The BBC and A24 have announced they’re making a TV series based on Kaliane Bradley’s popular sci-fi novel, The Ministry of Time, which was praised by Barack Obama.
The novel The Ministry of Time takes place in the near future and centers around a woman whose job is to help historical figures brought to the present day adjust to modern life. Known as a “bridge,” she’s assigned to assist Graham Gore, a Victorian Arctic explorer. As they spend time together, a surprising and intense romantic relationship develops between them.
The BBC first announced plans for a TV adaptation of The Ministry of Time with A24 back in early 2024, even before the book was released in the UK. Since then, there haven’t been many updates, despite the book becoming very popular. But now, Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s head of drama, has told Deadline that production is expected to begin later this year.
Bradley’s first novel was an immediate success, hitting bestseller lists in both the UK and the US, including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. It even caught the attention of Barack Obama, who recommended it in his summer reading list for 2024. The Ministry of Time also received several award nominations and wins, including being a finalist for the Hugo Award, longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2025, and winning the Goodreads Choice Award for science fiction in 2024.
The cast for the upcoming adaptation hasn’t been announced yet, but award-nominated writer Alice Birch will be writing the script. She’s well-known for adapting Sally Rooney’s popular novel Normal People into a successful BBC Three series, which helped launch the careers of Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Birch also contributed as a story editor to the acclaimed HBO show Succession.
When the BBC announced its adaptation of The Ministry of Time in 2024, the head of drama described it as a one-of-a-kind series, blending romance, thriller, science fiction, and political drama. They also promised an epic yet personal story with compelling characters and a strong central romance (according to RadioTimes.com).
With romance novels involving fantastical or speculative elements becoming increasingly popular on TV, The Ministry of Time is the latest to make the jump. While streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video are currently focusing on fantasy romance—with hits like Callie Hart’s Quicksilver and Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing—The Ministry of Time stands out as one of the few science fiction romances to receive this treatment.
The BBC and A24 have yet to confirm a release window for The Ministry of Time.
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2026-02-23 22:58