For years, fans of Pierce Brown's critically acclaimed "Red Rising" saga have dreamt of seeing the dystopian world of Golds, Reds, and the vast solar system brought to life on screen. After a previous film attempt failed to gain traction, the long-awaited news finally arrived: a "Red Rising TV show" is officially in the works, with the author himself at the helm. This isn't just another adaptation; it's a meticulously planned venture aimed at capturing the intricate lore, brutal action, and profound character development that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
The journey from page to screen for beloved book series is often fraught with challenges, but the "Red Rising" project appears to be taking a deliberate and fan-centric approach. With Pierce Brown regaining the film rights and choosing the television format, there's a palpable sense of anticipation and hope that this adaptation will finally do justice to the sprawling, emotionally charged narrative. From the confirmed creative team to hints about unseen book moments, let's delve into everything we know about the highly anticipated "Red Rising TV show."
Table of Contents
- The Long Road to the Screen: From Failed Film to Promising TV Show
- Pierce Brown's Vision: Head Writer and Creative Control
- Diving Deep into the Lore: Unseen Moments and Book Accuracy
- Fan Expectations and Key Debates
- Dreaming Big: Who Should Lead the Charge?
- The Red Rising Universe: Beyond the TV Show
- The Waiting Game: When Can We Expect the Red Rising TV Show?
- Conclusion: A Howler Future for the Red Rising TV Show
The Long Road to the Screen: From Failed Film to Promising TV Show
The journey for the "Red Rising" series to reach the screen has been a long and winding one. Originally, there were plans for a film adaptation, but as many fans are aware, that project ultimately failed to get greenlit. This often happens in Hollywood, where creative differences, financial hurdles, or simply a lack of studio confidence can derail even the most promising adaptations. However, this setback proved to be a blessing in disguise for the "Red Rising TV show." Crucially, after the film project stalled, Pierce Brown, the visionary author behind the series, managed to regain the film rights. This was a pivotal moment, as it allowed him to steer the adaptation in a direction he believed would best serve the story and its dedicated fanbase. Recognizing the epic scope and intricate world-building of "Red Rising," Brown set to work with the aims of making a TV show instead. This format is inherently better suited for sprawling narratives with multiple character arcs, complex political intrigue, and a vast universe that simply cannot be condensed into a two-hour movie without significant sacrifices. The transition from a potential film to a confirmed "Red Rising TV show" signals a commitment to depth and fidelity that fans have long craved.Pierce Brown's Vision: Head Writer and Creative Control
One of the most exciting aspects of the "Red Rising TV show" is Pierce Brown's direct and significant involvement. Unlike many adaptations where authors are relegated to a distant advisory role, Brown has confirmed that he has a team of writers, producers, and a showrunner hired onto the project, with himself as head writer. This level of creative control is a rare and invaluable asset for any adaptation, especially one as beloved and intricate as "Red Rising." Having the author as head writer ensures that the core themes, character voices, and narrative integrity of the books are preserved. Brown's intimate understanding of the universe he created means that decisions regarding plot points, character portrayals, and world-building details will be made with an authentic vision. This direct involvement significantly boosts the trustworthiness and authority of the project in the eyes of the fans, who often worry about adaptations straying too far from the source material. It's a clear signal that the "Red Rising TV show" aims to be a true representation of the saga.The Assembled Team: Showrunner, Writers, Producers
While specific names of the showrunner, writers, and producers haven't been widely disclosed, the confirmation that a full team has been assembled speaks volumes about the project's progress. A showrunner is the guiding force behind a television series, responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, from script development to casting and post-production. The fact that Pierce Brown is working alongside an experienced showrunner suggests a collaborative approach, where his creative vision is balanced with the practicalities of television production. The presence of a dedicated writing team is also crucial. Adapting a multi-book series like "Red Rising" requires careful planning to ensure consistent pacing, character development, and world-building across seasons. A team of writers, working under Brown's guidance, can delve into the nuances of the books, expand on certain elements where necessary, and craft compelling scripts that resonate with both existing fans and new viewers. This collective expertise is essential for translating the epic scale of the "Red Rising" universe into a compelling visual narrative.The Secret Director and Undisclosed Network
