シーズン1・Teenage genius Luke Ellis is abducted by The Institute, a secret organization that takes kids with psychic powers for use in a mysterious project. The place is run by Ms. Sigsby, a sadistic true believer who engages Luke in a deadly battle of wills.

Kettle Springs is a dying town until Frendo, a symbol of the town's past success, decides that bloodshed is the only way to make Kettle Springs great again.