OR

Email Address

Password

Forgot password?

Castle Rock (2018)

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 44 Critic Reviews

See All

67

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Ratings

See All

6.6

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6.6	Your Score
6.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Castle Rock

Now Playing: Castle Rock

Castle Rock (2018)

Series Details & Credits

HULU | Release Date: July 25, 2018

Summary: Death row attorney Henry (Andre Holland) returns to his hometown of Castle Rock, Maine after receiving a call from Shawshank in this psychological horror series from J.J. Abrams and Stephen King.

Creator: Stephen King

Genre(s): Drama, Horror, Suspense

Watch Now

Stream On

Stream On

Stream On

Stream On

Expand

Recent Episodes

tbd
S2:E10. Clean
Air Date: December 11, 2019
tbd
S2:E9. Caveat Emptor
Air Date: December 4, 2019
tbd
S2:E8. Dirty
Air Date: November 27, 2019

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

67

Positive:

28

Mixed:

15

Negative:

1

Critic Reviews

100

Collider Dave Trumbore

Jul 11, 2018

Season 1 Review: Shaw, Thomason, Abrams & Co. really nail the core concepts of King’s storytelling here. Each character gets a good amount of screen time to focus on introspection. ... Castle Rock is a can’t-miss series for Stephen King fans and a must-watch horror show for fans of dark, thrilling, character-focused mysteries. Read full review

83

Boston Herald

Mark A. Perigard

Jul 24, 2018

Season 1 Review: Castle Rock shows a tremendous investment of time and creativity. It’s worth your walk on the dark side. Read full review

80

Los Angeles Times

Robert Lloyd

Jul 25, 2018

Season 1 Review: In every respect it’s the equal of, and largely superior to, any of the actual King adaptations that have come to television lately. Read full review

70

Philadelphia Daily News

Ellen Gray

Jul 24, 2018

Season 1 Review: It’s probably not the best news to hard-core Stephen King fans that I like what I’ve seen of Castle Rock, the J.J. Abrams-produced Hulu series that’s set in one of the fictional Maine towns King has so creepily populated. Because I’m the kind of viewer who tends to like the TV adaptations of King’s stories right up until the moment the otherworldly horror really gets going. Read full review

63

Slant Magazine

Michael Haigis

Jul 17, 2018

Season 1 Review: Its puzzle-box plot is the Stephen King Mad Libs version of a straightforward mystery that, even in its most engrossing moments, lacks the pulpy imagination of the author's finest work. There are jump scares, and one sequence involving a children's game is disturbing, but even at its most frightening, Castle Rock is never surprising. Read full review

58

The A.V. Club

Erik Adams

Jul 12, 2018

Season 1 Review: The show excels at bookending its episodes with big set pieces and stylish suspense sequences. It lets the slack out in between, when all those stories have to jockey for position with the mythology and characters, who are still only partially formed nearly halfway through the season. Castle Rock has to have a lot of personality, because a lot of the people living there don’t. Read full review

30

Washington Post

Hank Stuever

Jul 24, 2018

Season 1 Review: If it’s meant to frighten, it’s not very good at that. If it’s meant to ruminate on the nature of evil, then that message never gets through. If it’s meant to creep you out, then it barely registers. ... The first three episodes, which premiere in one chunk Wednesday (a new episode will be released each week), spend too much time laying groundwork, meting out clues and references at such a sluggish pace that they’re not worth noting, unless the show considers its mission to act as a Stephen King book club. Read full review

SEE ALL 44 REVIEWS

Write a Review

6.6

User Reviews

10

gmonster320

Dec 15, 2019

I loved season 2! Stephen King adaptations are a mixed bag but "Castle Rock" is definitely a winner. Somehow this "Misery/Salem's Lot" mashup works. Despite a slow start, the show progresses like gangbusters in the final episodes. Lizzy Capland (from "Masters Of Sex") shines as theI loved season 2! Stephen King adaptations are a mixed bag but "Castle Rock" is definitely a winner. Somehow this "Misery/Salem's Lot" mashup works. Despite a slow start, the show progresses like gangbusters in the final episodes. Lizzy Capland (from "Masters Of Sex") shines as the emotionally disturbed Annie Wilkes. I initially wasnt sure how I would feel about THIS Annie (because I love Kathy Bates' interpretation). But Lizzy knocks it out of the park. Annie here is a sympathetic character. She knows she's mentally ill but doesnt do terrible things out of some sort of evil intent. She's trying to hold on to her tenuous grasp of reality. Capland should seriously be nominated for some awards. Elsie Fisher (from "Eight Grade") is also great as her daughter Joy. Their totally bizarre relationship and their need for each other is palpable. Annie's backstory is revealed in the episode "The Laughing Place". We get to see where her catch phrase "I'm your number 1 fan" comes from as well as some of her other strange mannerisms. We see less of the Merrill clan (Pops, Nadia, Abdi, Ace, Chris) but everything fits nicely together when they hook up with Annie. I won't give away the rest of the show's secrets. Watch it for yourself and see what ya think. There are tons of Easter eggs and season 1 callbacks to thrill King fans.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

