Science fiction has proven incredibly popular across all types of media. Even before television, sci-fi novels captivated readers and many became timeless classics. It’s no surprise these stories are often chosen for TV adaptations – their thought-provoking ideas and exciting plots lend themselves well to visual storytelling. Some of the most beloved sci-fi TV shows started as fantastic novels, successfully brought to life on screen.
Science fiction has thrived on television, producing many incredible shows. Some of these shows are well-known and highly praised, while others are fantastic but haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Often, viewers don’t realize these amazing TV stories actually started as books. Here are a few examples of outstanding sci-fi shows that were originally written as novels.
7) The Peripheral
Everyone who missed The Peripheral really should have checked it out, because it was cancelled before it could fully develop its story. Even though it only lasted one season with eight episodes, it’s still a fantastic sci-fi show. Loosely adapted from William Gibson’s 2014 novel, the show benefited from the talents of Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creators of Westworld, and deserved a longer run.
6) Silo
I’ve been completely hooked by Silo – it’s easily one of the most captivating shows on Apple TV! It’s become a real sci-fi gem, and it’s based on the fantastic novels by Hugh Howey. The premise is incredible: everyone lives in this massive underground silo in a really bleak, futuristic world. And with Rebecca Ferguson leading such a talented cast, the first two seasons have been amazing. Critics have really praised how well it mixes different genres, and honestly, it’s all down to the brilliant writing and performances.
5) 3 Body Problem
Okay, so I’ve been totally hooked on Netflix’s 3 Body Problem. Honestly, it’s one of the most exciting and underrated sci-fi shows I’ve seen in ages. The story is just… epic. It’s a real mind-bender about humanity facing a threat from aliens, and it really grabbed me. They’re already planning a second season for 2026, which is great news! It’s based on the books by Liu Cixin, and I think the first season is one of the best TV adaptations of a sci-fi novel we’ve gotten in a long time.
4) Foundation
Even though making Foundation was difficult, with lots of problems behind the scenes, it’s become a standout sci-fi show. Based on Isaac Asimov’s classic Foundation stories, the series stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace, and Lou Llobell. After three seasons—with a fourth on the way—Foundation has steadily gained recognition as one of the best science fiction shows on television today.
3) The Man in the High Castle
Based on Philip K. Dick’s 1962 novel, The Man in the High Castle presents a gripping alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II. This sci-fi series, which ran for four seasons on Prime Video from 2015 to 2019, is widely considered one of the platform’s best shows. It’s a remarkable adaptation of Dick’s novel, vividly bringing his dystopian world to life and earning praise as one of the best science fiction book-to-TV adaptations ever made.
2) The Handmaid’s Tale
Widely considered one of the best TV shows of the 21st century, The Handmaid’s Tale is a six-season dystopian thriller based on Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed 1985 novel. While it includes science fiction elements, the show truly shines through its thought-provoking social commentary set in a frighteningly plausible near-future world. The series has earned numerous awards and remains highly respected, building on the strong foundation of Atwood’s original story.
1) The Expanse
Widely considered a sci-fi masterpiece, The Expanse was so popular it was rescued from cancellation mid-series. Based on the novels by James S. A. Corey, the show delivers complex and compelling science fiction with a diverse cast of characters. It tells an engaging story about the future of humanity in space and is a fantastic example of a successful book-to-TV adaptation.
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2026-01-20 19:14