When we read books, it is left for us to imagine the characters, the setting, and each scene in our heads through the words of the writer. Yet, when these beloved books transition into TV series or movies, these imagined words transmute into vivid realities before our very own eyes. It’s truly an exciting experience when it is executed well. However, many filmmakers struggle to capture the essence of the book and do justice to the original story. While some series are even better than the books they are based on, others have left fans of the book totally disappointed.
The Witcher still stands as one of the hottest shows in 2023, especially with the recent release of Volume 2 of Season 3 on Netflix. However, The Witcher’s origins extends far beyond the screen, tracing back to the fantasy book series written by Adrzej Sapkowski. The transition to series expanded the world of the Witcher, captivating even those who had not even turned the pages of the source material.
Game of Thrones is also a good example of a successful book to series adaptation, producing a spellbinding adaptation of the A Song of Fire and Ice saga, which increased the books’ popularity. From epic fantasies to spine-chilling thrillers, gripping series to heartwarming dramas, here are popular series based on books, in case you had no clue.
15 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Thanks to the brilliant minds of George R.R Martin, David Benioff, and D.B Weiss, one of the greatest series of all time came into existence in 2011. Game of Thrones, brimming with twists, beloved characters to root for, several powerful houses, diverse characters’ journeys, supernatural elements, and the never-ending war, captivated viewers season after season.
The story, both in book and TV form, revolves around powerful families vying for the Iron Throne, unaware of a looming threat coming to destroy all of humanity. While there are of course some slight differences between the book and the series, Game of Thrones did a great job of expanding the books’ enchanting world, paying attention to ignored scenes in the pages, and giving life to each character in a way that had a lasting impact on viewers.
14 Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
In 2007, Gossip Girl aired on The CW network and became an instant hit, captivating audiences with the scandalous lives of its characters, intense drama, intrigue, and high fashion sense. Viewers were taken on a roller-coaster ride of love affairs, friendships, rivalries, and moral dilemma. Centered on Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, Nate Archibald, and Chuck Bass, privileged youth of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the series was adapted from Cecily von Ziegesar’s young adult novel.
While the premise and some of the key characters remain consistent in both the books and TV series, there are still significant differences and additional storylines that made the series more appealing to a wider audience. There are many who believe that Gossip Girl is an example of a series that is better than the book it is based on.
13 The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
When a TV show adapted from a book gains popularity and is executed well, it often sparks a resurgence of interest in the original text, driving its sales to new heights. Such is the case with Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel of the same title, which The Queen’s Gambit TV series is derived from. Premiering on Netflix in October 2020 as a seven-episode miniseries, it retains the book’s setting in the 1950s and 1960s, chronicling Beth’s journey from a troubled orphanage upbringing to her ascent as a competitive chess prodigy.
For fans of the book and the show, there is always going to be comparisons and pointing out the changes between the book and the show. Yet, irrespective of disparities, it does not change the fact that the series is unique, and received resounding praise for its storytelling, character development, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s remarkable portrayal of Beth Harmon.
12 True Blood (2008-2014)
For over seven seasons, True Blood kept fans of supernatural TV series entertained with its perfect mix of action, horror, suspense, drama, love, comedy, and so much more. Although it has its flaws just like most supernatural series that overstay their welcome, it is still a superb and entertaining series that captures the essence of the book even though there are certain changes between the two works of art.
True Blood is adapted from The Southern Vampire Mysteries, a series of novels written by Charlaine Harris. The book series consists of 13 books, beginning with Dead Until Dark and concluding with Dead Ever After. The series and books both follow the story of Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress from the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, who gets entangled in a world of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures.
11 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
After it premiered on Netflix, 13 Reasons Why received mixed reviews before it came under heavy criticism. At first, some viewers applauded it for handling important and sensitive issues. However, as the series progressed, it was met with backlash for its graphic portrayal of the ugly side of teen life, from drug culture, bullying, suicide, depression, and sexual assault. Many viewers felt the show had no moral compass and was just too much to bear.
However, it wasn’t just the series that was affected by these criticisms: Jay Asher’s book was equally banned from some schools. Despite the controversies surrounding both series and book, 13 Reasons Why is still one of the most popular original series on Netflix. Based on Asher’s book, the series follows the story of Hannah baker and the tapes she left behind, unveiling how her classmates contributed to her tragic decision to end her life.
10 Bridgerton (2020-Present)
Before the world of the Ton and the love stories of the Bridgerton siblings became a thing viewers obsess about, the Bridgerton world had already cast its spell over fans of Julia Quinn’s enchanting romance novels. Bridgerton is based on the eight novels by Quinn, each focusing on the romantic lives and adventures of a different Bridgerton sibling, which is no news to those already invested the series.
While viewers and fans of the book are split between their love for the book and the show, there is no reason not to love both since they are each riveting and intense as they showcase captivating romance, scandalous drama, and colorful portrayal of the Regency society. Apart from its lavishing production designs and captivating romance, Shonda Rhimes took a bold step in creating diverse cast to embody characters in this British regency setting. This deliberate choice is one of the reasons the show attracted both criticisms and overwhelming praise.
9 The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
Based on the ground-breaking dystopian novel of the same name written by Margaret Atwood and set in a totalitarian and theocratic society known as Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale follows the life of Offred (Elisabeth Moss). In Gilead, a declining birth rate due to environmental factors and sexually transmitted diseases has caused widespread infertility. As a result, the government enforces a system where fertile women, known as Handmaids, are assigned to high-ranking officials and their wives to bear children on their behalf.
The series is expected to reach its end with the sixth and final season, but the release date is not yet disclosed. There are speculations that it would hit the screen either late-2023 or in 2024. When it was released in 2017, it became one of the most talked-about shows, and with over five seasons, it still stands as one of the most popular series.