Adding to the intrigue, Pierce Brown has revealed that a secret director has been hired for the first season of the "Red Rising TV show," and that the project has been picked up by an undisclosed network/streaming service. The secrecy surrounding these key figures and platforms is not uncommon in early development stages, often due to ongoing negotiations, strategic marketing plans, or simply a desire to build anticipation. The identity of the director is particularly significant. A director's vision can profoundly shape the tone, visual style, and overall feel of a series. The fact that a director has been chosen suggests that the creative blueprint for the first season is well underway. Similarly, the undisclosed network or streaming service is a major piece of the puzzle. The platform choice will influence the budget, target audience, release model (binge vs. weekly), and even the overall creative freedom afforded to the production. Fans are eagerly speculating about which major player—be it Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, or another contender—has secured the rights to the "Red Rising TV show." Each platform brings its own strengths and potential challenges to a project of this magnitude.Diving Deep into the Lore: Unseen Moments and Book Accuracy
One of the most exciting tidbits for long-time readers is Pierce Brown's hint at some unseen moments from the books being incorporated into the "Red Rising TV show." Specifically, he mentioned Darrow's time with Lorn and at the Academy. The books, while extensive, naturally have to condense certain periods or interactions. The television format offers the unique opportunity to expand upon these moments, providing deeper insight into character relationships, training sequences, and the intricate political and social dynamics of the Gold society. For instance, Darrow's rigorous training at the Institute and later with Lorn is crucial for his transformation from a lowborn Red miner into a formidable Gold leader. Expanding on these periods would not only satisfy fans eager for more lore but also provide essential context for new viewers. It allows for a more gradual and immersive understanding of Darrow's journey, his strategic brilliance, and the brutal realities of the Gold hierarchy. This commitment to exploring the depth of the source material, even beyond what was explicitly detailed in the novels, reinforces the idea that the "Red Rising TV show" is being crafted with a deep respect for the original story and its intricate universe. It promises an adaptation that doesn't just skim the surface but truly dives into the heart of the "Red Rising" saga.Fan Expectations and Key Debates
With any highly anticipated adaptation, fan expectations run high, leading to lively discussions and debates across online communities. The "Red Rising TV show" is no exception. Fans are keenly interested in various aspects, including the budget, potential gender swapping of characters, and the best platform for the show. These discussions highlight the passionate engagement of the fanbase and their hopes for a faithful yet compelling adaptation. The budget is a perennial concern for science fiction and fantasy series. "Red Rising" features massive space battles, advanced technology, elaborate societal structures, and intense action sequences that demand significant financial investment to be rendered convincingly on screen. A low budget could severely compromise the visual spectacle and epic scope of the series, leading to disappointment. Similarly, the topic of gender swapping, while sometimes done to enhance diversity or update narratives, can be contentious if not handled carefully, especially for beloved characters. Fans want to see the essence of the characters preserved, regardless of minor changes.The Binge Model Debate: Netflix vs. Weekly Releases
One of the most prominent debates among fans revolves around the release model: should the "Red Rising TV show" adopt the binge model, where all episodes are released at once (like Netflix primarily uses), or a weekly release schedule? The "Data Kalimat" specifically mentions, "unless Netflix makes their shows weekly instead of releasing all of the episodes at once, I don't think Red Rising would benefit from the binge model Netflix primarily uses." This sentiment is shared by many. The argument against the binge model for "Red Rising" often centers on the show's complex plot, cliffhangers, and the desire for communal discussion. Weekly releases allow for anticipation to build, foster water cooler conversations, and give viewers time to process intricate plot developments. It creates a shared experience where fans can theorize, discuss, and react together in real-time after each episode. For a narrative as dense and impactful as "Red Rising," a weekly release could enhance the overall viewing experience, preventing viewers from getting lost in a rush of information and allowing the emotional beats to land more effectively.Budgetary Concerns and Production Scale
The sheer scale of the "Red Rising" universe necessitates a substantial budget. From the vast, terraformed landscapes of Mars and other planets to the intricate designs of Gold architecture, the advanced weaponry, and the diverse physical characteristics of the various Colors, bringing this world to life will be incredibly expensive. Fans understand that a cheap production would undermine the immersive quality that makes the books so compelling. Consider the detailed descriptions of the Golds' physical enhancements, the brutal combat sequences in the Institute, the grand political gatherings, and the epic space battles. Each of these elements requires top-tier special effects, elaborate set designs, sophisticated costumes, and a large, talented cast. The success of a "Red Rising TV show" will heavily depend on its ability to visually represent the grandeur and grit of Pierce Brown's vision. A significant budget not only ensures high production values but also attracts top-tier talent, both in front of and behind the camera, further solidifying the show's potential for success.Dreaming Big: Who Should Lead the Charge?
