Some moments in history feel so heavy that people keep wondering what might have happened if things had gone differently. That idea sits at the heart of 11.22.63, a story about an ordinary man who gets the chance to step back in time and stop one of America’s darkest days. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, the series mixes personal choices with real historical events.

As it finds a new home on Netflix, the spotlight shifts from the timeline it seeks to alter to the faces bringing it to life.

When 11.22.63 was released in 2016, it quickly drew attention as a gripping adaptation of Stephen King’s time-travel novel, led by a strong central cast. The series hit Netflix on January 7, 2026, sparking renewed interest among viewers discovering it for the first time or revisiting it years later. James Franco headlines the show as Jake Epping, with Sarah Gadon playing Sadie Dunhill and Chris Cooper appearing as Al Templeton.

Beyond the main trio, 11.22.63 features a notable supporting cast that adds depth to its tense, era-spanning narrative. Cherry Jones, Daniel Webber, Josh Duhamel, Lucy Fry, T.R. Knight, Kevin J. O’Connor, and others appear in important roles throughout the story. Their performances help flesh out the world Jake encounters during his journey to the past to prevent John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

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The late US president's assassination, however, is not the only story at the heart of the story, as James Franco's character also deals with the complexities of his new life.  

Spanning eight episodes, 11.22.63 follows Jake Epping, a school teacher who finds a portal that takes him back to 1960. Tasked with stopping President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Jake begins a new life in the past. While trying to change history, he falls in love with Sadie Dunhill, a woman who gives him a reason to stay. As danger grows, Jake must choose between love and duty. The story is a near-perfect blend of thriller and romance.

Whether one is watching 11.22.63 for the first time or picking it up again after years, it still feels just as engaging, thanks to its cast and emotionally grounded story. Its Netflix arrival also sits alongside other Stephen King titles on the platform, making it a good time to dive back into his work. With history, love, and tough choices colliding, 11.22.63 leaves viewers thinking long after the final episode wraps.

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What do you think of the cast of 11.22.63? Let us know in the comments.