The next time you press play on a tantalizing new series or a comfortable favorite, you might want to ask yourself one question: is this series based on a book? Television shows based on books and films may seem rare, but, in truth, many shows retell anything from classic literature to modern novels.
How frequently do viewers skip or not pay attention to the opening credits of their favorite shows? This happens frequently, which explains why fans have no clue about each show’s source material.
Some of the finest television shows originated in print. Whether they stay true to the book or venture in different directions, the very fact that they come from literature surprises numerous viewers. The best prove to be worthy adaptations that should please authors and viewers alike.
1. Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
The series Big Little Lies tells a riveting story of the intertwining lives of several women in an affluent community in Monterey, California. The series centers on the numerous dramatic and tragic incidents surrounding their children and their marriages, tackling issues of abuse, infidelity, and bullying.
The show features compelling drama, to say the least. Still, it handles the darker subject matter with authenticity and sensitivity, aided by the brilliant performances from its cast of Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, and Alexander Skarsgård.
The critically acclaimed Max series follows the plot of Liane Moriarty’s novel to a “T,” the only exception being changing the setting from Sydney to Monterey.
2. Locke & Key (2020-2022)
This Netflix original series follows the Locke family, who move into an old ancestral home and discover several magical keys. They learn about each key’s abilities while protecting them from an evil demon named Dodge.
Given the creativity and originality of the modern age, many may think Locke & Key to be completely original. However, the show adapts the comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, taking quite a few liberties.
The show does not venture into the extreme darkness that the comics do with some of the horror and violence. It also alters some characters and rearranges the plot. Despite the changes, according to actress Darby Stanchfield in an interview for TV Guide, the authors gave the show their support. According to Stanchfield, Hill and Rodríguez visited the set and were very “vocal” and positive in everything they saw.
Die-hard fans may have some qualms. For the rest, Locke & Key features well-paced storytelling and a creepy atmosphere to satisfy viewers and appeal to a broader audience.
3. A Discovery of Witches (2018-2022)
Rich, luscious, and darkly romantic, A Discovery of Witches follows beautiful historian Diana (Teresa Palmer) as she embraces her witchy powers and falls in love with the one man whom history says she shouldn’t: the mysterious vampire Matthew (Matthew Goode).
The supernatural Romeo and Juliet-esque tale adapts Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy to the screen. Each of the three seasons follows the books A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life.
Despite the trilogy’s success, many remained unaware of the show’s origins. Executive producer Jane Tranter told RadioTimes.com that the series changes and rearranges several elements of the books.
In an interview with TV Guide, creators also note that the series makes some things more palatable for a mainstream TV audience. The most significant would be softening Matthew’s character to a less controlling and more romantic tone.
A Discovery of Witches captures the spirit of Harkness’ story thanks to Goode and Palmer’s chemistry and sumptuous production value.
4. The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Given the title differences between The Haunting of Bly Manor and its source material, audiences should not feel ignorant. The series changes so much that it’s more inspired by than based on said book.
Creators primarily took inspiration from the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, as well as several of his other stories. In the series, a nanny for two stoic children discovers the haunted mysteries of Bly Manor and fights to protect the children and herself from harm.
Besides modernizing the story, The Haunting of Bly Manor invents multiple characters, changes the romantic inclinations of the protagonist, and alters several plot points. Those looking for a faithful Turn of the Screw adaptation should look elsewhere. Still, the novel gives creators a fine blueprint to create an eerie and compelling tale for a modern generation.
5. Virgin River (2019-Present)
Despite the over 22 books in Robyn Carr’s popular Virgin River book series, many viewers remain unaware of their existence. Regardless, the series has found a steady audience on Netflix for five seasons and counting.
The story follows a midwife named Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) who relocates to the small town of Virgin River, clashes with the old-school doctor (Tim Matheson), and finds love with the local bar owner Jack (Martin Henderson).
According to Hello Magazine, the Netflix series takes many liberties and deviates from the books in fascinating ways. It ups the romantic drama between Mel, Jack, and his ex, Charmaine, but tones down the intimate scenes considerably. The show also alters Mel’s tragic backstory involving her husband’s death and subsequent loss of a baby.
All things considered, any alterations should focus appropriately on Mel and Jack’s characters, creating a captivating story that viewers adore.
6. The Flight Attendant (2020-2022)
This intriguing thriller blends moments of sobering humanity, psychological drama, and dark comedy to create a riveting series.
Season one follows the book by Chris Bohjalian, where flight attendant Cassie (Kaley Cuoco) wakes up in Bangkok to find her previous night’s tryst, Alex (Michiel Huisman), dead beside her. While dealing with personal demons involving alcohol and childhood trauma, Cassie must fight off those who mean her harm and find the real culprit.