In the realm of fan casting and production dream teams, one name that has surfaced for executive producing the "Red Rising TV show" is Eric Kripke, the writer behind "The Boys." The article argues that Eric Kripke is the best choice to executive produce the show. This suggestion is rooted in Kripke's proven track record with adapting complex, dark, and often violent narratives with a strong satirical edge. "The Boys" has demonstrated Kripke's ability to handle morally ambiguous characters, intense action, and sharp social commentary, all of which are hallmarks of the "Red Rising" series. His experience in crafting compelling character arcs within a brutal, corrupt system aligns well with Darrow's journey through the Gold hierarchy. While Pierce Brown is the head writer, an experienced executive producer like Kripke could provide invaluable guidance on navigating the television landscape, managing a large-scale production, and ensuring the show maintains its edge while appealing to a broad audience. This kind of collaboration could be instrumental in bringing the full force of the "Red Rising TV show" to fruition.The Red Rising Universe: Beyond the TV Show
While the "Red Rising TV show" is the current focus of excitement, it's important to remember the broader universe that Pierce Brown has meticulously crafted. The series began with "Red Rising," a 2014 dystopian science fiction novel by American author Pierce Brown. It is the first book and eponym of the series. The novel, set in the future on Mars, follows lowborn miner Darrow as he infiltrates the ranks of the elite Golds. This foundational story has expanded into a multi-book saga, with the Red Rising Wiki serving as a collaborative project to create the most definitive, accurate, and accessible encyclopedia and reference for everything related to the Red Rising series. The wiki currently houses 773 articles, 1,573 images, and 20,888 edits since its creation in 2014, showcasing the depth of the lore and the dedication of its fanbase. It's also worth noting that the name "Red Rising" is also used for a different outdoor television series. This "Red Rising" is an outdoor lifestyle hunting series that embraces four lifelong friends (Matt Bullins, Chris Ward, Jason Bowers, and Eric Hale) that share an unbreakable bond bound by their sportsmanship, heritage, and hunting traditions. It takes you on a journey of three friends from Virginia brought together by one passion, following them as they travel across the United States in search of hunting inspiring whitetails. This is clearly a completely separate entity and should not be confused with the science fiction "Red Rising TV show" adaptation. This distinction is crucial for fans searching for information about the upcoming adaptation of Pierce Brown's novels.The Waiting Game: When Can We Expect the Red Rising TV Show?
The question on every fan's mind is, "When will the 'Red Rising TV show' actually be released?" While we don’t have a definitive answer to that, Pierce Brown did offer up an update on the status of "Red God" (book 7 of the series) on his Instagram stories this week. This is relevant because the author's focus on finishing the final book in the saga could influence the TV show's timeline. The "Data Kalimat" suggests that 2026 may be the year of "Red God" as long as everything goes to plan, and from the sounds of it, things seem to be on track for the Red Rising author. While "Red God" is Brown's intended end to his Red Rising series, the author did note the possibility that the publisher, Del Rey Books, might be forced to split "Red God" into 2 books given its potential length. This could further extend the book series' timeline. As for the TV show, the general consensus is "probably not soon for TV show." Pierce Brown (PB) has to work on the book, and at one point, he mentioned assisting in writing/working on TV shows to understand the process. This suggests he's still gaining experience in the television production world and likely has a ways to go in terms of negotiation for a show. The "new spring 2025 shows" and "big spring TV guide" references highlight that the TV landscape is always moving, but the "Red Rising TV show" is still in its early stages of development, meaning a release is likely several years away. Patience, Howlers, is a virtue.Conclusion: A Howler Future for the Red Rising TV Show
The journey to bring "Red Rising" to the screen has been long, but the current trajectory for the "Red Rising TV show" looks incredibly promising. With Pierce Brown at the helm as head writer, a dedicated team in place, and hints of unseen book moments being explored, the adaptation is poised to deliver a faithful yet expansive portrayal of Darrow's epic saga. The ongoing debates among fans regarding release models, budget, and creative choices underscore the immense passion and high expectations surrounding this project. While the exact release date remains elusive, the foundational work is clearly underway. The commitment to quality, the author's direct involvement, and the strategic choice of a television format all point towards a "Red Rising TV show" that could truly capture the brutal beauty and emotional depth of the books. As we eagerly await further announcements, fans can rest assured that the universe they love is in dedicated hands. Keep an eye on official channels for more news, photos, videos, and cast updates, and join the lively discussions in fan communities. What are your biggest hopes for the "Red Rising TV show"? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

