AmongStephen King’s works are also some sci-fi stories, and one of them was adapted into a TV show with 89% on Rotten Tomatoes that fans of the genre should watch.The works of Stephen Kinghave served as inspiration for many movies and TV shows for years, and while most of them are horror stories, there are others that blend horror with other genres.
Although the best-known Stephen King adaptations are movies, some of his best works have made it to TV, too. Titles likeThe Stand,Carrie,It,The Shining, andSalem’s Lothave been adapted to TV to different levels of success, but an underrated book and TV show isThe Dead Zone– luckily, it’s now available to stream for free.
In 1979, Stephen King’s sci-fi thriller novelThe Dead Zonewas published, and it was a big success.The Dead Zonebecame a key story in the universe of Stephen King as it was the first one to feature the now-infamous fictionaltown of Castle Rock.
The popularity and success ofThe Dead Zoneled to its film adaptation in 1983, directed by David Cronenberg and starring Christopher Walken.The Dead Zoneis regarded as one ofthe best Stephen King adaptationsto date, and in 2002, it got another adaptation, but this time in the world of TV.
Developed by Michael and Shawn Piller,The Dead Zonestarred Anthony Michael Hall as Johnny Smith. After a car accident that leaves him in a coma for six years, Johnny begins having prophetic visions when he’s in direct contact with people or objects. Johnny refers to the damaged part of his brain as the “dead zone” and uses his new abilities to solve crimes.
However, at the same time, Johnny is haunted by apocalyptic visions of the future election of congressional candidate Greg Stillson.The Dead Zoneis available to streamwith a subscription on different platforms, but it has now been added to Tubi. The platform is free but ad-supported, making it easier to watchThe Dead Zonein its entirety.
The Dead Zonehas been overshadowed by the most famous works of Stephen King, both as a novel and as a TV show. Shows likeIt,The Stand,Under the Dome, andSalem’s Lothave taken most of the attention, butThe Dead Zoneis worth watching as well.
The Dead Zonestands out from other sci-fi horror stories thanks to its protagonist and the circumstances around his abilities.The Dead Zonebrings together sci-fi, horror, drama, political conspiracies, and fantasy elements in a show that has a different mystery to solve in every episode and an overarching plot.
One of the strengths ofThe Dead Zoneis the performances of its cast, particularly Anthony Michael Hall, who brings to life the many struggles Johnny goes through with his abilities, the issues in his personal life, and his desire to help people.The Dead Zonemight not be widely remembered, but it’s worth watching.
