If you love television and books, you’re likely to have more than one reading obsession. That’s great news, because it means you can double up on your bookish obsessions by watching them on the small screen too! A lot of TV shows that are based on books have been around for a long time. Sherlock, for example, first appeared as a book in 1899. However, recently there has been a significant rise in the number of adaptations from books to screen. Perhaps this is because there has never been a better time to be an author or producer who works in TV and film. The digital age means it’s easier than ever to access script writing software and record voiceovers without needing to spend thousands on studio time. There are so many great books that have been adapted into hit TV shows – here are some of the most famous examples…
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is based on a series of fantasy novels by British author George R. R. Martin. It tells the story of a noble family who are fighting for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. The world in which the story takes place is full of magic, dragons, and, of course, lots of blood. The series has been praised by critics globally and is one of the most watched shows in the world, with more than 20 million weekly viewers. The TV show first aired in 2011, but the popularity of the books has led to them being re-released in numerous editions. There have also been spin-offs and related books, including a cookbook, which is a great gift for any Game of Thrones fans or fantasy lovers out there.
Sherlock
If you love a good mystery, you’re sure to have heard of Sherlock, the popular TV show based on the novel series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The show follows the story of a brilliant detective named Sherlock Holmes and his friend, Dr. John Watson. Sherlock is often compared to other detective shows like CSI and Criminal Minds, though it’s much more character-driven than those shows. The series has received a lot of critical praise and has won several awards since it first aired in 2010. It’s also one of the most watched shows in British television history and has been sold to over 250 countries. There have also been three major film adaptations of the novels, though the first one was released in the 1940s.
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House is a horror novel written by American author Shirley Jackson. The book has been adapted into a TV show and a film, which have both been critically acclaimed. The story follows a group of people who meet in a haunted house with the intention of investigating the paranormal activity that has been occurring there. The book is said to have been inspired by actual paranormal investigations that Shirley Jackson took part in during her lifetime. The TV show has been praised by critics and has been described as a “hauntingly beautiful” retelling of the original story.
The 100
The 100 is a science fiction novel written by American author Kass Morgan. The story follows a group of young people living in a post-apocalyptic future where the Earth’s atmosphere is highly toxic. The group has taken refuge in a space station orbiting the planet, but they soon discover that there are dangerous things lurking there too. The story has been praised for its messages about environmentalism and its diverse characters. The story was first published in 2013 but has been adapted into a TV show since 2018. It has been praised by critics and fans alike, who appreciate its complex characters and the twists and turns in the story.
Outlander
Outlander is a romance novel written by American author Diana Gabaldon. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a British army nurse who travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. The book is a huge hit, selling over 25 million copies globally since it was first published in 1991. It has been praised for its deep and complex characters, which some fans say you come to care about as if they were family. It has also been listed as one of the best books ever written by The Washington Post. The story was first published in paperback format, but it’s been re-released in numerous editions since then. There have also been multiple TV show adaptations of the books, including an Amazon Prime series.
The Witcher
The Witcher is a fantasy novel written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. It’s based on the story of an expert monster hunter called Geralt of Rivia. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and has sold more than 10 million copies globally. It’s one of the highest-selling book series in Poland and has won a number of awards. The story has been adapted into a TV show in 2019. It has been praised by critics and has been described as “one of the most promising fantasy shows” in recent years.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian novel written by Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood. It follows the story of Offred, a woman living in a totalitarian society where women are used as reproductive slaves. The story has been praised for its accurate depiction of a potential future for America, as well as its use of symbolism and imagery. The book has won numerous awards and has been listed as one of the best books of all time by The New York Times. The TV adaptation starred Elisabeth Moss. The TV show has been praised by critics, with many comparing it to shows like Black Mirror. It has also been praised for its accurate depiction of women’s rights and the way they have been reduced across the world.
Orange Is the New Black
Orange Is the New Black is a hit TV show that has been running since 2013. It’s an adaptation of a novel written by American author Piper Kerman. The novel follows the story of a young woman who is sentenced to a year in prison after being convicted of drug smuggling. The novel has been praised for its depiction of the realities of life in prison and the struggles faced by many women who are sent to jail. It’s also been described as a “funny and heartbreaking” story and a great insight into the lives of women who find themselves on the “wrong side of the law.”
When it comes to books and TV shows, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re into fantasy, sci-fi, romance, crime, or horror, you’re sure to find a TV show based on a book that you’ll love. If you haven’t started watching any of these, what are you waiting for?
