When most people think of The Mist, they either recall Stephen King's chilling novella from 1980 or the famously bleak 2007 film adaptation directed by Frank Darabont. But in 2017, The Mist was reimagined as a television series — and unless you're a hardcore King fan, you may have missed it altogether.
Developed by Christian Torpe and aired on the now-defunct Spike TV, the 10-episode series starred Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings) and Morgan Spector as members of a small-town family trying to survive after a mysterious mist descends upon their community. The show was filmed primarily in Nova Scotia, Canada, which gave its eerie exteriors and forested landscapes an appropriately isolating feel.
At its core, The Mist remains a story about fear, survival, and how quickly people can unravel when faced with the unknown. But while the TV version borrowed this foundation, it drifted further from the original source than many expected — both thematically and narratively.
Film vs. Series: Two Takes on Terror
Darabont’s 2007 film is known for its claustrophobic tension, focused setting (a supermarket), and that unforgettable ending that left audiences shaken. The visual horror was sharp, but it was the moral ambiguity and emotional despair that gave it staying power.
In contrast, the 2017 series chose to expand the story's scope, following multiple groups across different locations: a mall, a hospital, a church. While this opened opportunities for broader character work and world-building, it often led to uneven pacing and diluted tension. Instead of sharp suspense, the series leaned more into psychological and social drama, which not all viewers found effective.
Why It Didn’t Work
Despite a promising premise and strong performances — particularly from Frances Conroy as a mysterious naturalist — the series struggled to find a consistent tone. Critics and audiences alike felt the show lacked the punch and cohesion that made the novella and film so impactful. Ratings were modest, and the show was cancelled after one season, leaving several storylines unresolved.
So, Should You Watch It?
If you're curious about alternate interpretations of King’s work or enjoy character-driven survival dramas with a slow burn, The Mist series might be worth a look — just be prepared for a very different experience than the film.
But if you're seeking high-stakes horror, tight storytelling, and emotional impact, Darabont’s 2007 movie remains the definitive screen version of The Mist.
