Netflix's coming-of-age series I Am Not Okay With This blends the supernatural influences of Roald Dahl and Stephen King. Starring Sophia Lillis, the show explores teenage struggles through the lens of emerging telekinetic powers.

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The Matilda and Carrie DNA in Sydney Novak's Story

Netflix's I Am Not Okay With This utilizes telekinesis as a heavy-handed but effective metaphor for the chaos of puberty and trauma. Based on the 2017 graphic novel by Charles Forsman, the series follows Sydney Novak, a teenager navigating high school and her own sexuality while grappling with mysterious abilities.

Co-creator Christy Hall explained to Variety that the creative team intentionally leaned into familiar archetypes rather than forcing total originality. As the report notes, this approach allowed the show to draw direct parallels to the works of Roald Dahl and Stephen King, specifically Matilda and Carrie.

While Matilda offers a more whimsical take on gifted children, I Am Not Okay With This leans into the darker, more adult themes found in Carrie. The series, which holds an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, distinguishes itself by portraying telekinesis as a curse rather than a blessing.

How LGBTQ+ Themes and 'The End of the F***ing World' Defined the Series

The series carves out a unique identity by prioritizing character-driven drama over pure horror. By focusing on LGBTQ+ themes and the complexities of adolescence, the show moves away from the traditional horror trpoes of Carrie and toward the grounded tone of The End of the F***ing World.

This stylistic choice allows the show to explore the emotional weight of being an outsider . The narrative culminates in a sequence where the protagonist delivers an explosive display of rage, a moment that mirrors the climactic tension found in classic supernatural literature while remaining rooted in modern teenage reality.

The Rise of Stephen King Adaptations from 'The Institute' to Mike Flanagan

The landscape for Stephen King adaptations is shifting from historical struggle to small-screen dominance. While King's stories have traditionally performed better in film , recent television projects are proving the medium's potential for high-quality horror.

Recent projects are driving this momentum, including the massive success of The Institute and It: Welcome to Derry. According to the source, these hits have paved the way for second seasons and a renewed interest in King's expansive universe on streaming platforms.

Mike Flanagan is a central figure in this new era of King-inspired content. His upcoming adaptation of Carrie, slated for a 2026 release on Prime Video, is already generating significant buzz, with critics noting its potential to modernize a classic tale of bullying and telekinetic rage.

The Mystery Behind Netflix's Sudden Cancellation of an 86% Rated Hit

Despite its critical acclaim and a strong 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Netflix unexpectedly ended I Am Not Okay With This before a second season could materialize. This decision remains a point of contention for fans who saw the series as a cornerstone of the platform's supernatural catalog.

Several questions remain regarding why a show with such high engagement and critical praise was discontinued. Specifically, the following points remain unverified:

  • Whether the cancellation was driven by specific viewership metrics or a shift in Netflix's content investment strategy.
  • If the creators had concrete plans to conclude the Charles Forsman adaptation in a different medium.
  • The exact reasoning behind pulling the plug on a series that was actively set to return for another season.