For many decades,Stephen King’s novels and short stories have been adapted into hit movies and TV shows. Iconic movies such asThe Shining,Carrie, andThe Green Milewere adapted from King’s stories. Over the years, fascination with the worlds andcharacters created by Stephen Kinghas not ceased. It’s possible that thebooks of Stephen Kinghave become more popular than ever before with the rise of streaming services.
Stephen King adaptations have always been very popular on streaming services. However, months ago,one of the best TV shows based on King’s work was removed from the Disney-owned Hulu. Recently, the 2016 miniseries11-22-63moved to Tubi, which will give new viewers a chance to discover the greatness of the time travel show. While it is arguable that11-22-63remains the best Stephen King TV show, a new series premiering in 2025 could be a worthy competitor.
A Lot Of Modern Stephen King TV Shows Have Been Disappointing
Most Streaming Services Include Stephen King TV Shows
While Stephen King adaptations date back to the 1970s,there have been many more TV shows based on the writer’s work in the past decade. However, several of them have been underwhelming. Shows likeUnder The Dome,The Stand,The Mist,Lisey’s Story, and others have failed to impress audiences. This is not to say there haven’t been standout Stephen King TV adaptations -The OutsiderandCastle Rockboth received very strong reviews - but for the most part, critics and fans have been mostly disappointed with the more recent TV shows.
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Stephen King has written many iconic and acclaimed novels, including these unforgettable moments that remain truly terrifying years later.
In fairness, one could say the same thing about recent movies based on Stephen King’s work. Since there are so manyStephen King adaptationsbeing made, not all of them are bound to be great. However,there are several more standout King movies,many of which are regarded as amazing. The recently releasedSalem’s Lot,Firestarter, andThe Dark Towermay not have received great reviews, but then several truly exceptional Stephen King movies were praised by critics, such asItandGerald’s Game.
11-22-63 Is A Worthy Stephen King TV Adaptation
11-22-63 Features Time Travel, Which Is Rare In Stephen King’s Stories
In addition to the aforementionedThe OutsiderandCastle Rock,11-22-63is another successful recent Stephen King TV show. The cast of11-22-63includes James Franco, Sarah Gadon, George MacKay, and Josh Duhamel. The miniseries holds an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and follows Jake Epping, who is offered the chance to travel back in time to 1963 to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Compared to some King adaptations, it actually makes sense that11-22-63is a miniseries instead of a movie.
The11-22-63miniseries is based on theStephen King novelof the same name, and is a refreshing change of genre compared to the other series and movies mentioned. While King is known for writing horror stories,11-22-63leans more heavily into the science fiction and thriller genres. Additionally, compared to some King adaptations, it actually makes sense that11-22-63is a miniseries instead of a movie. Since Jake attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century throughout the show’s eight episodes, the intriguing plot threads and reveals keep viewers engaged throughout the whole show.
2025 Could Have A Great Stephen King TV Show
It: Welcome To Derry Will Feature Pennywse The Clown
Based on early reveals about the series, there’s a chance thatIt: Welcome to Derrycould become one of the best TV series based on Stephen King’s work.It: Welcome to Derrywill premiereon Max in 2025, and will serve asa prequel toItandIt Chapter Two,two of the most popular Stephen King movies of the last decade. Andy Muschietti, director of bothItmovies, returned to developWelcome to Derryalongside his sister Barabara Muschietti and screenwriter Jason Fuchs.
The 2025 series will expand on the story ofItandIt Chapter Two, and explore more about theorigins of Pennywise the Clown, who will once again be portrayed by Bill Skarsgård.Pennywise is often referred to as the best Stephen King villain, andWelcome to Derryis set to explore events from King’sItnovel that were not included in the two films. Therefore,It: Welcome to Derryseems poised to give previous shows like11-22-63a run for their money, and could potentially become the bestStephen KingTV series.
11.22.63
Cast
A teacher travels back in time to prevent the Kennedy assassination but grows emotionally tied to his new life in the past.
It: Welcome to Derry
IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the IT films, exploring the origins of Pennywise the Clown. Set in the 1960s, this installment dives into the backdrop of Derry, unveiling the dark history and circumstances surrounding the infamous creature.
