When it comes to Stephen King adaptations, there’s always a lot of hype. Not all of them work out, but not everything can be as hot as “The Shining” or “It.” However, Prime Video is taking a chance on a short story that has only been adapted once before.
It’s the first King adaptation that will be produced in the UK, and it’s an apt decision. Prime Video has greenlit “Crouch End,” which is named for the North London district that it’s set in. While many of King’s works include fictional towns, he opted for a very real location for this short story.
‘Crouch End’ Will Be Adapted Into a Series
GettyWhen “Crouch End” was first adapted, it was made into a one-hour episode of TV. TNT ran an anthology series, “Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,” where it ended up being used for the second episode.
However, this time, it’s getting a full series adaptation. Variety states that Prime Video has ordered a six-episode limited series. While this should mean that it won’t go past the source material, there have been times limited series have been developed longer, including “Good Omens” on Prime Video.
Paul Tomalin will adapt the short story, and Tom Shankland is on to direct. It will be produced by Mammoth Screen and Fifth Season for Prime Video, and casting is already underway.
What Is ‘Crouch End’ by Stephen King About?
GettyYou’ll find “Crouch End” in the “New Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos” collection. It was then added to the “Nightmares & Dreamscapes” collection, and it’s a story that is considered a homage to H.P. Lovecraft, as it contains many references to the author while connecting to his style of storytelling and horror.
It follows police inspector Ted Vetter, who is expecting a normal night until global movie star Doris Freeman bursts into the station shouting about strange phenomena leading to the disappearance of her husband. Is it possible that something took him, or is she just trying to cover up a crime of passion? Maybe he’s just left her, or there is something more sinister going on. That’s something for Ted to figure out throughout the short story.
Tomalin shared that, “After reading ‘Crouch End’ some years back, Stephen King’s vivid prose has haunted my nightmares ever since…I couldn’t be more excited to bring this thrilling tale to the screen.”
This is the first of King’s adapted works to be produced in the UK, and it joins a growing slate of originals in the country from the Amazon streamer. Shows such as “Dirty” and “The Boys of Tommen” have just been greenlit, but there have already been some huge successes with the likes of “The Outlaws,” “Good Omens,” and “Clarkson’s Farm.”
The area of Crouch End in London has also become popular for filming. It allows for a more authentic experience within the filming, creating the perfect backdrop for viewers.
There is no word on when “Crouch End” is slated to arrive on the Amazon streamer. As of right now, all eyes are on Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of “Carrie,” releasing on Oct. 7, 2026, when all eight episodes will drop at once.
