Is The 100 A Book Based On A TV Series Or Vice Versa?

I've been diving into both the book and TV series versions of 'The 100', and it's fascinating how they differ. The book 'The 100' by Kass Morgan actually came first, published in 2013, and the TV series adapted from it premiered in 2014. While the core premise is similar—post-apocalyptic survival with a group of juvenile delinquents sent back to Earth—the characters and plotlines diverge significantly. The book feels more focused on interpersonal relationships and the psychological toll of their situation, while the show amps up the action and expands the world-building. If you're a fan of one, checking out the other offers a fresh take on the story, though they almost feel like alternate universes by the end.

As someone who loves exploring adaptations, 'The 100' is a standout example of how a TV series can take a book's foundation and build something entirely new. The book, written by Kass Morgan, sets up the basic premise: a group of 100 teens sent to Earth to test its habitability after a nuclear apocalypse. But the TV series, developed by Jason Rothenberg, takes this idea and runs with it, introducing new characters, shifting relationships, and adding layers of political intrigue and survival drama.

The book is tighter, with a smaller cast and more intimate stakes, while the show expands into a sprawling narrative with multiple factions and long-term arcs. Clarke and Bellamy, for instance, have very different dynamics in each version. The book’s pacing is quicker, but the show’s visual storytelling and soundtrack add depth. If you prefer character-driven stories, the book might appeal more, but if you crave high-stakes action and world-building, the show delivers.

It’s rare to see an adaptation that feels so distinct from its source material while still honoring the core themes. Both versions have their merits, and comparing them is half the fun.

I’m always curious about how adaptations handle their source material, and 'The 100' is a great case study. The TV series, which aired on The CW, is loosely based on Kass Morgan’s novel, but it’s almost like a reimagining. The book’s plot is simpler, focusing on the 100 teens’ immediate struggles on Earth, while the show introduces grounders, mount weather, and other factions early on, creating a more complex narrative.

The characters also get reinvented. Book Bellamy is more of a background figure, while TV Bellamy becomes a central leader. Octavia’s arc in the show is far more developed, transforming her into a warrior. Even the tone shifts—the book feels like a YA survival story, but the show leans into gritty, often brutal drama. If you’re into both mediums, it’s worth experiencing both to see how creative teams interpret the same idea differently.