Are Novels Always the Better Foundation for TV Series?

It is often believed that novel-based TV series are always superior to their standalone counterparts. However, this assumption is not always valid. While novel-based series tend to benefit from thorough planning and a pre-existing fan base, standalone series can also excel in their own right. This article will explore the strengths and weaknesses of both formats and delve into why novels may not always serve as the best foundation for a successful TV series.

Strengths of Novels As the Foundation for TV Series

Novels offer a detailed and well-thought-out story framework that can lay a strong foundation for a TV series. Given the time and space of a novel, the author can meticulously plot the narrative, ensuring that all elements hang together cohesively. This extensive planning often translates to a more polished and refined final product. Consequently, a novel-based series is less likely to face the “jump the shark” phenomenon, where the storyline veers off into confusion or incoherence.

Pre-Plotting and Character Development

The extensive pre-plotting in novels ensures that all the “i’s” are dotted and “t’s” are crossed, even if the complete realization of these plans unfolds over the course of the series. This thoroughness provides a solid base for the adaptation process, enabling the TV series to build upon and expand the story in a logical and consistent manner. Additionally, novels often feature well-established characters and a large fan base, which can translate to a loyal and engaged audience for the TV series.

Attracting an Audience Upon Adaptation

A novel-based series typically stands out from other TV projects due to its inherent quality and existing fan base. This is especially true when the novel series boasts a powerful narrative that captivates readers and holds them through an entire series. When a TV series is based on such a novel, it can leverage this pre-existing draw to attract and retain viewers from the very first episode. For instance, the first episode of a novel-based series can connect with audiences in a way that a standalone series may take years to achieve.

The Case of Firefly: A Missed Opportunity?

A noteworthy example is the TV series Firefly, which was based on a novel series. This anthology series could have been a powerful narrative foundation, with a detailed and coherent background. However, due to its abrupt cancellation, it never reached its full potential. The show started off with a strong first episode, not drastically dissimilar from a standalone series, but never managed to hook viewers in the same way a novel would have. The overall experience suggests that a much more comprehensive and coherent narrative planned in advance could have made a significant difference in the series’ success.

The Importance of Momentum in Series Development

Most groundbreaking science fiction series take several seasons to gain momentum. Series like Treasure Planet, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager all began to shine around their fourth or fifth seasons. Enterprise, for example, never made it to its fifth season, and TOS despite its notable first season, has not aged particularly well. This trend shows that a significant amount of time and development are often needed for a series to reach its full potential.

Exception: Babylon 5 and The Expanse

Babylon 5 stands out as a unique case where a series had a broad plan for five seasons, ensuring a coherent and well-structured narrative. However, the fifth season's parameters became lax near its end, leading to an uneven conclusion. The Expanse, on the other hand, demonstrates how well-planned novel series can be adapted into TV series that captivate viewers from the first minute. Unlike Firefly, which took an episodic approach with less coherence, the Expanse presents a story that builds upon established ground, making for a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience.

Conclusion

While novel-based TV series offer several advantages, such as extensive plotting and a pre-existing fan base, they are not universally superior. Standalone series can also excel with their unique narrative approaches and engaged audiences. The success of a TV series depends on a multitude of factors, including the quality of the source material, the adaptability of the story to the medium, and the skill of the adaptation team. Ultimately, each format has its strengths and challenges, and it is the artful balance of these elements that determines the success of a series.