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The 11/22/63 (novel) TV series is a science fiction thriller miniseries based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The series follows Jake Epping (played by James Franco), a high school teacher who discovers a time portal in the back of a local diner. Tasked with a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Jake travles back in time. As he navigates the social and political climate of the 1960s, Jake faces many challenges, including his growing attachment to Sadie Dunhill (Sarah Gadon) and the forces trying to preserve history as it was.
Premiering on Hulu on February 15, 2016, "11/22/63 (novel)" consists of eight episodes and was praised for its performances, pacing, and exploration of time travel.
Episode Summaries[]
Episode 1: "The Rabbit Hole"[]
Jake Epping is introduced to the time portal by Al Templeton (Chris Cooper), the diner owner, who explains that it leads to 1960. Al tasks Jake with a mission: to stop the assassination of President Kennedy. Jake begins his journey, entering the past and encountering the challenges of living in a time he doesn’t fully understand.
Airdate: February 15, 2016
Episode 2: "The Kill Floor"[]
Jake starts settling into life in 1960, but the past proves more dangerous and unpredictable than he anticipated. He attempts to integrate into society while learning about the social and political issues of the time.
Airdate: February 22, 2016
Episode 3: "Other Voices, Other Rooms"[]
Jake starts to investigate the people and events connected to the assassination, including his first encounter with Lee Harvey Oswald (Daniel Webber). However, he also begins to realize the difficulties of altering history and the risks of meddling with time.
Airdate: February 29, 2016
Episode 4: "The Eyes of Texas"[]
As Jake delves deeper into Oswald's life, he faces the moral dilemmas of his mission. The lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred, and Jake finds himself questioning his own role in shaping history.
Airdate: March 7, 2016
Episode 5: "The Truth"[]
Jake's growing relationship with Sadie (Sarah Gadon) complicates his mission. As he gets closer to discovering the truth about Oswald and the assassination, the stakes get higher, and Jake faces more personal and professional challenges.
Airdate: March 14, 2016
Episode 6: "Happy Birthday, Lee Harvey Oswald"[]
Jake's investigation intensifies, leading him to a confrontation with Oswald. Meanwhile, the repercussions of his actions in the past start to take a toll on his present life.
Airdate: March 21, 2016
Episode 7: "Soldier Boy"[]
Jake uncovers more details about Oswald's motives, and his mission becomes more urgent. With time running out, Jake must make difficult decisions about what and who to trust.
Airdate: March 28, 2016
Episode 8: "The Day in Question"[]
In the series finale, Jake confronts the ultimate challenge: stopping the assassination of Kennedy while grappling with the consequences of his actions. The past fights back in unexpected ways, and Jake must face the reality of altering history.
Airdate: April 4, 2016
Cast[]
- James Franco as Jake Epping
- A high school teacher who travels back in time to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
- Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
- Jake’s romantic interest, a teacher living in the 1960s.
- Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
- The diner owner who introduces Jake to the time portal and helps Jake understand the mission.
- Daniel Webber as Lee Oswald
- The man accused of assassinating President Kennedy.
- Cherry Jones as Marguerite Oswald
- Lee Oswald’s mother, a complicated and difficult figure in Oswald’s life.
- George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
- Jake’s friend and confidant who becomes involved in the investigation.
- T. R. Knight as John Clayton
- A key figure in the story's unfolding events.
- Annette O'Toole as Edna Price
- A figure in Jake’s life who helps him navigate the complexities of the past.
- Lucy Fry as Marina Oswald
- Lee Oswald’s wife, whose life intertwines with Jake’s mission.
- Leon Rippy as Harry Dunning
- A man with a connection to Jake’s mission and personal history.
Production and Reception[]
"11/22/63" was praised for its strong performances, particularly by James Franco and Sarah Gadon. The series also received recognition for its gripping storytelling, blending elements of historical drama with science fiction. Critics noted that while the series diverged in some areas from the novel, it remained faithful to the core themes and emotional resonance of Stephen King's work.