TV series
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.
Availability
The Institute premiered July 13, 2025. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
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.
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Episode 1
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.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by Benjamin CavellGuest stars Mary Walsh, Birva Pandya, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Dan Beirne, Jane Luk, Jordan Alexander, Rebecca Wolfe
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by Ed RedlichGuest stars Mary Walsh, Birva Pandya, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Dan Beirne, Jane Luk, Brendan Beiser, Viggo Hanvelt
Episode 3
Luke begins to plan his escape while Sigsby is distracted trying to expose Stackhouse's disloyalty. Meanwhile, Tim loses a friend.
Directed by Brad TurnerWritten by Sam SheridanGuest stars Mary Walsh, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Jane Luk, Jordan Alexander, Brendan Beiser, Alexander Abriel, Don Bottomley
Episode 4
As Luke's tests intensify, a new arrival causes problems for Sigsby; Tim isn't buying the official story about what happened to Annie.
Directed by Brad TurnerWritten by Sophie Owens-BenderGuest stars Birva Pandya, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Dan Beirne, Jane Luk, Xander Martel, Viggo Hanvelt, Maggie McCormick
Episode 5
Sigsby tricks Luke into confirming he's TP, forcing him to move up his escape attempt; Tim's suspicions put him on the Institute's radar.
Directed by Jeff RenfroeWritten by Eric DickinsonGuest stars Birva Pandya, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Jane Luk, Xander Martel, Max Emerson Taylor, Eric Mendes, Brendan Beiser
Episode 6
As Tim's investigation pays off in ways he never imagined and Sigsby scrambles to avert disaster, Luke must finally decide who he can trust.
Directed by Jeff RenfroeWritten by Benjamin Cavell, Ed Redlich, Sam SheridanGuest stars Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Jane Luk, Jordan Alexander, Max Emerson Taylor, Eric Mendes, Brendan Beiser, Viggo Hanvelt
Episode 7
Luke and Tim go on a desperate search for help as Sigsby uses all of her formidable assets in a last-ditch attempt to keep the Institute's secrets.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by Sam SheridanGuest stars Jason Díaz, Dan Beirne, Jane Luk, Viggo Hanvelt, Tawiah Ben McCarthy, Trina Corkum, Joel DeLong, Martina Kelades
Episode 8
Our characters come together for a final confrontation with unimaginable consequences.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by Benjamin Cavell, Sam SheridanGuest stars Birva Pandya, Arlen So, Jason Díaz, Xander Martel, Max Emerson Taylor, Viggo Hanvelt, Jeff Fahey, Maggie McCormick
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match The Institute.
Ben BarnesTim Jamieson
Joe FreemanLuke Ellis
Simone MillerKalisha
Fionn LairdNick Wilholm
Hannah GalwayWendy Gullickson
Julian RichingsStackhouse
Robert JoyHendricks
Martin RoachChief Ashworth
MGM+United States
MGM+ StudiosUnited States
Spyglass Media GroupUnited States
