5 Upcoming Sci-Fi TV Shows Based on Books We Can’t Wait to See

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Streaming services have made science fiction a consistently popular choice for TV shows, particularly when they’re based on well-known stories or brands. Amazon’s Fallout quickly attracted 65 million viewers and became one of Prime Video’s biggest hits, leading to plans for a third season. Apple TV+ found success with Foundation as a major franchise, and also created original sci-fi shows like Severance and Pluribus. Netflix invested heavily in 3 Body Problem, produced by the Russo brothers, and Apple TV+ saw Silo, based on Hugh Howey’s Wool books, become a surprising hit.

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m really excited about what’s coming up! I just heard that Blade Runner 2099, a direct sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s amazing 2017 film (with Ridley Scott keeping an eye on things), is in post-production and should be out in 2026 on Prime Video. And get this – a new Stargate series is actually happening, and they’ve brought back original writers Martin Gero and Brad Wright! It seems like all the streaming services are desperate for the next big sci-fi show, so lots of popular books are being adapted for TV now too.

5) Seveneves

In August 2024, Legendary Television secured the rights to adapt Neal Stephenson’s novel, Seveneves, with producer Allison Friedman on board. Legendary’s success with sci-fi shows like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Lost in Space shows they’re well-equipped to handle this complex story. Seveneves begins with the moon shattering into seven pieces, launching humanity into a desperate two-year effort to build space habitats before debris makes Earth uninhabitable for five thousand years. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and a major shift in storytelling halfway through, jumping forward five millennia to a rebuilt planet inhabited by seven distinct human races. Currently, no creative team or cast has been announced for the television adaptation, so it’s likely to be a couple of years before production begins.

4) The Future Is Ours

Netflix’s upcoming series, The Future Is Ours, is a new adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s 1956 novel, The World Jones Made, marking the first time his work has been translated into a Spanish-language show. Set in 2047 South America, the eight-episode series takes place under the rule of FedSur, a powerful and controlling environmental group. This adds a new layer to the novel’s central theme of balancing government power with individual freedom. The story centers on Jonás Flores, a preacher with the ability to see one year into the future. When he’s arrested by officer Hugo Crussí, it unexpectedly turns him into a leader of a revolution. Isa Dick Hackett, Philip K. Dick’s daughter, is executive producing, building on the success of The Man in the High Castle in bringing her father’s ideas to television. The Future Is Ours is anticipated to debut on Netflix in 2026.

3) The Captive’s War

In November 2024, Amazon MGM Studios revealed a new series called The Captive’s War, which is exciting because it continues the story and world-building of The Expanse – a highly acclaimed and detailed science fiction show. The authors of The Expanse, Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (writing as James S.A. Corey), are adapting a new trilogy of their own novels for television. In fact, they’re writing the books alongside the TV show’s development, ensuring a close connection between the two. The first book, The Mercy of Gods, became a New York Times bestseller in August 2024 and tells the story of a human colony, Anjiin, after it’s taken over by the Carryx – an alien empire that captures intelligent life for research. The authors have said the series is inspired by the Book of Daniel, and it will be interesting to see how that translates to television. Currently, there’s no news about who will star in the show or when it will premiere.

2) Neuromancer

William Gibson’s groundbreaking novel, Neuromancer, first introduced the idea of “cyberspace” in 1984 and heavily influenced iconic works like The Matrix and Ghost in the Shell. For four decades, fans have eagerly awaited a faithful adaptation – and now Apple TV+ is delivering it. Announced in February 2024, and beginning filming on July 1, 2025 – the 41st anniversary of the book’s release – the 10-episode series follows Case, a former hacker brought back for a high-stakes corporate job within the futuristic digital world. The show joins Apple TV+’s growing list of quality science fiction programs. Callum Turner stars as Case, alongside Briana Middleton as Molly, a cybernetically enhanced mercenary known for her distinctive mirrored lenses. Viewers can expect the series to debut in late 2026.

1) Consider Phlebas

Amazon MGM Studios is developing a television adaptation of Consider Phlebas, a science fiction novel by Iain M. Banks, and it’s already generating a lot of excitement. The project has attracted highly acclaimed talent, including director Chloé Zhao, known for her Oscar-winning film Nomadland. This first book in Banks’ ten-book Culture series centers on Horza, a mercenary who fights against the Culture—an advanced civilization run by powerful artificial intelligence. Horza believes that life shouldn’t be controlled by machines, putting him at odds with a seemingly unstoppable enemy. The adaptation is being written by Charles Yu, whose award-winning novel Interior Chinatown was also adapted for television, earning him an Emmy. While Amazon previously attempted to adapt Consider Phlebas in 2018, that effort fell apart. However, the current team involved gives reason to believe this new attempt will be successful.

Which science fiction book adaptation are you looking forward to seeing on screen the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-16 20:15