5 Failed TV Adaptations That Deserve Another Chance

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It’s true that not all TV adaptations are successful, but that shouldn’t stop creators from trying. While turning books into shows or movies is the most frequent approach, adaptations come in many forms. Most often, they’re based on novels or short stories, but we’ve also seen TV shows inspired by films, video games, and plays. Adapting any story is challenging, particularly when fans have strong opinions about how it should be done.

Lots of TV shows based on books or other material could benefit from a reboot. Sometimes, adaptations stray too far from the original story, or a promising show gets canceled before its time. Other times, a perfectly good series just doesn’t quite catch on with audiences. Regardless of why they didn’t fully succeed the first time, these stories are worth revisiting and adapting for television again.

‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ (2022)


HBO

The TV series of The Time Traveler’s Wife received mixed reactions. Although the show looked good and the acting was generally solid, many viewers found the dialogue awkward and unnatural, even uncomfortable. While the adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s 2003 novel was passable, it changed some plot points, which led to certain scenes feeling unsettling or strange.

One particularly awkward moment in the TV show occurred when Henry time-traveled and unexpectedly appeared naked before a young Clare, immediately asking her for clothes. While their relationship in the original book was always portrayed as innocent and proper, many viewers found this scene unsettling. The 2009 film adaptation of The Time Traveler’s Wife also received a mixed reception at first, though it later gained appreciation. However, that doesn’t mean the story isn’t worth revisiting with a new TV series.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017-2020)


Netflix

When 13 Reasons Why first hit Netflix in 2017, it was a cultural phenomenon. But honestly, as a viewer, I felt the show really lost its way after that initial season. The series, based on Jay Asher’s book, stretched the story way beyond what it needed to be. They kept adding new storylines and characters that weren’t even in the original book, and it just didn’t work. Looking back, I think most viewers, myself included, would agree that it should have stayed a tightly-focused, near-perfect miniseries instead of dragging it out for four seasons.

While the story of 13 Reasons Why is important and deserves to be heard, the Netflix series didn’t handle sensitive issues like sexual assault, serious illness, and bullying very well. Critics pointed out that some scenes were too graphic and could have been powerfully presented without being unnecessarily traumatizing. Although another TV adaptation isn’t needed right away, Jay Asher’s book deserves to be adapted for the screen again in the future.

‘Alien Nation’ (1989-1990)


Fox

The TV series Alien Nation, based on the 1988 film, cleverly built upon the movie’s original idea, but unfortunately only ran for one season. This was likely because the show premiered so soon after the film, and the network was facing financial difficulties. Alien Nation offered a fun, sci-fi premise: it followed LAPD detective Matthew Sikes as he partnered with a Newcomer named Sam “George” Francisco in a world where humans and aliens lived together.

The TV series Alien Nation shifted the focus towards a classic “buddy cop” dynamic, and had a lot of potential for future seasons and expansion. Unfortunately, it was cancelled prematurely, ending on a cliffhanger. The intended first episode of Season 2 was eventually reworked into a novel and comic book. The core idea behind Alien Nation remains relevant and appealing even now, and it’s a beloved ’80s show that deserves a revival as a great television series.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2012-2025)


Prime Video

The TV series adaptation of The Wheel of Time has generated a lot of conversation, both positive and negative. While based on Robert Jordan’s popular book series, many longtime fans were let down by Amazon Prime Video’s version. The show was cancelled after three seasons, which disappointed some viewers who hoped it would more closely follow the books in future seasons.

The TV adaptation of The Wheel of Time made a lot of changes to the story and characters, and while fans discussed whether those changes were good or bad, almost everyone found something to dislike. The original book series by Robert Jordan is very popular, but many felt Amazon’s version didn’t quite live up to expectations. While another adaptation might happen someday, it’s unlikely to appear anytime soon given how recently the first one finished.

‘Under the Dome’ (2013-2015)


CBS

Although some Stephen King adaptations have been considered even worse by fans and King himself, CBS’s Under the Dome didn’t live up to its potential. Many viewers felt the show initially followed the book closely, but later seasons diverged from the source material with plot changes and alterations to the characters.

One of the ways the TV series Under the Dome disappointed Stephen King fans was its focus on science fiction. While the book has some sci-fi elements – like the explanation of how the dome appeared – it wasn’t primarily a science fiction story. The show, however, leaned heavily into that genre, especially with the introduction of characters like The Kinship. Despite its flaws, the story could be successfully adapted again in the future.

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2026-03-01 00:42