Stephen King's The Stand

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: May 8, 1994
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17

Critic Reviews

  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    Come to The Stand tonight as a TV event, not a revelation. You may get hooked for the duration. Or you may decide by Thursday night that Seinfeld, Frasier and the gathering demise of L.A. Law are more interesting than this particular retelling of the Noah's Ark tale. [8 May 1994, p.G01]
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd Everett
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    While it's no "V," it's not bad; the mini probably would have played better at six hours, but should sustain the interest of King fans, who number in the millions, and may pick up some non-King followers. [2 May 1994, p.42]
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  3. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Apr 14, 2021
    50
    The Stand is far superior to other miniseries based on King books -- IT and The Tommyknockers -- but at twice their lengths, it's a demanding, sometimes confounding epic. The first six hours unfold, oh so slowly, as an elaborate prelude to the rousing final two hours. ABC is betting you'll still be around by Thursday night, to see divine intervention, spectacularly hellish makeup and an explosive finale. [8 May 1994, p.1]
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  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Emily L. Stephens
    Apr 14, 2021
    42
    Everything from casting choices to wardrobe to musical cues cements The Stand firmly in the mid-’90s, sacrificing any timelessness in favor of an already dated sensibility. It’s not the self-aware frolic of Clueless or the drab naturalism of Office Space. This is 1994 as an ’80s hangover, complete with former members of the Brat Pack and an 8-year-old Top 10 hit already milked for nostalgia.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Howard Rosenberg
    Apr 14, 2021
    40
    Be prepared not to be scared, though. Or even to be stimulated. The Stand is for viewers with time on their hands. Lots of it. And for viewers with patience. Lots of it...Despite its creepshow pretensions, much of it is flat-out dull.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 123unded
    Apr 4, 2017
    9
    Try and watch all in one go for the total post apocalyptic effect. Though this is over twenty years old I would recommend for the storylineTry and watch all in one go for the total post apocalyptic effect. Though this is over twenty years old I would recommend for the storyline and actors.… Full Review »
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 30, 2018
    9
    When the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite anWhen the world ends, the battle between good and evil begins. Based on the post-apocalyptic novel from Stephen King, "The Stand" is quite an undertaking at a whopping 6 hour running-time. It's a mini-series worth watching though. There's a cast worth caring about, the author's special brand of horror, and one of the most memorable villains ever created. Plus, unlike most Stephen King adaptations of the time, this one had some money behind it. Especially in comparison to the other made-for-TV offerings.

    Personally, I think this did a better job of telling The Stand's story than even the book did. Despite often being listed as among King's best works, I do not consider myself a fan of the written version. This cinematic adaptation from Mick Garris though? Oh yeah, I'm behind it one-hundred percent. The reason for that is because the characters are so much more likable here. Their more despicable qualities didn't make it in. As a result, I was able to root for the heroes as opposed to wanting to see them all die at the hands of Randall Flagg and his much more sympathetic cronies. Our leads aren't the cruel, mean-spirited people they were in the source material and that makes all the difference.

    Of course, the stylish interpretation, (mostly) great visuals, and little flourishes of life in the soundtrack go a long way as well. It really sells the post-apocalyptic setting. The majority of the acting is spot-on. Another relative rarity for King adaptations. The only weak spot in that department comes from Molly Ringwald surprisingly enough. The star of the show though? That is undoubtedly Jamey Sheridan as The Stand's big villain himself. His portrayal of Randall Flagg is one for the ages. A shame it goes under-looked as this never made it's way to the big screen. His work as "The Walking Dude" makes for one of the most memorable performances as a villain anyone has ever done.

    Lovingly crafted by Mick Garris, The Stand stands out as one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date even after all these years. It does more than justice to the novel as it manages to surpass it, despite almost following it to a T. Genuine attention to detail have brought to life a story of an age old battle in a new setting. Mix in some potential frights and a remarkable sense of hope in a world largely populated by dead bodies, and you've got a recipe for success. It will take up a lot of your time to get through this meaty story, but it's worth every second.    … Full Review »
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