In a surprising yet exciting development for fans of sci-fi dramas and Stephen King adaptations, the critically acclaimed limited series 11.22.63 is officially arriving on Netflix US on January 7, 2026. What makes this release even more noteworthy is that the show was originally a Hulu Original series, making its arrival on Netflix a rare crossover between competing streaming platforms.
As streaming boundaries continue to blur, major content licensing deals are allowing platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and others to share once-exclusive titles. The release of 11.22.63 on Netflix is part of a massive ongoing licensing partnership involving Warner Bros. Television, which distributes the series. The same deal is also bringing other titles like The Following and Found to Netflix in early 2026.
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This marks the first time ever that American Netflix subscribers will have access to 11.22.63, even though the show premiered almost a decade earlier. The series has previously appeared on platforms like Tubi, but its Netflix debut is expected to bring renewed interest from new audiences as well as longtime Stephen King fans.
What Is 11.22.63 About? A Look at Stephen King’s Time-Bending Bestseller Adaptation
Based on Stephen King’s best-selling 2011 novel, 11/22/63 (often stylized as 11.22.63), the series blends historical fiction, science fiction, suspense, and romance in a gripping eight-episode narrative.
The story revolves around Jake Epping, an ordinary high school English teacher who stumbles into an extraordinary situation. His friend, Al Templeton, reveals the existence of a mysterious time portal hidden inside a diner maintenance closet. This portal transports anyone who steps through it back to October 1960, repeatedly resetting to the same date.
Al, who has spent years studying the portal, entrusts Jake with a mission of unimaginable importance:
Prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
To stop the event that altered American history forever, Jake must:
- Travel back to the 1960s
- Blend into society for three years
- Track Lee Harvey Oswald
- Gather evidence
- And ultimately stop the assassination
But time itself is resistant to change. Every attempt Jake makes creates dangerous ripple effects, testing his determination, safety, and emotional boundaries. The deeper he goes into the past, the more he discovers the personal and moral consequences of rewriting history.
A Milestone Release: Why a Hulu Original Series Is Coming to Netflix
With competition in the streaming world growing every year, it’s unusual for an original series tied to one platform to migrate to another. However, 11.22.63 is not technically owned by Hulu—it was developed and distributed by Warner Bros. Television, just streamed exclusively on Hulu at launch.
Since Warner Bros. has recently expanded its licensing library with Netflix, many once-exclusive shows are finding new audiences on other platforms.
Key reasons why 11.22.63 is coming to Netflix:
- Warner Bros. owns the distribution rights, not Hulu.
- A multi-year content licensing agreement with Netflix includes several high-profile Warner Bros. TV titles.
- Hulu’s exclusivity window expired years ago.
- The show had brief availability on free platforms like Tubi, showing Hulu no longer holds rights.
- Netflix aims to strengthen its catalog of sci-fi, thriller, and limited series content.
This move is part of an industry-wide shift where studios increasingly license content to multiple platforms to maximize revenue, rather than holding everything behind exclusive walls.
When Will 11.22.63 Release on Netflix?
The official release date for 11.22.63 on Netflix US is January 7, 2026.
Expected Streaming Duration:
Industry insiders suggest that the series will remain available for at least one year, though extension possibilities depend on future licensing negotiations.
This gives viewers plenty of time to binge-watch the entire eight-episode series.
Why 11.22.63 Is Worth Watching in 2026
Even almost ten years after its initial release, 11.22.63 continues to be praised for its:
- Clever and emotional storytelling
- Authentic 1960s historical recreation
- High production quality
- Strong performances
- Compelling mix of mystery, romance, and sci-fi elements
The show appeals to:
- Fans of Stephen King novels
- Viewers who enjoy time-travel sci-fi
- Historical drama enthusiasts
- Thriller and suspense fans
- Anyone who loves alternate-history concepts
The Netflix debut is expected to bring a massive new audience to the series, especially younger viewers or those who may have missed it during its Hulu run.
Meet the Cast of 11.22.63: A Stellar Lineup
The series features an accomplished ensemble cast led by James Franco, who delivers one of the finest performances of his television career.
Main Cast and Characters
- James Franco as Jake Epping / James Amberson
A teacher turned reluctant time traveler attempting to alter history. - Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
A charming librarian from the 1960s who forms a deep and emotional connection with Jake. - Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
Jake’s friend who first discovers the time portal and sets the entire mission in motion. - Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald
The historical assassin whose life Jake investigates in detail. - George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
A 1960s local who becomes Jake’s unexpected ally. - Cherry Jones as Marguerite Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald’s mother, portrayed with powerful realism. - Josh Duhamel as Frank Dunning
A menacing figure tied to one of Jake’s early missions in the past.
The chemistry, character development, and emotional depth make the cast one of the strongest aspects of the series.
Why 11.22.63 Is Perfect for Netflix Discovery
Netflix’s algorithm strongly favors:
- Limited series
- Historical dramas
- Thrillers with high engagement
- Book adaptations
- Sci-fi concepts with wide appeal
11.22.63 fits perfectly into all these categories, making it likely to trend on:
- Netflix Top 10
- Google Discover
- Entertainment news search results
- “Best shows to watch” recommendations
The show’s blend of nostalgia, mystery, and real-world historical intrigue ensures strong engagement from viewers.
Final Thoughts: Will You Be Watching 11.22.63 on Netflix in January 2026?
The arrival of 11.22.63 on Netflix marks a major moment for fans of Stephen King, time-travel stories, and high-quality limited series. With its gripping storyline, powerful cast, and cinematic production, the show is set to captivate a whole new generation of viewers.
Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it a decade later, January 7, 2026 is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the most unique sci-fi dramas ever made.
Will you be streaming 11.22.63 on Netflix when it arrives? Share your thoughts below!