Movieweb.com notes that the series altered several critical aspects of the novel, including Cassie’s age, Alex’s killer, and the book’s ending. Season two of the show also ventures beyond the book and invents a new plot. Fans of Bohjalian’s novel will likely take umbrage with the changes. Still, overall, the series gives viewers a thrill-a-minute ride with unexpected poignancy and a brilliant performance by Cuoco.
7. Band of Brothers (2001)
Band of Brothers may be the most surprising entry to this list because the WWII mini-series feels more like a documentary than fiction. Of course, one could say that’s splitting hairs.
The story follows the soldiers of the Easy Company 506 Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. With an excellent cast and impeccable production value, the mini-series earned numerous accolades and critical success.
Fact and fiction blend seamlessly because author Stephen Ambrose based his book on letters, journals, and personal interviews from the soldiers’ experiences. While some dramatic license occurs, the series breathes gripping and authentic life into the story.
8. MASH (1972-1983)
MASH represents another surprising inclusion on this list of book adaptations. Most remember MASH for its storytelling that blended drama and comedy, set in an Army hospital during the Korean War.
Audiences laughed and cried for 11 seasons, with the series finale still holding the record for the most-watched finale ever with 105.9 million viewers.
Many do not remember the 1970 film, so unsurprisingly, even less recall the book by Richard Hooker. Incidentally, according to his obituary, the author did not care for the series because of its overt anti-war tone. His objections aside, no one can argue that the show’s success and enduring legacy have surpassed the original novel.
9. Fresh off the Boat (2015-2020)
Not many sitcoms develop from books. So, it’s understandable if viewers did not know Fresh Off the Boat adapts Eddie Huang’s book. Truthfully, the series, more specifically, takes inspiration from the novel.
Both the series and book follow the lives of young Eddie and his Taiwanese family in 1990s America. A welcome representation of Asian culture on television, the sitcom gave viewers a unique perspective of family life in this wholesome and lighthearted series.
That tone, particularly the character Louis (Randall Park), represents the most significant deviation from the book. IMDd notes that TV Louis has a sweet nature and naïve demeanor compared to the book’s harsher and stricter characterization.
10. Poldark (2015-2019)
A common practice among filmmakers has been frequently adapting classic literature for film and television. Adaptations from authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens dominate the airwaves. Still, literature remains a vast sea of potential adaptations.
Not every book series has the same mainstream recognition. That explains why many viewers do not know that Poldark initially came from the mind of author Winston Graham.
Set in Cornwall after the Revolutionary War, the story follows the brave and stubborn Poldark (Aidan Turner), his lost love Elizabeth (Heida Reed), and his feisty wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson). The creators of the Poldark series follow the basic outline of Graham’s plot and characters, taking everything down many different roads and condensing things quite a lot.
Despite these differences, enough of the story remains to satisfy readers, while the rest can indulge in the gorgeous visuals and gripping storytelling.
11. Call the Midwife (2012-Present)
Similar to Band of Brothers, the Call the Midwife series and books by Jennifer Worth base their stories on true events. Although not a documentary, the TV show does feature an authentic look at the lives of midwives and the women they help in 1950s England.
The most striking difference lies in the varying tone between the books and the series. Although both present realistic, sobering, and harsh realities, the books delve into the downtrodden plight of the impoverished much more. In contrast, the series leans more towards the light with uplifting and less depressing messages.
12. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
The Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit adapts Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel. Both tell the story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphan and chess prodigy who becomes the only woman to compete in prestigious chess tournaments.
While a fairly faithful adaptation, Ourculturemag.com denotes how the mini-series does take a lot of license with the story for dramatic effect, particularly Beth’s near-personal collapse. Conversely, other characters’ actions, such as her childhood friend Jolene, have been softened for TV viewers.
All changes aside, the series portrays the most significant aspects of Beth’s exceptional story of perseverance.
13. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
A show the Boston Herald called “every parent’s nightmare,” according to Vulture Magazine, Gossip Girl follows the romantic and other personal escapades of privileged teenagers in Upper East Side New York. Always in the know, their private lives become scrutinized by the blogger “Gossip Girl.” The series does not reveal their identity until the show’s conclusion.
Unbeknownst to some viewers, the drama series adapts Cecily von Ziegesar’s novel. Those unaware of the book’s existence might also be shocked at the number of significant changes the show-runners made for the series.
The most significant alterations would be making a relationship that does not exist in the book one of the show’s cornerstone couples: Chuck and Blair.
The book also never reveals “Gossip Girl’s” identity. Given the disappointment fans felt by that reveal on the series, most undoubtedly wish creators stuck true to the book on that one.
Marianne Paluso
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