, it was pretty good but a long term King theme / hobby horse so nothing new. He does a lot of ESP based books, Carrie, Firestarter to name two well known ones. I can't be bothered with the naval gazing novels about Authors he had a thing about for a while but this is a return to classic King and it is a perfectly reasonable show.

The beginning of book has a terrifying event that the TV show greatly waters down 😐.

That set up the expectations of what this show will be, watered down version of book.

This will not be horror nor thriller and more sci-fi drama if anything.

Thus my expectations have been lowered and so will continue to watch it for what it is, family friendly show. Even the aesthetics of show such as lighting suggests a more toned down feel compared to books.

Serviceable is best way to describe show if you read book. Cast and acting good, no complaints there.

It will be probably be more exciting for those who have not read books👍.

Its enjoyable enough. A intriguing premise with a suite of characters that feel pretty standard for this kind of show. At some point, Stephen King properties tend to blend together, especially these more obscure adaptions. Generally, I wouldn't recommend (at least 3 episodes in), but it isn't exactly bad. Just peak mediocrity, with some nepo-casting.