NOS4A2 (TV series)

Production

On December 8, 2015, AMC put a television series adaptation of Joe Hill's novel NOS4A2 into development, with a search underway for a writer. Production companies involved included The Tornante Company and AMC Studios. On May 31, 2017, AMC opened a writers room for the series, led by Jami O'Brien, who also executive produced alongside Hill. On April 10, 2018, AMC ordered a first season of ten episodes, with O'Brien as showrunner and Lauren Corrao as executive producer.

Though set in Haverhill, Massachusetts, filming took place in various Rhode Island locations, including the Cranston Street Armory. The series premiered on June 2, 2019. On July 20, 2019, at San Diego Comic-Con, AMC renewed the series for a second season, which finished filming in January 2020 and premiered on June 21, 2020. Ratings dropped significantly during season two, running at about half of season one.

On August 31, 2020, AMC canceled the series after two seasons, having adapted the entire storyline of the original novel. Casting announcements included Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Virginia Kull, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in main roles on June 27, 2018; Jahkara Smith in a recurring capacity on July 5, 2018; Karen Pittman in a recurring role on August 28, 2018; Zachary Quinto and Ashleigh Cummings as leads Charlie Manx and Vic McQueen on September 13, 2018; Rarmian Newton and Darby Camp in recurring roles on October 12, 2018; and Ashley Romans in a recurring role on December 17, 2018.

Reception

For the first season, Rotten Tomatoes reported a 69% approval rating with an average score of 6.6/10 based on 29 reviews, with the critical consensus stating that the series captures the spirit of Joe Hill's work and provides a role for Zachary Quinto. Metacritic assigned a score of 47 out of 100 based on nine critics, indicating mixed or average reviews. For the second season, Rotten Tomatoes reported a 75% approval rating with an average score of 5.37/10 based on 8 reviews.