Netflix’s new miniseriesSirensgives Julianne Moore another great performance, but for audiences who want even more, there is one underrated Stephen King series that works perfectly. Shortly after its release,Sirenshas dominated Netflix’s top 10 charts, showing that audiences are loving the new comedy drama. The series centers on a young woman named Devon (Meghann Fahy), who arrives on a wealthy, beautiful island in search of her younger sister, Simone (Milly Alcock). Shortly after arriving, she finds not only her sister, but Simone’s enthralling boss, Michaela Kell (Moore), who may be up to something.
Devon’s quest to proveMichaela is a cult leaderand get her sister away from the Kells for good intensifies as the season progresses, simultaneously exploring the events that led Simone there in the first place.Sirens' great casthelps bring both humor to the characters and real humanity, especially when they make bad decisions. The series grapples with some heavy topics, but it never goes too far down that path, though it does deal with some similar serious themes to Moore’s previous show.
After Sirens, Check Out Julianne Moore In 2021’s Lisey’s Story Adaptation
The Psychological Horror Series Has Similar Unexplained Elements
Sirenshas a lot of deeper, darker secrets that are unfurled as the series progresses, though many of its heaviest moments are balanced with bits of humor from its great actors. While Julianne Moore’s 2021 miniseriesLisey’s Storydoes not take the same humorous approach,it too has similar mysteries waiting to be uncovered. The series centers on Lisey (Moore), a widow still attempting to cope with the death of her author husband several years later while simultaneously dealing with an overzealous fan and her sister’s illness.
Lisey’s late husband, Scott Landon (Clive Owen), was a famous novelist with uncanny abilities and a darkly creative approach to life.Lisey learns that her husband left her a treasure huntwhich uses hints to help her explore her memories of him and their life together. As the series progresses, Lisey does begin to remember important details and events that she had forgotten, but it becomes increasingly clear that there may be something supernatural at play both in her sister’s illness and her husband’s treasure hunt.
While the show’s tone is somewhat darker thanSirens, the two work surprisingly well together thanks to the unexplained elements of both miniseries and Moore’s compelling performance in each.
Lisey’s Storybecomes increasingly paranormal and fantastical as Moore’s character uncovers more clues, but she also deals with the very real feelings of grief over her husband and fear of her stalker. While the show’s tone is somewhat darker thanSirens, the two work surprisingly well together thanks to the unexplained elements of both miniseries and Moore’s compelling performance in each.LikeSirens, Lisey’s Storyis able to explore how one’s past impacts who they becomeand how they grow past traumatic events in their lives.
Why Apple TV+’s Adaptation Of Lisey’s Story Is Worth Watching
Despite Mixed Reviews, Moore’s Performance Makes It Worthwhile
Upon its release in 2021,Lisey’s Storyreceived mixed reviews from critics and audiences, making itStephen King’s lowest-ranked show in nearly two decades. The series currently holds a lackluster53% critical approval ratingonRotten Tomatoesand an even worse 48% audience approval. Reviewers noted that the series struggles to stay afloat with the heaviness of its source material, a critique that is not completely unheard of with King’s denser and more difficult to adapt works. However, not all reviews were negative.
Though some viewers struggled to get behind the more supernatural aspects ofLisey’s Story, others were impressed by the great performances, faithful adaptation of the source material, and production value. In particular, even in the more negative reviews of the series,Moore’s performance was highlighted as a strength. Moore is truly able to convey her character’s love for her husband and how the grief over his death moves with her throughout her life.
All episodes ofLisey’s Storyare currently streaming on Apple TV+.
All in all,Lisey’s Storymay be a bit heavier thanSirens, but Moore’s performances in both are stellar, and each series grapples with its themes in a unique way. Though some viewers had qualms with the series,Stephen King namedLisey’s Storyas his favorite novel, highlighting its place in his bibliography. Thus, after watchingSirens, Lisey’s Storyprovides another impressive performance by Julianne Moore and faithfully captures its source material’s compelling themes.
Sirens
Cast
Sirens follows a determined woman as she investigates her sister’s relationship with a wealthy employer at an opulent coastal estate. Released on June 23, 2025, the series explores themes of family dynamics and societal class differences amidst a dramatic and luxurious setting.
Lisey’s Story
Lisey’s Story follows widow Lisey Landon as unsettling events compel her to confront haunting memories of her marriage to renowned novelist Scott Landon. The series delves into the dark and mysterious forces that impacted their lives, blending psychological suspense with elements of the supernatural.
