Stephen King-Approved Mildred Pierce Enjoys Global Streaming Success

A 2011 historical drama miniseries that Stephen King heaped with praise has surged to the top of the streaming charts 14 years after its original release. With over 66 books to his name, Stephen King is a prolific author. However, the writer has never limited his output to the world of fiction alone.

Since his 1974 debut novel Carrie, King has regularly waded into the waters of criticism and commentary, as well as penning many fiction books. King’s recent movie, The Life of Chuck, was met with resounding critical acclaim, but not all of his adaptations have been so fortunate.

Stephen King Praised 2011’s Mildred Pierce Upon Its Original Release

King Called Kate Winslet’s Titular Role “A Genuine Star Turn”

Despite this, the writer has never held his tongue when he has a hot take on a movie or TV show, as evidenced by his 2011 Newsweek piece, “Mommie Dearest and Her Devil Daughter.” A review of HBO’s Mildred Pierce miniseries, this article lavishes praise on director Todd Haynes’ adaptation of James M. Cain’s Depression-Era novel of the same name.

King praised Mildred Pierce upon release, saying “there’s terrific acting in Todd Haynes’s chilly remake” and “the Depression-era set decoration is perfect.” Although he contended that the miniseries was too long, this hasn’t hurt the adaptation’s renewed popularity among a new generation of viewers, as 2011’s Mildred Pierce is one of the most-watched shows on streaming in August 2025.

Since the release of Mildred Pierce, Haynes has gone on to greater fame with award-winning movies like Carol and May December. However, it is no surprise that horror legend Stephen King singled out Mildred Pierce as the Haynes project he praised. The adaptation is darker than period drama fans may expect.

Mildred Pierce Is Perfect For Fans of Dark Period Dramas

The Cain Adaptation Is Among Haynes’ Best Work

The story of the eponymous self-sacrificing mother, Mildred Pierce sees Winslet’s conflicted heroine struggle with her selfish daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood. While 1945’s earlier film noir adaptation played up the novel’s dark side, the grim aspects of the story sneak in almost unnoticed in Haynes’ version of events.

As such, viewers expecting a sedate costume drama might be shocked by the nadir of Mildred and her daughter Veda’s relationship, even though Winslet’s gripping performance will leave the audience wishing for an increasingly unlikely happy ending. Unlike some period dramas, Mildred Pierce doesn’t descend into mawkish sentimentality or moralizing.

Instead, Haynes’ cold, austere drama brings Cain’s dark novel to life onscreen without stripping Mildred of her complexity or nuance. Winslet’s heroine is imperfect, and her story is profoundly tragic, but even the most hard-hearted viewer would have to agree with Stephen King’s recommendation by the end.

Source: Newsweek