A ten-year-old television adaptation of a Stephen King novel is experiencing a major resurgence, with viewers declaring it the author's finest transition to the screen. The series, 11.22.63, first premiered in 2016 but has found a new and passionate audience after landing on a popular streaming platform.
A Time-Travel Thriller Rediscovered
The show is based on King's 2011 novel of the same name. It follows Jake Epping, an English teacher played by Oscar nominee James Franco. Jake discovers a portal that sends him back to 1960. His mission is to prevent the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. To avoid raising suspicion, he must build a life in the past while meticulously gathering intelligence in the lead-up to that fateful day. However, his quest to alter history soon proves to be far more perilous than he anticipated.
Originally produced for the streaming service Hulu, the eight-episode limited series recently became available on Netflix in the United States. This move has sparked a wave of discovery and praise from subscribers who had missed it the first time around. On forums like Reddit, viewers have expressed astonishment at having overlooked the show. One fan exclaimed, "11.22.63 IS SOOO Good!!! Highly recommended," while another criticised the initial marketing, saying, "Hulu did not do a good job at promoting it."
Where Can UK Audiences Watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the series is not currently on Netflix. Instead, UK audiences can purchase the complete boxset on Amazon's Prime Video service for £5.99. This one-off purchase grants permanent access to the entire critically acclaimed season.
The show's quality is underscored by its impressive 83% critics' score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. Fans and critics alike have praised its sophisticated blend of genres. One reviewer described it as "a smart, emotional time travel story" that masterfully combines romance, suspense, and historical drama into a binge-worthy experience. The strength of the series is attributed more to its rich atmosphere and deep character development than to reliance on superficial plot twists.
Praise for a Standout Adaptation
Many are now calling it the definitive Stephen King adaptation. A viewer who had read the book first stated, "this was the best adaptation of a Stephen King novel I have seen." Others have highlighted James Franco's performance, noting a departure from his typical comedic roles. One admirer commented on his "incredible" dramatic turn, wishing the series had continued beyond its single season.
The consensus among this new wave of fans is clear: 11.22.63 is a hidden gem that deserves its place at the top of the list of Stephen King screen projects. Its complex narrative, strong lead performance, and gripping premise have ensured its appeal endures a full decade after its debut, proving that great storytelling is truly timeless.
