Stephen King Calls Netflix’s 94% Rated 4-Part Horror Adaptation “Remarkable”

When Stephen King compliments a horror show, it usually means it’s worth your time. The legendary writer recently took to social media, X (formerly Twitter), to commend the adaptation of Lord of the Flies, a chilling four-part series that’s already earned an impressive 94% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes (as of May 5, 2026), even if audience reactions have been more divided.

LORD OF THE FLIES (Netflix): I had my doubts, but it's remarkable. Captures all the horror and mystery of lost children descending into…well, you decide.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 5, 2026

With King’s stamp of approval, this eerie adaptation stands out from the usual horror fare. He was initially vocal about his reservations when the show debuted. Still, by the end of its first season, he acknowledged that it ultimately does William Golding’s classic novel the justice it deserves.

Stephen King Credits Lord of the Flies for His Writing Career

King has always been open about the pieces of literature that inspired and shaped his writing career, but no other book has greatly influenced him the way Golding’s Lord of the Flies did.

This novel, which is commonly taught in schools, follows a group of British boys who found themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. As they try to figure out a way to live and survive in the harsh environment, they begin to descend into primal brutality.

In the Centenary Edition of the book, King wrote in the foreword:

To me Lord of the Flies has always represented what novels are for, what makes them indispensable.

He also spoke about his experience reading this book at an event at UMass Boston via The Losers’ Club. He reflected on the story’s deeper themes, noting how its ending broadened his perspective on what complex storytelling can achieve.

Golding writes in his afterword, and I never forgot this, he says, ‘The sailors saved the boys, but who will save the sailors?’ Because this takes place after a nuclear war, and it kind of opened my eyes and I thought, ‘Wait a minute, there’s a whole other level to this story right here.’

King said he was able to appreciate the story more on an intellectual level on his second read, picking up on layers and nuances he hadn’t fully grasped the first time. As he noted, readers should be able to read a good book at least twice.

Lord of the Flies Divides Critics and Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes

While King was satisfied with the adaptation and critics seemed to agree, audiences appear less impressed after giving it a disappointing 57% rating (As of May 5, 2026). Most reviews criticized the slow pacing and controversial musical score, as well as the cinematography.

Technicalities aside, Lord of the Flies is a widely studied and beloved novel, so audiences tend to be stricter. When an adaptation doesn’t match the tone, symbolism, or emotional impact they remember, the backlash is often stronger than it would be for an original story.

The huge gap between critics’ and audience’s reception shows just how differently ambition and execution can be perceived. While critics were more open to new interpretations and bold storytelling choices, general viewers can be less forgiving when a show doesn’t live up to expectations.

Series:	Lord of the Flies
Created by:	Jack Thorne
Produced by:	Eleven, One Shoe Films
Release Date:	February 8, 2026
Number of Episodes:	4

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Lord of the Flies is now streaming on Netflix.