Series synopsis
The Institute is an American mystery sci-fi & fantasy television series that premiered on MGM+ on July 13, 2025. It was created by Benjamin Cavell. It stars Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller and Fionn Laird.
When 14 year old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.
Premise
When 14 year old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Ben Barnes as Tim Jamieson
- Joe Freeman as Luke Ellis
- Simone Miller as Kalisha
- Fionn Laird as Nick Wilholm
- Hannah Galway as Wendy Gullickson
- Julian Richings as Stackhouse
- Robert Joy as Hendricks
- Martin Roach as Chief Ashworth
Supporting cast
- Mary-Louise Parker as Ms. Sigsby
- Mary Walsh as Annie
- Birva Pandya as Iris
- Arlen So as George Iles
- Jason Díaz as Tony
- Dan Beirne as Drew Reynolds
- Jane Luk as Maureen
- Jordan Alexander as Kate
- Rebecca Wolfe as Proctor
- Malcolm Roberts as Boy
- Phoebe Rex as Girl #1
- Emily Lux as Girl #2
Guest cast
- Mary Walsh as Annie
- Birva Pandya as Iris
- Arlen So as George Iles
- Jason Díaz as Tony
- Dan Beirne as Drew Reynolds
- Jane Luk as Maureen
- Jordan Alexander as Kate
- Rebecca Wolfe as Proctor
- Malcolm Roberts as Boy
- Phoebe Rex as Girl #1
- Emily Lux as Girl #2
- Bo Hong Fu as Rolf
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 8 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | July 13, 2025 | August 24, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Boy Luke Ellis wakes up at The Institute, a facility that abducts teenagers with psychic powers. Ms. Sigsby, the place's charismatic director, claims they're saving the world. Meanwhile, Tim Jamieson hides from his haunted past as a small-town night knocker. |
July 13, 2025 |
| 2 |
Shots for Dots Luke bonds with the other Front Half residents, begins plotting his escape. Meanwhile, Ms. Sigsby manages the fallout from a security breach. In town, Tim begins to look into The Institute, only to find himself caught up in a high-stakes standoff. |
July 13, 2025 |
| 3 |
Graduation Luke begins to plan his escape while Sigsby is distracted trying to expose Stackhouse's disloyalty. Meanwhile, Tim loses a friend. |
July 20, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | MGM+ |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 13, 2025 |
| Last aired | August 24, 2025 |
| Runtime | 58 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Sunday at 21:00:00 |