Grab Your Towel! "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" Series Coming to Hulu

Grab Your Towel! Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy TV Series Coming to Hulu

This is galactic news.

By Shabana Bachu | Published Jul 25, 2019

Douglas Adams' beloved book series Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is no stranger to screen adaptations. The series was initially adapted by the BBC in 1981, but it aired for barely over a month before cancellation. In 2005, the series was adapted for a movie starring Martin Freeman and Zooey Deschanel. Now Carlton Cuse, who is known for his work on Lost and Bates Motel, will showrun, produce, and write a series adaptation for Hulu. Cuse will collaborate with Wonder Woman scribe Jason Fuchs.

The beauty in a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series streaming on Hulu is that now younger generations can discover the series for the first time, and join the global fanbase of intergalactic adventurers. Streaming opens up a new world of convenience and possibilities for both fans and show creators.

The novels follow Arthur Dent, an Englishman who narrowly escapes Earth's destruction by a superior alien species, together with his journalist friend Ford Prefect. Along with Ford's alien cousin and another human friend, they traverse the galaxy in a stolen spaceship that takes them from one random destination to another.

Douglas Adams — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Before Adams published the first book in 1979, fans listened to him tell the story over a radio program. In part because of the radio show's popularity, the published series was a hit, and has had a steady and loyal following since. Although Douglas Adams passed away suddenly at the age of 49, he left an extensive legacy behind. Hitchhiker's Guide references have found their way into pop culture, movies, and TV shows in the decades since its initial release. The Big Bang Theory has referenced various Hitchhiker's Guide characters and scenes several times. The Flash quoted one of Adams' books. The most lasting impression the series made, however, was its fans declaring May 25th an annual "Towel Day" to celebrate the series and Adams himself.

Though we don't know how close Cuse and Fuchs are sticking to the books, we eagerly anticipate revisiting the adventures of Arthur Dent and his friends.