Castle Rock (TV series)

Castle Rock is an American psychological horror streaming television series created by Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason, based on the stories of Stephen King. It premiered on Hulu on July 25, 2018, and ran for two seasons.

The series is an anthology, with each season featuring a different story and set of characters, though recurring elements and connections to King's wider fictional multiverse are present. While not a direct adaptation of any specific King novel or short story, Castle Rock weaves together characters, locations, and themes from King's works, creating a new narrative that draws upon the vast tapestry of his bibliography. The fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, a frequent setting in King's novels, serves as a central location and unifying element.

Season one focuses on Henry Deaver, a death row attorney who returns to his hometown of Castle Rock after receiving an anonymous call about a mysterious young man found locked in a cage in the bowels of Shawshank Penitentiary. The season explores themes of good versus evil, destiny, and the secrets that haunt small towns.

Season two centers on Annie Wilkes, a young nurse on the run with her daughter, who becomes stranded in Castle Rock after a car accident. This season delves into the character of Annie Wilkes, a significant antagonist from King's novel Misery, and explores her backstory and psychological complexities. It also explores the history of the town and a conflict between its residents and a neighboring community.

Castle Rock received generally positive reviews for its atmosphere, performances, and faithfulness to King's source material, although some critics found the pacing and narrative complexity to be challenging. The series was cancelled by Hulu after two seasons.