10

Proteus7x

Nov 23, 2019

Like Stephen King's Jerusalem's Lot? Like Stephen King's Misery? Season II is indeed for you. Amazing acting, suspenseful overarching story (carefully layering and masterfully weaving multiple stories of the King of Horror), beautiful choreography (which is quite normal right now in tv andLike Stephen King's Jerusalem's Lot? Like Stephen King's Misery? Season II is indeed for you. Amazing acting, suspenseful overarching story (carefully layering and masterfully weaving multiple stories of the King of Horror), beautiful choreography (which is quite normal right now in tv and web series) - brought together by clever plot twists and backstories. Do yourself a favor, watch the first season to become introduced to a primary villain - but don't expect the second season to be like it, as that one character is the only one that carries over to the next season (this is an anthology series where each season has a different general cast & story direction). This show deserves 8.3/10, so I bumped my review to 10 to help balance the overall score. If you enjoy Horror, this is for you. There is also a scene with an ice cream scoop that I think many horror enthusiasts will appreciate.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

10

ChronicComa

Dec 3, 2019

Love it. You may be dissapointed if you're expecting a horror series; its a psychological thriller. One of the few modern shows I enjoy. Seems the writers had a clear idea of the entire season before making the 1st episode so you aren't watching a bunch of random trash thrown in , in hopesLove it. You may be dissapointed if you're expecting a horror series; its a psychological thriller. One of the few modern shows I enjoy. Seems the writers had a clear idea of the entire season before making the 1st episode so you aren't watching a bunch of random trash thrown in , in hopes of appealing to the audience. The twists actually work. When season 2 ties into 1....good god i actually sat there saying nooo wayyy. Better than star wars for sure lol… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

9

kozel1

Jan 4, 2020

I wasn't familiar with Mr King's Castle Rock work prior watching the show. I didn't know what to expect really, but knowing his previous stories and reading dozens of his books, I hoped for something great, unusual and surprising. And oh boy, was I right!

Season 1 captures you from theI wasn't familiar with Mr King's Castle Rock work prior watching the show. I didn't know what to expect really, but knowing his previous stories and reading dozens of his books, I hoped for something great, unusual and surprising. And oh boy, was I right!

Season 1 captures you from the first episode and you want to watch the second episode right away. This goes on until the end of the season that left me very satisfied with the ending. Absolutely fantastic work from all the artists involved.

Season 2 starts out just as good as the first one, building up on the happenings from season 1. I'm going to be honest. I waited until the full season is out, because I really couldn't wait a week between episodes that I did during season 1, I just had to know what happens next, right away.

There was no shortage of great story development. Gotta tell that they really glued me to the couch and pretty much every minute on the screen was full of emotions, questions. The main protagonists toying with your feelings, sometimes you hate them, sometimes you love them. Just like season 1, the second season left me with very satisfying ending, it was perfect!

I really hope that they renew the show for season 3! It is one of my favorite shows from the past 2 years!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

7

truerock

Aug 19, 2020

For me, things such as ghosts, vampires and such do not make for particularly interesting stories.
But, Stephen King's methology is with out a doubt amoung the best creations involving such things of the psedo-spiritual.
As far as I know, even though this series very much had the feel of aFor me, things such as ghosts, vampires and such do not make for particularly interesting stories.
But, Stephen King's methology is with out a doubt amoung the best creations involving such things of the psedo-spiritual.

As far as I know, even though this series very much had the feel of a Stephen King effort, I don't think he was particularly involved with the making of "Castle Rock".
Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason were the co-creators of this TV series.
There are a lot of Stephen King "easter eggs" in Castle Rock which a lot of Stephen King fans enjoy finding.

