Lots of popular science fiction books are being adapted into TV shows, and fans are eagerly anticipating them! Sci-fi is becoming increasingly popular in both books and movies/TV, and more and more streaming services are adding sci-fi titles to their collections.
As a sci-fi fan, it’s no surprise to me that streaming services are grabbing the rights to as many books as they can! It just makes sense – these stories already have dedicated readers, which is a huge advantage. Plus, sci-fi shows are usually expensive to make, so studios are smart to pick properties that are likely to bring in a lot of viewers and make their money back – and hopefully a profit, too!
There’s a wealth of amazing science fiction books that would translate beautifully to television, thanks to their vivid imagery, immersive worlds, and thought-provoking stories. Even older classics remain incredibly relevant and exciting today. These are six sci-fi TV adaptations we’re most looking forward to.
6. Consider Phlebas
In February 2025, Deadline reported that Prime Video is developing a TV series based on Iain Banks’ Culture novels. The series will be set in a futuristic, utopian society called the Culture, which is engaged in a galactic war with the Idran Empire, a powerful civilization determined to conquer the galaxy. The first installment will be adapted from the novel Consider Phlebas.
Fans might be surprised to hear this, given that Amazon had previously announced and then cancelled a Consider Phlebas show back in 2020. But it’s probably a good thing that project didn’t move forward, as the new show will feature author Charles Yu as a writer and executive producer. Yu’s background in science fiction is a promising sign for the quality of the Consider Phlebas adaptation.
Adapting Consider Phlebas is a great choice because it’s the most visually dynamic book in the series, offering lots of opportunities for exciting action scenes. The story’s themes also remain relevant today. If Prime Video handles this adaptation with the same care and quality as The Expanse, Consider Phlebas has the potential to be very successful.
5. The Captive’s War
Many fans and critics agree that Syfy and Prime’s series, The Expanse, is among the best science fiction shows made recently. So it makes perfect sense that Prime Video quickly decided to adapt The Captive’s War, a new sci-fi series by authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, who write together under the name James S.A. Corey. The series includes three novels and two shorter stories.
If we can’t acquire the final three books in The Expanse series, this is the next best choice. This trilogy tells the story of enslaved humans fighting to live under the rule of the Carryx, an alien race. While the story is quite different from the authors’ previous work, it shares a similar feel and grand, space-based adventure style, making it a natural follow-up to The Expanse.
| Book # | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | The Mercy of Gods | August 6, 2024 |
| #1.5 | Livesuit | October 1, 2024 |
| #2 | The Faith of Beasts | April 14, 2026 |
| #2.5 | Untitled novella | TBA |
| #3 | Untitled book | TBA |
The new show will be made by the same talented team behind the hit series The Expanse, including director Breck Eisner, showrunner Naren Shankar, and writers Abraham and Franck. Having this team reunite is a great sign and suggests The Captive’s War has a strong chance of being successful.
4. The Future Is Ours
Netflix Latin America recently announced it will be turning Philip K. Dick’s 1956 novel, The World Jones Made, into a new miniseries called The Future Is Ours. The story, set in a future 2047 after an environmental disaster, depicts a harsh, controlling government. It centers on a preacher with psychic abilities whose arrest sparks a revolution.
The show is being created with the blessing and support of Philip K. Dick’s daughter, Isa Dick Hackett, and her company, Electric Shepherd Productions. Electric Shepherd Productions has successfully adapted many of Dick’s works before, including popular shows like The Man in the High Castle and Electric Dreams, which gives fans confidence that this new adaptation will be faithful to the source material.
Plus, the team behind The Future Is Ours includes many of the same talented people who created the amazing 2024 Netflix version of One Hundred Years of Solitude. Knowing how beautifully they adapted that classic novel, I’m certain the new show will be visually impressive, feature fantastic performances, and have a powerful story.
3. The Testaments
Fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming adaptation of The Testaments, the follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale. While some might debate the genre, both books are considered science fiction because they depict dystopian societies, explore social and cultural themes using fields like sociology and anthropology, and center on issues of reproduction.
Fans are especially eager for The Testaments because the Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale was such a success. The show could have easily missed the mark, but it beautifully adapted Margaret Atwood’s novel and continued the story beyond where the book left off.
Since the team behind The Testaments is the same as the original, we can expect the story to feel consistent and maintain its distinctive look. Beloved (and hated!) Emmy-winning actress Ann Dowd will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, and she’ll be joined by Lucy Halliday as Daisy and Chase Infiniti playing Agnes/Hannah, forming the show’s central trio.
2. Blade Runner 2099
The beloved sci-fi film Blade Runner, released in 1982, was based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Although it didn’t do well in theaters at first, it has since become incredibly popular and launched a whole series of films and other media. The next installment will be Blade Runner 2099, continuing the story from the previous two Blade Runner movies.
Although plot and character details haven’t been revealed yet, the cast of Blade Runner 2099 includes the Academy Award-winning Michelle Yeoh, known for her roles in Everything Everywhere All At Once and Wicked, and Hunter Schafer from Euphoria. Both are highly talented actresses who are sure to deliver outstanding performances in the new Blade Runner series.
In addition, Blade Runner 2099 is being made by Scott Free Productions, the company owned by the renowned science fiction director Ridley Scott. His involvement is particularly promising, as he directed the first Blade Runner film. While Denis Villeneuve did an excellent job with Blade Runner 2049, many felt it lacked the unique creative touch that Ridley Scott brings to the series.
We’re excited about his return to the series. While he’s well-known for his film work, his success with shows like The Andromeda Strain and The Man in the High Castle proves he’s also excellent at developing stories over a longer period of time.
1. Neuromancer
Among the many science fiction books being adapted for television, Apple TV’s upcoming series based on William Gibson’s Neuromancer is generating the most buzz. Neuromancer essentially established the blueprint for the Cyberpunk genre, influencing countless books, films, and video games – including titles like The Matrix and Cyberpunk 2077.
In a not-so-distant, technology-driven future controlled by powerful corporations, a former hacker named Case joins forces with Molly, a mercenary enhanced with cybernetic implants. They work for Armitage, a veteran of the military, on a dangerous heist. The story delves into themes of wealth gaps, the impact of capitalism, artificial intelligence, the blending of humans and technology, and what it truly means to be human and aware.
Despite being published over forty years ago, Neuromancer still feels incredibly current, meaning its upcoming adaptation should connect with viewers. There’s a strong existing interest in cyberpunk themes, suggesting a good audience turnout. Plus, the people making the show have a history of successful projects.
Callum Turner (known for Masters of Air), Briana Middleton (Sharper), and Mark Strong (Kingsman: The Secret Service) are starring in the new series. J.D. Dillard (Devotion) and Graham Roland (Dark Winds) will be co-leading the creative side as showrunners. Considering Apple TV’s track record with science fiction, Neuromancer promises to be excellent.
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2025-11-04 02:44