Now that CBS’ Under the Dome has rekindled an interest in the prolific author, let’s take a look at how some of his other novels and short stories might fare on the small screen.
It
What it's about: Seven kids are tormented by an evil being that exploits their fears, most commonly taking the form of Pennywise the Clown. As adults, they're called back to Derry to finish defeating the monster.
How it could work on TV: It was already adapted into a two-part miniseries, but there's more to explore as a longer series. The lives of the Losers' Club in particular could take up much of the focus, with their adult counterparts popping up in flash-forwards. A TV show would have to add to the (already substantial) novel, but with a villain like It (and Pennywise the Clown), the possibilities are endless.
"The Night Flier" (collected in Nightmares & Dreamscapes)
What it's about: Tabloid reporter Richard Dees is tracking The Night Flier, a serial killer who travels in a Cessna Skymaster, stopping in small airports to brutally murder his victims. Dees believes his target only thinks he's a vampire — until he learns the truth.
How it could work on TV: Again, "The Night Flier" was adapted into a film of the same name, but the framework of the story could easily be expanded into a weekly series, following the cat-and-mouse game between Dees and the vampire. According to Stephen King, his story "Popsy" is also about The Night Flier, indicating the creature has a kid. There's another angle to work with.
Cell
What it's about: Struggling artist Clayton Riddell is caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse — well, kind of. A signal called "The Pulse" turns everyone with a cell phone into mindless "phoners." With a couple other survivors, Clayton attempts to survive and reconnect with his son.
How it could work on TV: OK, a couple problems here: Cell is already being adapted into a film starring John Cusack, and The Walking Dead is a well established and popular zombie series. But hey, can you ever really have too many of those? Besides, this combines our fears of technology, not to mention a mystery of who sent "The Pulse" and why. It's a fresh take on the apocalypse show we've come to love.
Needful Things
What it's about: A new store called "Needful Things" opens in the town of Castle Rock. Owner Leland Gaunt has every item you could hope for in stock, but the price is a prank on a fellow townsperson. Playing off long-standing feuds, Gaunt manages to push the inhabitants to violence and complete chaos.
How it could work on TV: The thrill of Needful Things is the way Gaunt's evil plan builds on itself, and that's something that could certainly be drawn out in a series. The conclusion to the novel is actually rather unsatisfying, so a TV show might allow for a retooled ending, ditching the deus ex machina in favor of some townspeople successfully fighting back, or even following Gaunt to his next location.
