10 Excellent Science Fiction Books That Have Been Adapted Into TV Shows

Science fictionFantasy and other works of speculative fiction literature can be adapted for the screen through the television format. Although films typically have larger budgets and can reach a wider audience, TV shows are in a unique position to devote their time to developing the story world, which is a critical part of science fiction. Presenting viewers with the imagined rules and systems that govern narrative requires attention to detail and ongoing exposition, especially when these works are complex and rooted in real scientific principles.

Many classic science fiction books were intended to be turned into films and TV shows, but those that have received adaptations in recent years have been well-received. Science fiction has enjoyed a resurgence, especially in the television sphere, and luckily, there are plenty of amazing books to bring to life on screen. As budgets increase, as do visual effects capabilities, science fiction thrives. Stories that cover subjects like the apocalypse, the importance of the environment, and intergalactic rebellions against corrupt governments are popular topics in romance novels and make for great TV.

10

The three-body problem (2006)

Written by Liu Cixin

Netflix’s recent adaptation of The three-body problem by Liu Cixin brought the seminal work of scientific literature to a wide variety of new audiences. The three-body problem is a great example of a science fiction book that is more science than fiction, making it more difficult to approach for readers who are not as familiar with the genre. However, once the reader is immersed in the world, The three-body problem impossible to ignore, as presents such a realistic depiction of how different people and ideological camps would respond to an alien invasion.

As it is the first in a series, There are likely to be more seasons of 3Body Problem after the success of the 1st season. While The three-body problem is about the inevitable arrival of a group of hostile aliens, it is also deeply in conversation with contemporary international politics on Earth, as well as the environmental impact of emerging technologies. When reading The three-body problemreaders are exposed to an even deeper and more detailed story than in the series, thanks to Cixin’s writing.

9

Foundation (1951)

Written by Isaac Asimov

Apple TV quickly rose to prominence thanks to its countless original sci-fi series, from Foundation to Termination. However, Foundation is arguably one of the streaming service’s most ambitious endeavors, as Isaac Asimov’s novels are some of the most complex and notoriously difficult to interpret. That’s why Foundation is more of a loose adaptation than some of the other sci-fi shows who try to follow every beat of their source material as faithfully as possible.

However, it captures the spirit of Asimov’s work, which revolves around the fight to preserve the galaxy’s knowledge and best minds in the wake of impending chaos. The series adds characters and plots to create even more intrigue and character drama, but still maintains the political intrigue that is prevalent in the original trilogy. Foundation is often cited as one of the most influential works of science fiction of the 20th century, and the TV series brought renewed attention to the work.

8

Altered Carbon (2002)

Written by Richard Morgan

The concept of artificial bodies and the ability to transfer human consciousness has always been a source of great debate and interest in science fiction. Altered Carbon deals directly with a potential reality of this in which the ultra-rich use this technology to essentially live forever through backup versions of your consciousness, “stacks”, into new “sleeves”, aka bodies. The protagonist of Altered Carbon​​​​​​, Takeshi Kovacs, wakes up after being reassigned to investigate the murder of a rich man and finds himself involved in a conspiracy linked to his dark past.

Packed with action, sex, and a vividly realized cyberpunk world, Altered Carbon isn’t the most nuanced in its critique of the rich and powerful, but that doesn’t make the story any less compelling. Takeshi is a classic science fiction hero with powerful abilities and an attitude that puts him in a position to be the perfect double agent. Although the TV series makes changes to the story, its visuals and performances are a testament to the adaptation.

7

Dark Matter (2016)

Written by Blake Crouch

Jason Dessen finds himself in a nightmare when a version of himself from an alternate reality appears and changes his life, leaving the real Jason separated from his family. However Dark Matter is a fast-paced, atmospheric thriller, it is the emotional appeal of Jason’s bonds with his wife and son and his certainty of the path he has chosen in life that keeps the audience so invested in his story. Incorporating fantastic physics and jumping between multiple realities, Dark Matter It’s an intense but enjoyable read.

There are many theories about Dark Matter Season 2, as Crouch’s novel stands on its own. The writers and producers of the Apple TV series will have to create new conflicts and intrigues for the characters after the fascinating events of the first season. Crouch was a key part of developing and writing the TV show, which means that whatever new developments come in the next issue, it will maintain the tone and feel of Crouch’s work. Joel Edgerton’s turn as Jason is one of the reasons for the series’ success, as he captures his intelligence and desperation.

6

Silo Trilogy (2011–2013)

Written by Hugh Howey

Hugh Howey started the Silo novels as a series of short stories, but its explosive popularity soon led Howey to expand the narrative and write all three episodes; There, Changeand Dust. The series takes place after a cataclysmic disaster. Humanity has been relegated to living in underground silos and all knowledge about the outside world or history prior to the silos has disappeared. As the first book progresses, the characters become suspicious about what the outside world really holds and the conspiracies that have kept the citizens subservient.

