Based on a Stephen King novel, this HBO miniseries follows a police detective investigating the horrific murder of a young boy, only to uncover a supernatural entity at play. What is the title of this show?

The HBO miniseries you're thinking of, based on a Stephen King novel, is indeed "The Outsider." This compelling and often chilling show premiered on HBO in January 2020 and quickly captivated audiences with its unique blend of crime drama and supernatural (Review) horror.

The story begins with the brutal murder of a young boy in a small Georgia town, leading Detective Ralph Anderson to arrest local Little League coach Terry Maitland, based on overwhelming physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. However, the case takes a perplexing turn when irrefutable evidence emerges placing Maitland miles away at a conference at the exact time of the murder, leaving the detective and the town grappling with how one man could seemingly be in two places at once. This impossible contradiction forms the core mystery, pushing the characters, including the eccentric private investigator Holly Gibney, to consider explanations beyond the rational.

The Outsider (Review) is adapted from Stephen King's 2018 novel of the same name and is praised for its faithful yet fresh take on his work. The miniseries, developed by Richard Price, delves into themes of grief, justice, and the terrifying unknown. It features a strong ensemble cast, including Ben Mendelsohn as Detective Anderson and Cynthia Erivo as Holly Gibney, whose performances were widely acclaimed. The series is particularly noteworthy for its slow-burn suspense and unsettling atmosphere, which effectively translates the creeping terror of King's novel to the screen.