Stephen King's The Stand: Season 1

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Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews

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Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

ABC | Season Premiere Date: May 8, 1994

Starring: Ray Walston, Corin Nemec, Rob Lowe

Summary: A government-run lab accidentally lets loose a deadly superflu and the world's population is decimated. However, there are some survivors, who begin having dreams about two figures: a mystical old woman, or a scary man.
Stephen King's terrifying adaptation of post-apocalyptic America is a mini-series that hooks you in and imprints itselfA government-run lab accidentally lets loose a deadly superflu and the world's population is decimated. However, there are some survivors, who begin having dreams about two figures: a mystical old woman, or a scary man.
Stephen King's terrifying adaptation of post-apocalyptic America is a mini-series that hooks you in and imprints itself in your mind for a long time. In a battle between good and evil set on Stephen King's stage, which will prevail?… Expand

Genre(s): Drama, Movie/Mini-Series, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction

Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E4. The Stand
Air Date: May 12, 1994
tbd
S1:E3. The Betrayal
Air Date: May 11, 1994
tbd
S1:E2. The Dreams
Air Date: May 9, 1994

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Gail Pennington

Apr 14, 2021

I've seen the first six hours, and if I weren't here writing this, I'd be home watching the finale. I'm that hooked. [8 May 1994, p.6C]

Miles Beller

Apr 14, 2021

This four-night, not-so-mini TV event that takes its story from the best-selling Stephen King book keeps you watching and waiting and on the edge of your seat. A captivating video version of King's horror parable (complete with religious "significance" of grand betrayals, Armageddon endings and messianic resurrections), The Stand shapes up as a chillingly absorbing descent into horror and things that go boo! in primetime. In scope and magnitude, The Stand delivers King-sized chills and thrills. [6 May 1994]

Tom Feran

Apr 14, 2021

Visually arresting, epic in ambition and impressively acted by a splendid cast, The Stand" looks like King's close encounter with "The Andromeda Strain" crossing "Wild Palms, building its suspense around a deadly epidemic that wipes out most of the world's population and leaves the survivors seeking a new beginning for good or evil. [8 May 1994, p.1J]

John J. O'Connor

Apr 14, 2021

But score a couple of solid hits for the good folks. Ray Walston is crustily effective as an elderly artist. And in the movie's most tender relationship, Rob Lowe, whose character can neither hear nor speak, and Bill Fagerbakke, as a mildly retarded Li'l Abner-type country boy, are outstanding. Read full review

Todd Everett

Apr 14, 2021

While it's no "V," it's not bad; the mini probably would have played better at six hours, but should sustain the interest of King fans, who number in the millions, and may pick up some non-King followers. [2 May 1994, p.42]

Emily L. Stephens

Apr 14, 2021

Everything from casting choices to wardrobe to musical cues cements The Stand firmly in the mid-’90s, sacrificing any timelessness in favor of an already dated sensibility. It’s not the self-aware frolic of Clueless or the drab naturalism of Office Space. This is 1994 as an ’80s hangover, complete with former members of the Brat Pack and an 8-year-old Top 10 hit already milked for nostalgia. Read full review

Tom Shales

Apr 14, 2021

This is the way the world ends. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but with a lot of bad acting. Oh, and plenty of bad writing, too. That horrible Stephen King is back with another dreadful ABC miniseries: The Stand. Read full review

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User Reviews

TheQuietGamer

Jan 30, 2018

When the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite an undertaking at a whopping 6 hour running-time. It's a mini-series worth watching though. There's a cast worth caring about, the author's special brandWhen the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite an undertaking at a whopping 6 hour running-time. It's a mini-series worth watching though. There's a cast worth caring about, the author's special brand of horror, and one of the most memorable villains ever created. Plus, unlike most Stephen King adaptations of the time, this one had some money behind it. Especially in comparison to the other made-for-TV offerings.

Personally, I think this did a better job of telling The Stand's story than even the book did. Despite often being listed as among King's best works, I do not consider myself a fan of the written version. This cinematic adaptation from Mick Garris though? Oh yeah, I'm behind it one-hundred percent. The reason for that is because the characters are so much more likable here. Their more despicable qualities didn't make it in. As a result, I was able to root for the heroes as opposed to wanting to see them all die at the hands of Randall Flagg and his much more sympathetic cronies. Our leads aren't the cruel, mean-spirited people they were in the source material and that makes all the difference.

Of course, the stylish interpretation, (mostly) great visuals, and little flourishes of life in the soundtrack go a long way as well. It really sells the post-apocalyptic setting. The majority of the acting is spot-on. Another relative rarity for King adaptations. The only weak spot in that department comes from Molly Ringwald surprisingly enough. The star of the show though? That is undoubtedly Jamey Sheridan as The Stand's big villain himself. His portrayal of Randall Flagg is one for the ages. A shame it goes under-looked as this never made it's way to the big screen. His work as "The Walking Dude" makes for one of the most memorable performances as a villain anyone has ever done.

Lovingly crafted by Mick Garris, The Stand stands out as one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date even after all these years. It does more than justice to the novel as it manages to surpass it, despite almost following it to a T. Genuine attention to detail have brought to life a story of an age old battle in a new setting. Mix in some potential frights and a remarkable sense of hope in a world largely populated by dead bodies, and you've got a recipe for success. It will take up a lot of your time to get through this meaty story, but it's worth every second.… Expand

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123unded

Apr 4, 2017

Try and watch all in one go for the total post apocalyptic effect. Though this is over twenty years old I would recommend for the storyline and actors.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Seasons & Episodes

61

Series Overview
Season 1

61
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: May 8, 1994
- tbd
  S1:E4. The Stand
  Air Date: May 12, 1994
- tbd
  S1:E3. The Betrayal
  Air Date: May 11, 1994
- tbd
  S1:E2. The Dreams
  Air Date: May 9, 1994
- tbd
  S1:E1. The Plague
  Air Date: May 8, 1994