Stephen King loves ‘terrific’ Netflix series streamed for 230 million hours with near-perfect ratings
Stephen King once recommended a 'terrific' Netflix series viewers reckon is the best original the streamer has ever produced.
The 'King of Horror' knows a thing or two about suspenseful storytelling, having penned more than 60 books himself.
Plenty have been adapted for both the big and small screens, but King doesn’t stop at writing - he’s keen to recommend, too.
From a 'mind-bending' Disney+ show to a 'bone-shaking' Prime Video mini-series, King is passionate about sharing his viewing habits.
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And a 95 percent rated Netflix original is up there among those he thinks is worth shouting about.
The TV series was streamed for more than 230 million hours between January 2023 and June 2025 alone.
The total figures are bound to be far greater, considering the show actually ran between 2017 and 2020.
Made up of three seasons, the mystery thriller follows the residents of the fictional German town of Widen.
When two children disappear, its murky past resurfaces, as does the double lives of four families who set out to find the kids.
The show's synopsis continues: "The mystery-drama series introduces an intricate puzzle filled with twists that includes a web of curious characters, all of whom have a connection to the town's troubled history - whether they know it or not. The story includes supernatural elements that tie back to the same town in 1986."
The series we're talking about is, of course, Dark - which earned a glowing review from Stephen King himself.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, King said: "DARK (Netflix) is dark and complex...and...well...very German. Terrific show."
He then offered up some practical advice for viewers, adding: "If you get confused, go to MetaWitches and check out Metacrone's recaps. Detailed and helpful."
Fans and critics were in agreement, and it's reflected in the show's Rotten Tomatoes ratings; it was scored 95 percent with by and 94 percent by fans, on average across all three seasons. Its second scored a perfect 100 percent with the professionals.
Critics hailed the show a 'cinematic triumph of sci-fi noir', while viewers thought it was one of the best original series they'd seen.
"Dark is, simply put, a must-watch!" one said. "The third season features a satisfying conclusion that could be considered one of the best we have seen from this genre."
"Greatest show of all time," a second weighed in. "Crazy good version of Stranger Things."
Dark’s story is neatly wrapped up across its three seasons - exactly as creators Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese envisioned.
Sadly, that means there are no spin-offs in sight.
But once fans have finished unraveling Dark, they can get stuck into the duo’s follow-up Netflix mystery, 1899, which is also streaming on the platform.
All four seasons of Dark are streaming now on Netflix.
Topics: Stephen King, Netflix, Horror, Film and TV, Streaming
Ellie Kemp