Summary
Stephen King provides a positive review of the original Chinese version of Netflix’s3 Body Problem.The sci-fi show is based on the novel series by Chinese author Liu Cixin, and was adapted by Netflix this year. Prior to the Netflix adaptation, a series titledThree-Bodywas created, which also adapted the popular book series. The Netflix show features aleading cast including Benedict Wong, Liam Cunningham, Jovan Adepo, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Marlo Kelly, Alex Sharp, Jonathan Pryce, and Sea Shimooka.
Now,Kinggives his review ofThree-Body. The famed author was generous in his review, saying that“both are good,” referring to bothThree-Bodyand3 Body Problem. Of the Chinese version,he noted a particular strength of the final episodes, going so far as to refer to them as “Lovecraftian.”
Lovecraftian in this case means reminiscent of American writer H.P. Lovecraft, who was a renowned sci-fi author known for works such asThe Call of Cthulhu. A comparison like that is hefty, for Lovecraft was known for his impeccable creation of sci-fi worlds. This review is also great coming from King, who often shares his opinions on the pop culture landscape.
How 3 Body Problem Was Received
The Chinese seriesThree-Bodywas released in 2023, and had a thirty-episode season. The first TV adaptation of the novels. ThoughThree-Bodyis currently available to watch on Prime Video, it has not gained nearly the amount of traction in the United States that Netflix’s3 Body Problemdid upon its release. InvolvingGame of ThronescreatorsDavid Benioff and D.B. Weiss,3 Body Problemwas propelled into success on the Netflix charts.
Though King’s review would suggest thatThree-Bodyis slightly better than the Netflix attempt,3 Body Problemhas received relatively positive reviews so far. The show holds a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78% approval rating among audiences. While not nearly the heights of the early seasons ofGame of Thrones,3 Body Problemrepresents a recovery for Benioff and Weiss, who had been struggling with ratings with the later seasons ofGame of Thrones.
Showing its strength,3 Body Problemwas recently renewed for season 2. Liu’s book series is a trilogy, so being given a second season will allow3 Body Problemto fully flesh out the plots and themes of the sci-fi world. With even more momentum going into its sophomore attempt, perhaps3 Body Problemcan use its extended run to match the Lovecraftian heights that King speaks about in regards toThree-Body.
3 Body Problemseason 1 is available to watch on Netflix, andThree-Bodyis available to watch in full on Prime Video.
3 Body Problem
Cast
3 Body Problem is a Netflix original series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo. Based on the novel of the same name by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem centers on a detective who joins forces with a group of scientists after an unknown force begins killing scientists around the world.
