Stephen King's novel Under the Dome, adapted into a miniseries, aired yesterday (June 25, 2013) in the US and has been met with favourable reviews. The horror writer's 2009 novel had a huge audience of 13.1 million viewers and is likely to continue filming until September. Owing to its initial popularity, it is possible CBS could fund further episodes. 

The pilot episode introduces the audience to the bizarre Maine town of Chester's Mill, an area which is trapped in a bubble from which the residents cannot escape. With a healthy dose of a mysterious murder; a plane crash and many of the residents suffering convulsions it's definitely Stephen King's style. 

Under The Dome is CBS' latest attempt to compete with rival networks who offer such series as The Following and Revolution. The cast of Under the Dome may not match up to the likes of Kevin Bacon (in The Following) but Joanne Ostrow of the Denver Post comments on the suitability of mixing 'veteran actors and fresh new faces'.  

Under the Dome stars newcomers Alexander Koch as the central role. Supported by 'veteran' actors including Nicholas Strong (Nashville), Jolene Purdy (Glee), Mike Vogel (The Help), Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight) and Aisha Hinds (Star Trek: Into the Darkness).

Furthermore, according to Ostrow, the series does not merely tackle the supernatural but raises 'big' questions about 'environmentalism and the future of the planet'. Who knew King was such an eco-warrior? 

Other critics have been more scathing: Chuck Bowen of Slant Magazine criticised the series creator Brian K. Vaughan, saying the 'adaptation is yet another tepid melodrama, in the tradition of the recent Bates Motel, in which every creative decision appears to have been made in a trendy bid to appeal to the viewer's crotch'. 

Under the Dome airs Mondays at 10pm on CBS. 

Mike Vogel Rachelle Lefevre
Mike Vogel and Rachel Lefevre star in Under the Dome