8 His Dark Materials (2019-2022)
Created by Jack Thorne and based on the novels by Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials follows the story of an orphan, Lyra, who uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children. As the series progresses, it is revealed that this young orphan is destined to liberate her world from the clutches of the Magisterium. Just like every book-to-screen adaptation, certain changes were introduced in an attempt to expand the world, aid story comprehensio,n and delve deep into backstories of characters.
Of course, not many viewers are happy about the changes, with some asserting that the series is darker than its literary counterpart, but in all His Dark Materials stands as a gripping and scary show. With its strong storyline and well-developed characters, the series proves itself worth the watch. It certainly does better at sticking to the source material than the movie adaptation, the Golden Compass did.
7 Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Mindhunter is often praised for its seamless blend of true-crime elements with fictionalized storytelling. It presents a compelling and thought-provoking tale that examines the minds of serial killers and the challenges faced by those trying to understand and catch them. It is created by Joe Penhall and based on the true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. In this fictionalized version, Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany play two FBI agents who partner with a psychologist, played by Anna Torv, to begin the program that studies and tries to understand the mind of serial killers.
While the series faithfully adapts the book’s cases and narratives, albeit with subtle changes, it also introduces notable amendments, such as the shift in emphasis from John Douglas as the main character, introducing new characters Holden Douglas and Bill Trench based on him. Yet, this alteration shouldn’t be an issue, as the show exudes the same chilling ambiance found in the book.
6 You (2018-2024)
The image of Joe Goldberg was solely left to the imagination of readers — how he looked, spoke, and acted — until Penn Badgley stepped in and breathed life into this charismatic serial killer. Badgley skillfully brought to life this lethal yet sensitive character, adapted from Carol Kepnes’ novel of the same name. With his commanding voice, he narrated the story in a way that resonated with many viewers, forging a connection even with a character as dark as Joe.
There wouldn’t have been a You series on Netflix without Badgley embodying Joe’s multifaceted persona, conveying his charm, vulnerability, and the unsettling darkness that lies beneath. You may not be Dexter, but it excels as a well-written modern thriller with a fresh story and well-performed roles. A true binge-worthy drama, it entertains viewers with its twists and turns as the series unfolds.
5 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
The Vampire Diaries may not be the first series to be adapted from a vampire book, but it is certainly one of the most popular vampire-themed TV shows. It contributed immensely to the popularity of the vampire genre in the late-2000s and early-2010s, along with other vampire TV shows and movies like Twilight and True Blood.
It is based on the book series of the same name by L.J. Smith and follows the lives of Elena Gilbert and the Salvatore brothers, Stefan and Damon, in the fictional town of Mystic Falls. Spanning over eight seasons, the show garnered a large and dedicated fan base over the course of its run. While the worlds between the show and the book seem completely different, they are both centered on major characters and the love triangle between Elena and the vampire brothers.
4 Dexter (2006-2013)
Adapted from the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter written by Jeff Lindsay, this dark crime series stars Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also happens to be a serial killer. He solves murders as he commits them, too. However, Dexter only targets other criminals who have escaped the justice system and are responsible for heinous acts. B
oth the book and the TV series have garnered their own followings and have been well-received by audiences and critics alike. It was such a good and compelling series that it inspired a limited revival series titled Dexter: New Blood that continued the story of Dexter Morgan. While Dexter was an entertaining show from season to season, the ending left some viewers heartbroken just like popular series like Game of Thrones and Lost did.
3 Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
Orange Is the New Black is both a critically acclaimed TV series and a well-received memoir, even though they offer different experiences and shed light on different aspects of the same story. Created by Jenji Kohan, Orange Is the New Black presents a fictionalized adaptation of Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name, which was published in 2010. While the book presents a more personal and inner sight into Piper Kerman’s experiences inside prison, the series broadens her world and character evolution.
The show delves into the lives of various inmates, even the prison staff all with great character arcs. The show keeps viewers entertained throughout with its funny and dark elements. Whether one deems the series superior or inferior to the source material is a matter of personal preference. The truth remains that both the book and the TV series have contributed to important discussions about the prison system.
2 Pretty Little Liars (2010- 2017)
Young Adult novels seem to do excellently well as highly addicting TV series, as proven by hit teen series like Pretty Little Liars, 13 Reasons Why, Gossip Girl, and many others. Despite numerous complaints about this TV show having huge plot holes, many still consider it a thoroughly enjoyable series. Based on the book series of the same name written by Sara Shepard, Pretty Little Liars was well received when it premiered in 2010, and eventually concluded with a total of seven seasons in 2017.
Many of the book enthusiasts believe tend to favor the book, acknowledging that the show took a lot of creative liberties in changing pivotal plot elements in the book and introducing new characters. But for those who haven’t read the book and wish to spot the differences between the lives of these four high school girls — Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Hanna Marin, and Emily Fields — this may be a good time to read the book or revisit the show.
1 The Witcher (2019-Present)
The Witcher is currently one of the most popular TV shows on Netflix right now, as much as it was when it debuted in 2019. The show’s arrival delighted not only book and game enthusiasts, but also new viewers, who embarked on an enthralling journey into Geralt of Rivia’s world. Despite being based on Polish writer Sapkowski’s fantasy book series, it has faced criticism from some book fans for not adhering faithfully to the source material.
They’ve expressed disappointment in certain alterations and unnecessary backstories, finding the game’s depiction to align better with the original world of the book. Yennefer and Geralt’s stories, among others, have undergone subtle changes, prompting many fans to voice their concerns. However, the third season promises to depict the events in the book more closely than other seasons have done.
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