Years after a disappointing movie adaptation of Rick Riordan's novels, Percy Jackson and the Olympians finally got a TV show that fans love. While waiting for the next season, fans can enjoy a similar show on Disney+. The series follows a boy named Percy Jackson who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Season 1 adapted the first book, The Lightning Thief, where Percy embarks on a quest to find Zeus's missing Master Bolt.
In contrast to the 2010 film, the 2023 TV show was a big hit. Critics and fans alike praised the show for staying true to the books and the actors' performances. The series also drew in a large audience, with over 13 million viewers tuning in to the premiere on Disney+ in the first week. As a result, Disney has given the green light for season 2, which will be based on the second book, The Sea of Monsters. While fans may have to wait a while for the new season, Amazon already has a great alternative for Percy Jackson fans to enjoy in the meantime.
The Alex Rider TV Show Is Perfect To Watch After Percy Jackson
Otto Farrant as Alex Rider in Alex Rider season 3 - The Alex Rider TV Show Is Perfect To Watch After Percy Jackson
If you're a fan of Percy Jackson and the Olympians and are already missing the series, then you should definitely check out Alex Rider. The British spy thriller television show, adapted by Guy Burt from Anthony Horowitz's book series, follows the story of the titular character who is recruited by MI6 as a teenage spy. Alex Rider has two seasons and a total of 16 episodes, with a third and final season set to premiere in April 2024.
Both Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Alex Rider are based on Young Adult franchises that initially had disappointing film adaptations, but were later given a new life with better television versions.
Alex Rider Did Percy Jackson's TV Show Redemption Already
Just like how Percy Jackson and the Olympians is on Disney+, each season of Alex Rider brings a different book from the series to life on screen. Season 1 of the Amazon series was based on Point Blanc, the second novel in Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider collection. Interestingly, it wasn't the first book. The second season took inspiration from Eagle Strike, the fourth book, and the upcoming season 3 will be adapting Scorpia, the fifth installment. While there is potential for another platform to continue the series for season 4, as of now, season 3 marks the end of Alex Rider's TV journey.
Alex Pettyfer as Alex Rider in Stormbreaker - Alex Rider Did Percy Jackson's TV Show Redemption Already
Both Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Alex Rider stories revolve around young heroes - one a demigod and the other a secret spy. Interestingly, both franchises started off with disappointing movies but found redemption with television adaptations. The 2010 film Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief received backlash for straying from the original book by Rick Riordan. Similarly, the 2006 movie Stormbreaker, based on the first Alex Rider book, was a flop both commercially and critically.
Percy Jackson's Disney Success Can Bring More Eyes Onto Alex Rider
Before Disney+ redeemed Riordan's novels with a successful series, Amazon did the same with Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider book series. The television show adaptation of Alex Rider was well-received, unlike the disappointing film Stormbreaker. Fans who were let down by the movie found satisfaction in the TV series. Following in Alex Rider's footsteps, Percy Jackson and the Olympians also found success with their own series. The Amazon series saved its source material from being associated with poorly received adaptations.
Percy tearing up in the woods in Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 8 - Percy Jackson's Disney Success Can Bring More Eyes Onto Alex Rider
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is currently more popular than Alex Rider, giving it an edge. The Disney+ series has attracted a lot of attention, which could potentially lead to more viewers for the Amazon Freevee show. Season 1 of the TV adaptation of Rick Riordan's book series was a huge success, drawing in millions of viewers and receiving high praise from critics. On the other hand, while Alex Rider has also been well-received, it has not achieved the same level of success as Percy Jackson.
Alex Rider seasons 1 and 2 are now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the United States. Season 3, which will be the show's final season, is set to premiere on April 5, 2024, exclusively on Amazon Freevee.
Fans of the fantasy series may want to show some support for Alex Rider, especially as it approaches its last season. With season 3 airing during the hiatus of the Disney+ series, it provides a great opportunity for viewers to enjoy. While waiting for Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2, fans can dive into Alex Rider. The more people who tune in, the greater the chance of another streaming service picking it up for a potential fourth season.
Editor's P/S:
As a fan of the Percy Jackson and Alex Rider franchises, I was excited to read this article that highlighted the similarities between the two shows. I found it particularly interesting that both series had disappointing film adaptations before finding success on television. This article provides a compelling argument for watching Alex Rider, especially for those who are eagerly awaiting the next season of Percy Jackson. The fact that Alex Rider is also based on a popular Young Adult franchise and features a young hero adds to its appeal.
The success of Percy Jackson on Disney+ has certainly brought more attention to the Amazon Freevee show Alex Rider. While the latter may not have achieved the same level of popularity as the former, this article suggests that it is still worth checking out. The upcoming final season of Alex Rider offers fans a chance to enjoy a similar story while they wait for the next installment of Percy Jackson. By supporting Alex Rider, viewers can potentially increase the likelihood of it being renewed for a fourth season on another streaming platform.