Prime Video’s Upcoming Space Opera Based On Iconic Book Series Can Replace Star Trek

Star Trek is one of the most iconic science fiction TV franchises of all time, but Prime Video’s upcoming space opera based on a bestselling book series can temporarily replace it. There’s nothing quite like Star Trek. The franchise, which started in 1966, has reinvented itself many times while still staying true to the heart of the original show.

The first two Star Trek TV shows were my first real introduction to science fiction, so they hold a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, we fans might be going through a Star Trek drought on TV pretty soon.

Currently, Star Trek is killing it with comic books. The big screen has potential, with Star Trek: Origins still in the works. On the small screen, the franchise is floundering, though. Every active Star Trek show has been canceled. For the first time in almost a decade, there are no new Star Trek TV shows on the way. Luckily, one show could tide us over.

Consider Phlebas Has Enough In Common With Star Trek To Replace It

I want to be very clear; I do not think that Star Trek will ever be truly replaced. If history’s any indication, the franchise will always come back to life at some point. Plus, Star Trek’s influence on science fiction TV is profound. That will never change.

However, we might have to turn to other shows to fill the void. The best choice will be the TV adaptation of the space opera Consider Phlebas, which will bring the Culture series by Iain M. Banks to life.

Consider Phlebas and Star Trek share many narrative similarities, making the upcoming show the perfect temporary replacement. The Culture civilization brings many species together in a collective post-scarcity society. This functions similarly to the United Federations of Planets in Star Trek.

Both Star Trek and the Culture books feature sentient AIs. The stories also feature a wide range of species with distinct cultures and varying levels of advancement. The technology is quite similar between the Culture books and Star Trek. Plus, the conflict between the Idrians and the Culture in Consider Phlebas is extremely similar to the Dominion War from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

That being said, the two will have distinct tones. Star Trek is significantly more optimistic than Consider Phlebas. The franchise typically boasts in the inherent goodness of folks and promotes cooperation. The stories generally convey a feeling of curiosity and wonder. Meanwhile, Consider Phlebas is much more cynical about whether people are good or evil.

The good news is that the Culture series has so much source material to work with. The book series includes ten novels, meaning it could go on for years without taking a break. It won’t have to take the risk of continuing past the books for at least a decade, if not more.

Prime Video Has An Impressive Lineup Of Sci-Fi Shows In Development

Consider Phlebas is just one of the many exciting science fiction TV shows on the horizon for Prime Video. This year, Blade Runner 2099, Spider-Noir, and the new Ghost in the Shell anime will debut on the streaming site. All of these shows are highly anticipated and could help shape their respective subgenres.

The powers that be have also renewed Fallout for season 3, which has been a certified hit for Prime Video. The show is so beloved that Fallout is getting a rare physical release ahead of its upcoming season.

They’re currently developing the space operas The Captive’s War and Consider Phlebas. The writer’s room is active for the highly-anticipated Stargate reboot, as well. If Prime Video continues to bring great science fiction stories to life, it may eventually rival Apple TV for the best sci-fi streamer.