In this episode of the Geektown Behind The Scenes podcast, we’re stepping inside The Institute — the dark and gripping new MGM+ series adapted from the novel by Stephen King, which premieres on Sunday, 13th July 2025.

The eight-part thriller follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis (played by Joe Freeman), who is kidnapped and wakes up in a sinister facility full of children with psychic powers. Meanwhile, Ben Barnes plays Tim Jamieson, a former cop trying to start over in a nearby town — until fate puts him on a collision course with Luke’s fight for survival.

Joining host Dave Elliott are some of the incredible talent behind the show:

🎬 Benjamin Cavell (Writer & Executive Producer) and Jack Bender (Director & Executive Producer) discuss adapting the novel, balancing dual storylines, and the show's central question: how far would you go for the greater good?

🎭 Mary-Louise Parker talks about portraying the morally complex Ms. Sigsby, finding the humanity in a villain, and the atmosphere on set in Nova Scotia.

👦 Joe Freeman and Ben Barnes reflect on building their characters, connecting off-screen, and the emotional intensity of the series.

If you're a fan of Stephen King, dark mysteries, or compelling character-driven drama, this is an episode not to miss!

🎧 Subscribe to Geektown Radio for more behind-the-scenes interviews and weekly updates on the latest TV, film, and gaming news.

🖥️ Visit Geektown.co.uk for daily entertainment news, features, and premiere date info for UK and US TV shows.

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We’re back with Matt in the co-host seat for our final episode before a short summer break, and it’s a packed one! From rage-infected zombies to the return of Trek, chaotic celebrity football matches to sci-fi gaming gems, there’s loads to cover.

🕒 Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:00:00 – Intro and summer break announcement
• 00:00:29 – Matt finally watches 28 Days Later
• 00:07:20 – The 28 Years Later trilogy plans
• 00:09:03 – Soccer Aid 2025 recap with Bella Ramsey, Tevez and chaos
• 00:14:21 – 9-1-1: Lone Star finale thoughts and what's next
• 00:17:56 – Dave finishes Department Q (Netflix)
• 00:20:45 – Bosch: Legacy and the Ballard spinoff
• 00:22:41 – Game spotlight: The Alters
• 00:27:20 – Why July is the month to re-sub to Paramount+
• 00:28:00 – Strange New Worlds Season 3 preview (Episodes 1–5)
• 00:31:40 – TV & Film news: Strange New Worlds ending with S5
• 00:36:44 – Renewals: SkyMed, The Forsytes, Buzzcocks and more
• 00:38:12 – My Next Guest renewed, Grantchester Season 11 details
• 00:39:50 – Slow Horses future plans
• 00:39:56 – Baywatch reboot moving forward
• 00:42:16 – American Horror Story Season 13 tease
• 00:44:09 – Doctor Who preschool animated series announced
• 00:49:23 – Rob Lowe open to returning in 9-1-1: Nashville
• 00:51:47 – The Westies: New 80s crime drama with J.K. Simmons
• 00:54:50 – Harry Potter HBO series casts the Weasleys, Malfoys, Dursleys
• 01:00:51 – New DC animated series: Mr. Miracle
• 01:03:24 – Upcoming TV for late June and July

📢 Highlights coming in July:

• The Bear S4
• Sandman S2
• Foundation S3
• Dexter: Resurrection
• Strange New Worlds S3
• Ballard, Dead City, The Institute and more

🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/geektown.

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We're back with another episode of Geektown Radio! This week, Dave is joined by Domingos to review the latest in TV and film, spotlight some exciting new projects, and round up the latest renewals, cancellations, and UK premiere news.

🎙️ In this episode:

00:00 – Intro

Dave welcomes Domingos back to the show.

00:19 – Review: Ballerina

Domingos dives into the John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Norman Reedus, and more.

07:37 – Review: Karate Kid: Legends

Thoughts on the new legacy sequel merging Cobra Kai, the original films, and the Jackie Chan reboot. Featuring Ben Wang, Sadie Stanley, and Aramis Knight.

14:14 – Review: Fear Street: Prom Queen (brief revisit)

Quick take on the Fear Street sequel and standout cast members.

16:23 – Review: Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning

Domingos shares his thoughts on the franchise’s possible conclusion.

18:58 – Review: The Rookie Season 7

Dave talks about the latest season and how the show keeps things fresh.

21:13 – Review: Rick & Morty Season 8

A brief look at the latest absurd multiverse antics.

22:00 – Review: St. Denis Medical

Dave introduces the new mockumentary sitcom from the creators of Superstore.

23:13 – Review: Bosch: Legacy Season 3

Thoughts on the final season of Legacy and anticipation for the Ballard spin-off.

26:15 – Renewals & Cancellations

FOX axes The Cleaning Lady and Alert: Missing Persons Unit, Trigger Point gets renewed, and Strike prepares to adapt The Running Grave.

29:57 – New & Upcoming Shows

Details on The Institute (Stephen King adaptation), BBC’s Crookhaven, Tulsa King spinoff Nola King starring Samuel L. Jackson, and more.

44:20 – Preview: The Institute

Further discussion on the new MGM+ series starring Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker.

46:38 – Transaction on ITV

Comedy series from Jordan Gray and Nick Frost.

48:12 – Crookhaven in detail

Dougray Scott stars in a family drama about a school for legal deception.

52:25 – Coming to UK TV next week

• Fubar Season 2 – Netflix, 12th June
• Not Going Out Season 14 – BBC, 13th June
• Suspicion – ITVX, 15th June
• My Life Is Murder Season 4 – U&Alibi, 17th June

53:49 – Outro

Where to find Domingos and more ways to get in touch with Geektown.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe via your favourite podcast app, or visit Geektown.co.uk for the latest UK TV air dates and entertainment news.

📬 Don’t forget to use our Never Miss system to track your favourite shows and be alerted when they get UK premiere dates!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/geektown.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.