Stephen King adaptations are notoriously hit-or-miss. While some have become cinematic masterpieces, dozens of others have fallen flat — including a handful of book-to-screen versions that King himself openly despises. However, one recent adaptation has earned his rare stamp of approval as a bold reimagining of his classic novel. The series has been officially greenlit for a second season, drawing mixed responses.
Horror icon Mike Flanagan is now four-for-four with Stephen King adaptations. After successfully translating Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck into film, Flanagan then took on Carrie and stretched it into a season-long TV series. The show expanded on the lore and even included a dose of Easter eggs, teasing plans for a shared universe. Flanagan previously confirmed that his version of Carrie is a three-season arc that goes well beyond the source material, and now that Prime Video has renewed the series for a second season, those familiar with the book are weighing in on Carrie‘s potential.
X user Chinaski H. slammed the update, arguing that the show should have been one-and-done. “Bad move. It was a great season, just leave it,” they wrote, while others like user Angie Son questioned how the story could proceed beyond the original. “Season 2? How? She was bullied, she went tf off, story complete. What else is there to explain?” they argued. User J was outright confused, honing in on the show’s biggest hurdle moving forward: “Uh oh, BUT this is all being done without King source material right??? The first season had a blueprint, it’s gonna be extremely hard to satisfy fans and critics.”
Beyond extending the book’s storyline, Flanagan has dropped several hints that the series will weave into the narrative of his upcoming adaptation of The Dark Tower. Carrie has also explicitly connected its titular character’s powers to “The Shine,” and there is a glaring reference to The Shining. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Flanagan has also teased that “Carrie White might be pursued by the Institute,” alluding to the covert government organization depicted in his 2019 novel, The Institute, which has also been adapted into an MGM series, with Season 2 slated to release next month.
Some viewers are more open to Flanagan’s vision, curious about his plans for Carrie‘s continuing arc. “Cool, wonder where they’ll take the plot now,” X user Jay son son wrote, while user SHAUD pitched their own Season 2 plot: “The only way this run-down storyline can become interesting in IMO is if she killed someone’s sibling and the surviving siblings have powers too, and they battle it out lol!” Meanwhile, user Artemis is ambivalent, but still willing to give Flanagan another shot. “Personally found the ending a bit eh, but still really enjoyed it overall. Will be on the lookout,” they wrote.
Carrie‘s mixed reception is a double-edged sword, proving viewers remain engaged, even if some disagree with Flanagan’s plans for the series. He has long solidified his status as a modern auteur on both the small and big screen, having created four acclaimed original shows and directed a string of horror films; he also has King’s backing, which carries immense weight, considering King famously declared Flanagan “the best adapter of my work.”
- Release Date
-
2026 – 2026-00-00
- Network
-
Prime Video
-
Summer H. Howell
Carrie White
-
Samantha Sloyan
Margaret White
-
-
Alison Thornton
Chris Hargensen
Leave a Reply