The past few years have seen significant changes in how we consume television. The rise of social media and streaming has forced broadcasting studios to rethink their approach to programming.
Reality, game, and talent shows have seen a decline, with iconic series like The X Factor cancelled in 2018 and Britain’s Got Talent experiencing dwindling viewership each season. Meanwhile, the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has influenced TV series to embrace interconnected storylines, where genres, characters, and narratives intertwine.
Hollywood has increasingly turned to video games for inspiration, with blockbuster hits like Uncharted, starring Tom Holland, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, featuring Chris Pratt, breaking box office records. This trend has also extended to television, leading to a surge in video game adaptations for the small screen.
The Last of Us
We begin with one of the most critically acclaimed and popular series in recent years—a bleak yet powerful tale of survival, desperation, loyalty, and family: HBO’s The Last of Us.
Originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013, the game pushed the console to its limits, delivering some of the best storytelling ever seen in a video game. It follows Joel and his surrogate daughter, Ellie, as they struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a fungal outbreak. Ellie, discovered to be immune, may hold the key to humanity’s survival, and the two must journey to find those who can unlock a cure.
HBO’s adaptation of the first game expands on the origins of the outbreak and deeps the backstories of several side characters. One standout episode veers from the source material entirely, delivering an emotional, original take on survival featuring a stunning performance from Nick Offerman as the survivalist Bill. While we won’t spoil any more of the story, a sequel, The Last of Us Part II, was released in 2020, and the long-awaited sequel for the show is set to be released on April 13th of this year.
Gripping from start to finish, The Last of Us stands as perhaps the finest adaptation of a video game to television.
Fallout
Based on the iconic video game franchise known for its retro-futuristic aesthetic and post-apocalyptic setting, Fallout arrived on Amazon Prime Video in 2024. The streaming platform, renowned for hit series like The Boys and Invincible, brings its signature storytelling approach to the beloved game adaptation.
The series quickly gained traction on social media, praised for its fresh spin on the game’s lore, its unique comedic tone, and a striking colour palette that has already sparked speculation about awards season recognition.
Since its inception in 1997, the Fallout franchise has expanded with multiple acclaimed titles, including the fan-favourite Fallout: New Vegas, which immerses players in a post-apocalyptic wasteland of decaying casinos, ruthless raiders, and advanced weaponry. With Amazon’s adaptation, the Fallout universe is poised to reach an even wider audience, bridging the gap between gaming and mainstream entertainment.
Much like the real Las Vegas, the Fallout: New Vegas map is filled with many games similar to free to play slots, with a total of 6 popular casino venues like The Tops, Atomic Wrangler, and Gomorrah. The only difference is, you’re playing for ‘caps’ and in-game items and not actual dollars!
Arcane
Based on arguably one of the most popular games of all time, League of Legends, Arcane is a worthy adaption with an average rotten tomatoes score of 100% and an audience score of 90%. Following the story of Vi, a playable champion in the game, the show blends stunning animation with deep storytelling, delving into themes of power, family, and the consequences of ambition. Voiced by a strong cast that included Hailee Steinfeld as Vi and Kevin Alejandro as Jayce.
The show ended in November 2024 with its second season, but not due to the dread c word — cancellation — but due to the way the creators had always planned. The co-creators have a partnership with the animation studio Fortiche, so keep an eye out for what they do next.
Both video game and television adaptations draw from the rich lore and compelling characters of the original games, aiming to satisfy longtime fans while attracting new audiences. Their success has paved the way for more video game properties to transition to television, further bridging the gap between gaming and mainstream entertainment.
