Mr. Mercedes Season 2 Is the Perfect Stephen King Binge

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Stephen King‘s work has been adapted into over 100 movies and TV shows, so it’s easy for some projects to get lost in the shuffle. While hits like IT, The Green Mile, and The Shawshank Redemption are well-known, many other excellent adaptations, especially on television – such as 11.22.63 and Chapelwaite – often don’t get the attention they deserve, perhaps because they only lasted one season or aired on less popular networks. One particularly overlooked show is Mr. Mercedes, a series based on King’s crime trilogy and originally shown on the Audience Network.

This drama series, which ran for three seasons, stars Brendan Gleeson, nominated for an Academy Award, alongside Harry Treadaway. Holland Taylor, Mary-Louise Parker, and Justine Lupe (from Succession) also feature. It was created by David E. Kelley, known for popular shows like Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies, with several episodes co-written by Dennis Lehane, the author of Mystic River and Shutter Island. Although it didn’t initially gain much attention, the series has a strong 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, including a perfect 100% for its second season, and is now finding a new audience after becoming available on Peacock.

Mr. Mercedes Is Stephen King’s Best Crime Story

Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy—adapted into three seasons of the series Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch—centers around retired detective Bill Hodges and his relentless pursuit of Brady Hartsfield, a killer who drove a car into a crowd of people. Even before knowing Hartsfield’s identity, Hodges becomes consumed with stopping him, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse as Hodges tries to anticipate and prevent the killer’s next attack.

The second book shifts focus, becoming more of a separate story centered around the character Hodges. The third book then returns to the original narrative. The TV series covers the first and third books in its first and second seasons, and adapts the book Finders Keepers in its third season.

The series is primarily a crime thriller, a genre Stephen King excels at, but the third installment introduces elements of his signature supernatural horror, including psychic abilities. Despite these additions, the story remains grounded and believable, feeling less fantastical than some of King’s other supernatural works.

I’ve always loved how Stephen King doesn’t just create compelling leads, but truly memorable supporting characters, and Mr. Mercedes is a perfect example of that skill. I was particularly captivated by Holly Gibney – she quickly became a fan favorite, and I understand she even became one of King’s personal favorites too! It’s been amazing to see her character continue to grow; since End of Watch, she’s taken center stage in several more fantastic stories, including If It Bleeds, Holly, and his most recent book, Never Flinch.

Mr. Mercedes’ Incredible Quality Comes from its Perfect Casting

The show is fundamentally a crime thriller with touches of the supernatural. It’s a compelling story, but it truly shines thanks to Stephen King’s well-crafted characters and the excellent actors who portray them. Before the series aired, many book fans believed Brendan Gleeson would be ideal for the role of Bill Hodges, and his casting was met with excitement.

Brendan Gleeson has become a more prominent actor over the past ten years, delivering standout performances in films like The Banshees of Inisherin. His portrayal of Detective Hodges is particularly strong – he perfectly captures the character’s tough, melancholic, and intense nature as described in the book.

I was completely blown away by Jude Law’s performance as Brady Hartsfield. He played the show’s villain with such chilling creepiness and genuine sociopathy that I found myself hating him more and more with each episode. It’s even more impactful knowing the role had a difficult beginning – Anton Yelchin was originally cast, and Jude stepped in after his tragic passing. It really adds another layer to an already incredible performance.

The dynamic between Gleeson and Treadaway is fantastic. Despite being very different people, their characters constantly challenge each other, creating a captivating conflict. As the story progresses and casualties mount on both sides, you start to question if the destruction could have been prevented if the two leads hadn’t acted so impulsively. From beginning to end, their unpredictable rivalry is thrilling and suspenseful, culminating in a satisfying and well-crafted resolution.

Mr. Mercedes is available to stream on Peacock.

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2026-03-18 22:14