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 miniseries 11-22-63 moved to Tubi, which will give new viewers a chance to discover the greatness of the time travel show. While it is arguable that 11-22-63 remains 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 like Under 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 Outsider and Castle Rock both 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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In fairness, one could say the same thing about recent movies based on Stephen King's work. Since there are so many Stephen King adaptations being 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 released Salem's Lot, Firestarter, and The Dark Tower may not have received great reviews, but then several truly exceptional Stephen King movies were praised by critics, such as It and Gerald'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 aforementioned The Outsider and Castle Rock, 11-22-63 is another successful recent Stephen King TV show. The cast of 11-22-63 includes 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 that 11-22-63 is a miniseries instead of a movie.
The 11-22-63 miniseries is based on the Stephen King novel of 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, 11-22-63 leans more heavily into the science fiction and thriller genres. Additionally, compared to some King adaptations, it actually makes sense that 11-22-63 is 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 that It: Welcome to Derry could become one of the best TV series based on Stephen King's work. It: Welcome to Derry will premiere on Max in 2025, and will serve as a prequel to It and It Chapter Two, two of the most popular Stephen King movies of the last decade. Andy Muschietti, director of both It movies, returned to develop Welcome to Derry alongside his sister Barabara Muschietti and screenwriter Jason Fuchs.
The 2025 series will expand on the story of It and It Chapter Two, and explore more about the origins of Pennywise the Clown, who will once again be portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. Pennywise is often referred to as the best Stephen King villain, and Welcome to Derry is set to explore events from King's It novel that were not included in the two films. Therefore, It: Welcome to Derry seems poised to give previous shows like 11-22-63 a run for their money, and could potentially become the best Stephen King TV series.
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11.22.63 centers on Jake Epping, a young high school English teacher, who develops a plan to travel back in time and save John F. Kennedy from being assassinated. The Hulu mini-series was based on the 2011 novel 11/22/63 by Stephen King and stars James Franco as Jake Epping. Upon release 11.22.63 received mostly positive reviews.
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Welcome to Derry is a prequel series set in the universe of Stephen King's It. Slated for a 2025 release, the series explores the small town of Derry, Maine, in the early 1960s, delving into the origins of the malevolent entity known as Pennywise. The narrative focuses on the lives of the townspeople as they contend with the mysterious and sinister occurrences that foreshadow the terror to come.
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