Rebecca Ferguson rose to prominence for her performance as Juliette, the mechanic who takes on the role of sheriff and begins to uncover what the highest levels of government are hiding. Silo season two will delve into the romances’ deepest secrets and will see Juliette having to fight for the lives of everyone in her silo. As they discuss common fears of government fraud and the consequences of global devastation, the Silo books have only become more relevant over time.

5

Station Eleven (2014)

Written by Emily St.

HBO’s underrated sci-fi miniseries Eleven Station is based on the 2014 work by Emily St. John Mandel, which is even more fascinating and moving than the critically acclaimed show. Although it is a work of science fiction and takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, Eleven Station is a love letter to art and the ways people stay connected to their humanity after crisis. The protagonist, Kirsten, is part of a traveling group of artists and believes above all in the sanctity of her craft and her bond with her friends.

Told through flashbacks with a non-linear narrative, Eleven Station is a wonderfully written piece of literature that draws the reader into the intersecting lives of its characters. Each of the main individuals shares a connection despite being from all over the world and being dispersed in the wake of the pandemic. Although there is much darkness in the world, both the book and the TV adaptation of Eleven Station we hope they are about the future of humanity and people’s ability to rebuild.

4

The Power (2016)

Written by Naomi Alderman

Naomi Alderman’s recent science fiction phenomenon, The powerimagine a world where the world’s patriarchal power structure is undone practically overnight when women develop the ability to use electrical currents in their bodies. It is told through the narrative of a writer who submits this story to a prominent author who shares the name Alderman. The power explores how an imbalance of power leads to corruption, as well as how many young women would initially use their power to combat the abuse they suffer at the hands of the men in the novel.

Much of the story unfolds similarly to human history as it is known today, but instead of men being in positions of power, it is women. Although the TV series did not enjoy the overwhelming popularity of the book, it does justice to the book’s disenfranchised female protagonists, whose lives are awakened thanks to power. Throughout the narrative, Alderman addresses how, many times in history, women’s work and stories have been stolen and co-opted by men with satirical commentary that balances some of the more serious elements of the book.

3

Under the Dome (2009)

Written by Stephen King

Stephen King’s dystopian sci-fi thriller, Under the dometakes familiar survival narratives like Lord of the Flies and takes them to the next level. When a small town is suddenly encased in a glass dome that cannot be escaped or penetrated, it results in a sudden crisis of resources and a test of the strength of the rules of civilization. It doesn’t take long for the corrupt and power-hungry to take control of the community, people begin to panic and the inevitable collapse of society and organization takes its toll.

As one of King’s most popular recent novels, it wasn’t long before a television adaptation of Under the dome come to light, expanding the story over several seasons. The TV version leans into melodrama and inflammatory subject matter in Under the dome. On the other hand, the book is more concerned with the complex and nuanced inner workings of small-town politics when put under a microscope. Under the dome is an effective exploration of the worst and best of humanity and incorporates an unforgettable twist.

2

The Expanse (2011–022)

Written by SA Corey aka Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck

The beloved and long-running science fiction TV show The Expansion owes its success to the new series on which it is based. Written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck under the pen name SA Corey, the series has taken on a life of its own. Incorporating multiple perspectives and an extensive story, the space opera includes nine books in total. with several shorter works to complete the enormous scale of the epic narrative. The Expansion is perfect for readers seeking a detailed and exciting exploration of the potential for intergalactic warfare once humanity has staked its claim among the stars.

Although the show was initially canceled by the Syfy network after season 3, Fortunately, it was picked up by Amazon Prime and ended with a critically acclaimed six-season run. Both the books and TV series have consistently been recognized for their balance of innovative technologies and vivid space travel with the human heart that drives the narrative. Overall, the characters in The Expansion that make the novels worth reading, as each point of view receives the same attention and care.

1

The Peripheral (2014)

Written by William Gibson

Told through the parallel perspectives of a young woman living in a small American town in the near future, Flynne, and a man, Wilf, living in London several decades later, The peripheral slowly reveals its secrets and the characters’ connection throughout the novel. The author, William Gibson, is a prolific contributor to the science fiction genre and has written other famous works such as Neuromancerwhich is a great science fiction book for beginners. Although they live in different times, Flynne and Wilf manage to make contact through cyberspace.

Chloë Grace Moretz and Gary Carr play Flynne and Wilf in the TV show, and although the series received a positive response from critics and audiences, it was canceled after just one season. However, it successfully incorporates the mysterious and noir elements that are the basis of all of Gibson’s work. Using computers and virtual reality as a window into parallel universes is an ingenious idea, and only Gibson could pull off such an ambitious idea. Science fiction​​​​​​​ story with a lot of style.