Once a stalwart event of broadcast television, the miniseries fell by the wayside for several decades.
Where the miniseries has not been used much, so far, is on streaming platforms as original content.
But Hulu, forever seeming to live in Netflixs shadow, is starting to think outside of the box.
And with theirStephen Kingminiseries (produced byJ.J.
can enact real change.
Time travel stories can be a tricky thing, but11.22.63sets up the rules clearly and immediately.
Image via Hulu
It all sounds completely ridiculous (go back in time and stop the assassination of JFK!
), but11.22.63finds the right balance in Jake between disbelief and an earnest desire to try it anyway.
The time travel isnt the mystery not yet.
Image via Hulu
Instead, the show pivots immediately into a glossy 1960s thriller, peppered with some of Kings trademark horror.
But to its credit, the series doesnt dawdle or waste time with Jake poking around the past.
The past pushing back is what creates the series tension.
Image via Hulu
(Jake himself also commits some extremely violent acts, usually to help out abused wives).
On broadcast,11.22.63might have ended up as a sanitized, hey look, its the 60s!
), but this isnt a story about admiring the past.
Image via Hulu
Its edgy and gritty and doesnt fall into a winking wonderment at a bygone era.
Hes capable and driven, but he also struggles and makes plenty of mistakes.
KnightandJosh Duhamel), its still Franco who really shines.
11.22.63’s aesthetics are tantalizing, the acting compelling, and the twists and supernatural elements are genuinely shocking.
Basically, its like a very good novel.
Rating:Very good Damn fine television
11.22.63premieres on Presidents Day, February 15th, on Hulu.