There was some very good acting in season 1 and the reason I decided to watch it was because of:
Sissy Spacek - Ruth Deaver - Henry Deaver's mother
Bill Sharsgard - "The Kid/The Angel" - a secret prisoner in a Shawshank secret cell.
Theodore Scott Glenn - Alan Panborn - the ex-Castle Rock sheriff

And lots of other very good persformances. There were two young actors:
Chosen Jacobs - Wendel Deaver - Henry Deaver's son, and
Cassady McClincy - young Molly Strand
which I keep thinking will have excellent acting careers in the future.

But, then there was:
Melanie Lynskey - Molly Strand - Henry Deaver's - ex-next-door friend, and
Andre Holland - Henry Deaver - a criminal attorney who was previously a resident of Castle Rock.
Good actors who were not well cast for their roles in Castle Rock in my opinion.
And, watching co-creators Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason discuss Castle Rock, I'm thinking they also didn't think Melanie and Andre were good choices.
I have this theory that when a film project has a dozen producers, weird casting often happens for the lead actor(s).

When I saw JJ Abrams (Lost, Felicity, Fringe, etc) was the top executive producer, I was hoping to see a better series - but, I don't get the feeling he had a lot of hands-on involvement.

The series is good and I enjoyed watching it. I will watch season 2. I would suggest Castle Rock is at least an average Stephen King type of work.

************************************************************************

Season 2 of Castle Rock is three stories told in parallel.

The first story revolves around a mother and her daughter who are on the run. Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex) as Annie Wilkes – plays the mother. Elsie Fisher (Eight Grade) as Joy Wilkes - plays the daughter. Excellent casting of their roles and they provide excellent acting.

The second story involves a war veteran and his 4 children. Again, the 5 roles were cast with excellent choices – five actors who give excellent performances.

The third story involves Castle Rock and its supernatural environment. In my opinion, this third component is not that interesting – but, I know Stephen King fans will strongly disagree with that.

The first and second stories could have stood on their own and provided wonderful plots. But, the three stories are interwoven – and, in my opinion to the detriment of the other two stories.

Regardless, I found this series to be extremely enjoyable and highly recommended to Stephen King fans (although I’m not sure Stephen King had that much to do with the series).

I found the second season to be better than the first season. Again, because I found the first 2 stories to be very compelling. I hope Castle Rock is renewed for a third season.

I want to add a last note about Abby Corrigan who played an ancillary role of Chance. I think she is a wonderful talent. I hope I have a chance to see her cast in a more challenging role in some future endeavor.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 6 REVIEWS

More From Metacritic

Every Stephen King TV Show, Ranked Worst to Best

We rank every Stephen King television series and miniseries, from...

18 TV Shows to Watch in October

Preview the most noteworthy new and returning shows debuting in October,...

Summer TV Preview: 25 Notable Shows

These are the most noteworthy TV premieres coming this summer, from...

What to Watch in June: 13 Notable TV Shows & Streaming Movies

Get details on the most notable TV shows (and streaming films) debuting...

Current TV Shows

By MetascoreBy User Score

1 94 Happy Valley: Season 3

2 92 Succession: Season 4

3 92 Somebody Somewhere: Season 2

4 90 Barry: Season 4

5 90 Marc Maron: From Bleak To Dark

6 88 Rain Dogs: Season 1

7 87 The Great: Season 3

8 87 Schmigadoon!: Season 2

9 87 I Hate Suzie: Season 2

10 87 Little America: Season 2

11 86 The Other Two: Season 3

12 86 Beef: Season 1

13 84 Poker Face (2023): Season 1

14 84 Slow Horses: Season 2

15 84 The Last of Us: Season 1

16 84 Star Trek: Picard: Season 3

17 84 Dave: Season 3

18 83 Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at...

19 83 A Small Light: Season 1

20 82 Cunk on Earth: Season 1

SEE ALL

Seasons & Episodes

67

Series Overview
Season 2

69
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: October 23, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E10. Clean
  Air Date: December 11, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E9. Caveat Emptor
  Air Date: December 4, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E8. Dirty
  Air Date: November 27, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E7. The Word
  Air Date: November 20, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E7. The Word
  Air Date: November 20, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E6. The Mother
  Air Date: November 13, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E5. The Laughing Place
  Air Date: November 6, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E4. Restore Hope
  Air Date: October 30, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E3. Ties That Bind
  Air Date: October 23, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E2. New Jerusalem
  Air Date: October 23, 2019
- tbd
  S2:E1. Let the River Run
  Air Date: October 23, 2019
Season 1

tbd
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: July 25, 2018
Season 1

66
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: July 25, 2018