A nine-year-old series not only stands out as the finest Stephen King sci-fi show but also ranks among the most remarkable adaptations of the author’s literary works. Despite its exceptional ability to translate a Stephen King novel into a captivating television format, the show remains relatively obscure and underappreciated even after several years since its release.

Given that Stephen King is widely regarded as one of the most prolific horror authors of contemporary literature, particularly in the horror genre, his name alone can significantly boost the appeal of various shows and films. The anticipation surrounding a TV series or film dramatically heightens when audiences discover it is based on Stephen King‘s creations.

Nevertheless, not every adaptation of Stephen King‘s works achieves massive success. While many productions struggle to encapsulate the essence of his brilliant storytelling when adapted for the screen, others are crafted with great skill yet fail to connect with the appropriate audience. This particular series appears to fall into the latter category, warranting far more attention than it has garnered since its debut.

Discover Why 11.22.63 Is Considered Stephen King’s Best Sci-Fi Show and a Top Adaptation

This Series Achieves an Impressive Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score of 83%

Featuring the talented James Franco, 11.22.63 is adapted from Stephen King‘s novel of the same name. Although it contains elements of horror, it primarily aligns with the science fiction genre through its intricate examination of time travel, parallel timelines, and alternate history. In this series, Franco takes on the role of high school teacher Jake Epping, who discovers the ability to travel back in time through the assistance of a friend, played by Chris Cooper.

His friend urges him to utilize this time travel capability to alter the course of history by preventing the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. However, as Jake embarks on this monumental task, he quickly realizes that tampering with the past can lead to unforeseen and catastrophic outcomes. Fans of science fiction will find that 11.22.63 operates within a familiar realm, exploring themes that resonate deeply with the genre.

While it is certainly not the first or last series to delve into the ripple effects of time manipulation or the ethical quandaries surrounding historical alterations for the greater good, the show’s unique perspective and character-driven narrative elevate it. Its portrayal of time travel may not be groundbreaking, but what truly distinguishes it is the profound human connection and the remarkable performances delivered by its cast.

By employing time travel as a central narrative device, 11.22.63 masterfully conveys themes of love, loss, and the dire consequences of attempting to play god with history. Although there are instances where the series stretches the boundaries of believability, it consistently remains anchored in relatable emotions through its well-developed characters.

What Makes 11.22.63 Shine in Its Adaptation of Stephen King’s Original Novel?

The Series Makes Significant Changes to the Source Material

One of the most notable alterations made by the series compared to Stephen King‘s original novel is the change in the timeline, sending James Franco’s character back to 1958 instead of 1960. This adjustment enriches the series because, as creator Bridget Carpenter explained (via Uproxx), it places the protagonist amidst the election year, where the discussions about Kennedy’s presidential aspirations are actively unfolding.

Additionally, the series streamlined several other story elements from the original text, as it could not afford to deviate too far from the main storyline. Consequently, while the novel often takes a step back from the typical thriller format and injects light-hearted, uplifting themes, the show unfolds at a more rapid pace.

Understandably, many viewers expressed disappointment regarding the vast changes made to 11.22.63. However, Stephen King, as noted by J.J. Abrams in an interview (via LA Times), endorsed the series, acknowledging that all modifications were essential. In another discussion (via Fast Company), the show’s creator revealed that King referred to the show’s concept as “genius” and stated:

“The best adaptations of my work are not slavish. They take liberty, and this is really in line with the spirit of the story, and I approve wholeheartedly.”

One of the more debatable alterations in the series was the placement of its central time travel portal, situated in the middle of a street within the historical timeline. Each time the character played by James Franco travels to the past, he appears in front of numerous bystanders in broad daylight. In contrast, the book provided a more intricate explanation of how he managed to keep his time travel endeavors a secret by revealing that the portal was concealed at both ends.

Why This Stephen King Series Deserves More Recognition for Its Quality

It Has Yet to Attain the Recognition of Other Mainstream Stephen King Adaptations

Adaptations of books that make significant alterations to the source material often face criticism. However, 11.22.63 is one of the rare Stephen King adaptations that successfully balances storytelling tailored to the television format while honoring the spirit of the original narrative.

As a result, many viewers who experienced the series before reading the book found themselves favoring the TV adaptation. Similarly, those who read Stephen King‘s novel prior to watching the show gained a deeper appreciation for the source material. Regardless of the order in which one approaches the content, 11.22.63 stands out as one of the most intriguing adaptations of Stephen King’s works.

Sadly, despite receiving acclaim from critics and earning Stephen King‘s endorsement, the series has yet to achieve the same level of popularity as other mainstream adaptations of his works. It is hoped that in the future, audiences will revisit this series and recognize it as the undervalued gem that it truly is.