Stephen King is widely regarded as the “King of Horror,” with iconic titles like “Carrie” and “IT” captivating readers. However, my personal favorite from his prolific body of work is the 2011 time-travel novel “11/22/63.” This captivating narrative was adapted into a miniseries in 2016, showcasing thrilling elements of mystery and historical intrigue.
Originally released on Hulu, the miniseries “11.22.63” has now made its way to Netflix, offering a fresh opportunity for viewers to engage with its eight gripping episodes. This show combines espionage and time travel, focusing on a pivotal moment in U.S. history, making it an excellent choice for a weekend binge-watch. It has the rare quality of providing a conclusive ending, ensuring viewers aren’t left with unresolved storylines.
Despite its entertainment value, “11.22.63” has not gained the same massive recognition that some of King’s other works have garnered, which is disappointing for fans. Now that it’s available on Netflix, there’s no better time to discover or revisit this gem.
The story revolves around Jake Epping, portrayed by James Franco, who is an ordinary high school teacher in Lisbon, Maine. Jake is thrust into an extraordinary situation when his friend Al Templeton, played by Chris Cooper, introduces him to a time-travel portal that allows him to go back to October 21, 1960. Jake’s mission is to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a task that becomes complicated as he develops feelings for school teacher Sadie Dunhill, portrayed by Sarah Gadon, while also observing the enigmatic Lee Harvey Oswald, played by Daniel Webber.
“11.22.63” expertly blends various genres, keeping viewers engaged with Jake’s thrilling journey through the 1960s. The tension builds as the date of the assassination approaches, testing Jake’s commitment to altering history against the beautiful, yet fragile, love story unfolding between him and Sadie. This emotional core adds depth to the series, elevating it beyond a typical thriller and ensuring audiences are invested in both the historical stakes and personal drama.
Adaptations often face scrutiny for deviating from source material, but “11.22.63” strikes a commendable balance, staying true to the spirit of King’s novel while making necessary adjustments for television. Critics praised the miniseries when it first aired, earning it an impressive 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience ratings even higher at 88%. In its new home on Netflix, the series has quickly climbed to the top ranks, hitting No. 3 on the platform’s most-watched list shortly after its debut.
For those seeking an engaging show to watch over the weekend, “11.22.63” is a strong recommendation. Its blend of time travel and romance offers a unique viewing experience, making it not just entertaining but thought-provoking. Fans of the book will appreciate the adaptation, while new viewers may find themselves inspired to dive into King’s written work.
In addition, if you are curious about other new content on Netflix or looking for different genres, the platform has a variety of fresh picks that might catch your interest, including the romantic comedy “People We Meet on Vacation.”
Stream “11.22.63” on Netflix now and immerse yourself in this beautifully crafted story that reflects on the past while questioning the impact of change.