10 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows That Are Based On Books

Science fiction is one of the most beloved and intriguing genres in film, literature, and television alike. The nature of sci-fi content often limits its portrayal in a visual medium. They typically include technology, scenarios, or futuristic concepts that would be impossible to display in a form other than the written word. Books have the unique ability to utilize the imagination of the reader and present stories that simply wouldn’t work if presented on screen. With that being said, certain shows effectively turn their written source material into a thoughtful representation of the original story.




The most recent example of famous sci-fi literature-turned-television is Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, which explores mind-blowing ideas across space and time. Given the show’s popularity, Netflix is set to release a second season of the 3 Body Problem. Perhaps the most critically acclaimed sci-fi series of this nature is The Expanse, a thoughtful tale of futuristic travel across the solar system. Although The Expanse came to an end in 2022, several series bring sci-fi books to life in a similar fashion.


10 Under The Dome (2013-2015)

Based On The Novel By Stephen King


For those with a sense of claustrophobia, Under the Dome might not be the best series to watch.Under the Dome was originally a sci-fi novel written by legendary American author Stephen King in 2009, and was later developed into a three-season series by Brian K. Vaughan. Under the Dome follows the story of the townsfolk of Chester’s Hill, Maine, when they are suddenly isolated from the outside world when a massive, impenetrable dome lands over their home.

Although the concept is relatively simple, the series does an excellent job of bringing King’s vision to life. There are a lot of prominent differences between the novel and the show, from changes in character development to the origin of the dome’s existence. However, even though it strays from the source material, Under the Dome excels in its ability to demonstrate the hysteria that comes with isolation.


9 Foundation (2021-Present)

Based On The Novel Series By Isaac Asimov

Foundation imagines a future about 50,000 years from the present, in which all humans live under the rule of the Galactic Empire, the powerful governmental body of the galaxy. The show is based on a series of sci-fi books written by Isaac Asimov, with the first title originally published in 1951. The collection consists of seven installments that take place over roughly 550 years.


For those who are die-hard Asimov fans and strongly attached to the original book series, the television series Foundation might ruffle some feathers. Although the show is loosely based on Asimov’s works, it shouldn’t go as far as to be labeled an adaptation. The show shares similar characters and names, but it’s a standalone universe. With that being said, the series still has a lot of great qualities and is undoubtedly entertaining.

8 The 100 (2014-2020)

Based On The Novel Series By Kass Morgan

Kass Morgan’s sci-fi novel series The 100 has a similar style to other famous young adult stories like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Although the latter were made into film franchises, The 100 was adapted into a series that takes place over seven seasons. The story imagines a universe where Earth has been decimated by nuclear war, and the only remaining survivors live on 12 space stations orbiting the atmosphere.


A composite image features Echo, Bellamy, and Clarke of The 100 over an image of the main cast

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When one of the stations finds its resources to be limited, the leaders decide to send 100 young prisoners on a mission to Earth to determine whether it’s inhabitable. Upon their arrival, they discover an unfamiliar world and must face the challenges that come their way. The series has a gripping plot, likable characters, and never fails to entertain. Although The 100 ended after season seven, it presented an amazing story during its runtime.

7 Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

Based On The Book By Richard K. Morgan


Altered Carbon takes place over 300 years in the future in a world with virtually limitless possibilities. Humans have figured out a way to download their consciousness onto cortical stacks and transfer them into synthetic bodies referred to as “sleeves.” Consequently, individuals can effectively live forever — if they have the proper funds. The book was originally written by Richard K. Morgan in 2002 and adapted into a two-season series in 2018.

The budget for season 1 was rumored to be roughly $7 million per episode, making it one of Netflix’s most expensive productions.


The plot follows Takeshi Kovacs, a member of elite soldiers known as “envoys” who wakes up in a new sleeve after centuries of unconsciousness. Kovacs is forced to aid a powerful galactic business executive in exchange for his freedom of resurrection. Altered Carbon is downright awesome, and it stretches the confines of traditional science fiction. The show is packed with excellent fight scenes, edgy humor, and mind-boggling concepts. Given the quality of the story, it’s a shame Netflix canceled Altered Carbon after a mere two seasons.

6 3 Body Problem (2024-Present)

Based On The Book By Liu Cixin

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem is based on author Liu Cixin’s famous book series, with the first installment being The Three-Body Problem. The novel belongs to the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, and the TV series covers the content of the first book and parts of the latter two. The story spans the past, present, and future, demonstrating how communication across the universe can kick off a series of irreversible events.


There are several differences between the television adaptation and the book series, but it isn’t surprising given the complexity of the novel’s subject matter. Many of the descriptions, concepts, and events are far too intricate to be effectively displayed on screen, but the show does a great job of communicating the content with the resources it’s given. 3 Body Problem ended season 1 with a cliffhanger finish, laying a great foundation for the upcoming episodes.

5 Dark Matter (2024-Present)

Based On The Novel By Blake Crouch


Dark Matter was originally a sci-fi thriller novel written by Blake Crouch in 2016. In May 2024, Apple TV took Crouch’s vision and brought it to life with a series of the same name. The show is utterly fascinating, even though it’s still significantly different from the book in several areas. Dark Matter follows Professor Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), who is transported to an alternate reality that includes a different version of his own life. In an exploration of the multiverse, Jason journeys to return to his original reality and get back to his family.

The series takes the premise presented in the novel and polishes it into a more digestible form.


Interestingly enough, the critical reception of the show is generally better than that of the book, which usually isn’t the case. The series takes the premise presented in the novel and polishes it into a more digestible form. Although it can be a slow burn, the concept is as intriguing as it is terrifying. Joel Edgerton delivers a nuanced performance that’s hard to pull off considering the context of the plot. Given its popularity, Dark Matter season 2 is sure to continue the mind-blowing story in style.

4 The Man In The High Castle (2015-2019)

Based On The Book By Philip K. Dick

The Man in the High Castle presents an interesting example in the context of the science fiction genre. It doesn’t necessarily propose any mind-bending technological concepts, but rather depicts a future in which the events of the past were carried out differently. The series, loosely based on the novel of the same name, was originally published by Philip K. Dick in 1962.


Takeshi Kido in suit, Juliana Crain on street

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In a dystopian world, The Man in the High Castle imagines a timeline in which the Nazis and Japan were victorious in World War II. Consequently, the United States is divided into zones, controlled by the Japanese Empire and the Greater Nazi Reich. The plot follows Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos), who comes across a mysterious tape that offers a glimmer of hope and a potential outlet from the oppressed world. Although the show is primarily a form of alternative history, it’s sprinkled with elements of sci-fi and makes for a fascinating story.


3 The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)

Based On The Book by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale Poster

The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel by author Margaret Atwood. The series was created by Bruce Miller and stars Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, and Yvonne Strahovski. The show follows the story of a young handmaid as she is forced to deal with a new totalitarian government that subjugates women in this dark societal twist.

Cast
O-T Fagbenle , Joseph Fiennes , Alexis Bledel , Elisabeth Moss , Amanda Brugel , Bradley Whitford , Max Minghella , Ann Dowd , Samira Wiley , Madeline Brewer , Yvonne Strahovski

Release Date
April 26, 2017

Seasons
5

Writers
Bruce Miller , Margaret Atwood

Showrunner
Bruce Miller

Based on the famous 1985 novel written by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale imagines a futuristic dystopian society. Unlike several shows derived from literature, the television series extends the contents of the book significantly past the limits of Atwood’s ideas. There are currently five seasons out, with a sixth season of The Handmaid’s Tale expected to be released sometime in 2025. Surprisingly, only the first season covers the plot of the book, while the latter episodes continue the story without source material.


The series follows June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), who lives in a totalitarian society referred to as Gilead, located in the former area of the United States. In this fictional world, birthrates are plummeting, and consequently, the fundamentalist regime treats women as property and confines them to a life of sexual servitude. The series is extremely harsh in both content and concept, but explores important ideas and effectively builds off Atwood’s initial vision.

2 Silo (2023-Present)

Based On The Book Series By Hugh Howey

Silo TV Poster

Based on Hugh Howey’s Wool novel series, Silo is a sci-fi drama series created for Apple TV and follows an engineer named Juliette, who lives in a dystopian future. With the surface poisoned and the world all but ruined, the residents live in a silo deep underground. When the community sheriff breaks protocol and leads to the death of several residents, Juliette begins to discover the dark truth of the silo.

Release Date
May 5, 2023

Seasons
2

Directors
Morten Tyldum , David Semel

Showrunner
Graham Yost


Similar to The Handmaid’s Tale, Silo takes place in a dystopian future, but the circumstances are entirely different. The hit Apple TV series is based on Hugh Howey’s Silo trilogy of novels, which include Wool, Shift, and Dust. The show is set in a society where the surface is plagued by toxicity. Consequently, humans are forced to live under strict regulations in a massive underground silo that spans across hundreds of levels.

At the forefront of the story lies Juliette Nicholas (Rebecca Ferguson), an engineer who seeks to discover the mysteries about the world she lives in. The show is an excellent adaptation of the novels and is executed in a way that feels fresh. The dystopian premise is so unique, and the set design truly brings it to life. Additionally, Ferguson delivers a stellar performance that bolsters the plot. There is currently one completed season in existence, with Silo season two episodes being released periodically.


1 The Expanse (2015-2022)

Based On The Book Series By James S.A. Corey

The Expanse is considered to be one of the best sci-fi shows there is, and for good reason. The series is based on a collection of novels written by James S.A. Corey, that includes a whopping ten installments. Generally speaking, the television version covers the first six novels across its six seasons. The Expanse is set hundreds of years into the future, where humans have managed to colonize the entire solar system.


Mars is a fully fleshed-out planet that has turned into an independent power with hyper-advanced technology, and there are political conflicts between the Martian government and Earth. After an important woman goes missing, characters from different walks of life converge to get to the bottom of the case, which ultimately reveals more than meets the eye. There are so many qualities that make this show lovable. The set design is intricate, the plot is solid, and the hilarious dynamic of the characters makes it that much better.

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