For years now, books have been an invaluable source of entertainment and escapism. They predate media that rely on advanced technology considerably, and because of this, are now a popular source material to adapt into film and television. When books are adapted into movies or television shows, these new formats don't always please everyone, but it is always refreshing to see written creativity given visual life.
Adapting a popular book franchise into a show brings a pre-existing sense of hype and expectation while encouraging new fans to go back and read the books. It isn't always the healthiest of relationships when fans prefer one version over the other, but book-to-television adaptations have produced some incredible shows.
10 Netflix's The Witcher Series Has Lots Of Material To Explore
Based On Andrzej Sapkowski's The WItcher Series
The Witcher started as a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Andrzej Sapkowski. The source material bred a Polish fantasy movie in 2001 called The Hexer, followed by The Witcher video game series.
When a Netflix series of The Witcher was announced, fans of the books and games couldn't hide their excitement or anxiety. The first two seasons have divided fans, yet it has still proven to be an overall success. Henry Cavill will be missed as Geralt when he hangs up his sword at the end of Season 3, but the show still has plenty to explore.
9 The Last Kingdom Is Five Seasons Of Intense Historical Drama & Mayhem
Based On Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories
As far as television shows about Vikings go, Vikings will often remain at the forefront of everyone's minds, yet The Last Kingdom has brought an undeniable consistency that has helped it to rival its successful Viking-driven counterpart. The Last Kingdom is a television adaptation based on Bernard Cornwell's series of novels called The Saxon Stories.
The Last Kingdom explores more of the Saxon side of things, rather than having a sole focus on Vikings from beginning to end. It thrived for all five of its seasons, with the finale bringing the compelling story to a close in 2022.
8 The Expanse Is A Thrilling Otherworldly Experience
Based On James S. A. Corey's The Expanse Series
The Expanse is an American sci-fi drama based on the novel series of the same name written by James S. A. Corey. It has wowed audiences with its stunning visuals and exploration of the Solar System while maintaining political suspense and intrigue at its core.
The Expanse takes time to introduce its characters and premise, but is generally a captivating watch all the way through to its final episode, released in January 2022. There isn't anything quite like The Expanse, from the universe-building and the startling realism to its characters and their complexities.
7 Outlander Has Historical Drama & Adventure Aplenty
Based On Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series
Outlander is a series of historical fantasy novels written by Diana Gabaldon, with the first one being published back in 1991, and the most recent one in 2021. The earlier books had already impressed, and in 2014, the first season of a television adaptation was brought to life.
Outlander follows the interesting premise of a nurse being transported back in time from 1945 to 1743 and then falling in with a band of Highlanders. Diana Gabaldon's original books have incredible detail and historical accuracy and have served as a catalyst for this enthralling television show to thrive.
6 The Handmaid's Tale Is A Gripping Adaptation Of Margaret Atwood's Novel
Based On Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
Before it became a popular television series, The Handmaid's Tale was a futuristic dystopian novel written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The story thrives on tragedy and turmoil in a world where women are repressed in a patriarchal society, with religious fanaticism reigning supreme.
The television adaptation stayed with the source material for its first season before moving in new directions and furthering the story. The Handmaid's Tale has difficult themes that make for uncomfortable viewing, but is gritty and compelling nonetheless.
5 The Queen's Gambit Is Another Netflix Adaptation Success Story
Based On Walter Tevis' The Queen's Gambit
The Queen's Gambit, based on the 1983 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, is one of many success stories in Netflix's recent history. The Queen's Gambit focuses on Elizabeth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who has to overcome emotional issues and past traumas to realize her potential as a chess prodigy.
The Queen's Gambit impressed as a miniseries to the point where fans could only fault it for not having more than seven episodes. The show is a coming-of-age drama with plenty of chess competition and dealing with the complications that life always threatens to throw up.
4 Sherlock Is Easily The Best Adaptation Of The Famous Detective
Based On Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Stories
The character Sherlock Holmes starred in various short stories and novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the detective has gone to inspire numerous movie and television adaptations over the years. In 2010, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat updated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories for the BBC series Sherlock.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are the leading characters of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John Watson respectively, heading four strong seasons of the murder mystery thriller. Sherlock's final season aired back in 2017, but it still remains in the top tier of all-time television shows, even maintaining its 9.1 rating on IMDb.
3 House Of The Dragon Has Made A Huge Impression With Its First Season
Based On George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood
House of the Dragon first season has been a huge success, establishing itself as more than just a prequel to the acclaimed Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon is another book-to-television adaptation of George R. R. Martin's work, but this time of his singular novel Fire & Blood.
Fire & Blood's unique premise of being an exploration of Targaryen history written by a maester according to various in-world sources has provided House of the Dragon with the creative freedom to spring surprises on fans in its adaptation. Viewers have been gripped by the political intrigue and familial disputes that have built up to the Dance of the Dragons civil war that will erupt when the show returns for its second season.
2 Band Of Brothers Remains A Compelling Showing Of The Horrors Of War
Based On Stephen E. Ambrose's Band Of Brothers
Many of the best war dramas over the years have come from real stories, as it is often the best way to capture the pure emotion, terror, and accuracy of the most horrific periods in history. Band of Brothers is a non-fiction book written by historian Stephen E. Ambrose that inspired the iconic television series of the same name, brought to life by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
Band of Brothers dramatizes the trials and tribulations of "Easy" Company during World War II. It's IMDb rating of 9.4 is a testament to how compelling and heartbreaking the series is, with it still holding up as an impeccable watch today. Band of Brothers is ten episodes of the horrors of war, brought to life with cinematic excellence and a strong cast.
1 Game Of Thrones Raised The Bar Considerably For Book-To-Television Adaptations
Based On George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire Series
While House of the Dragon has impressed greatly with its first season, it will take considerable effort to best the overall impact that Game of Thrones has had. Game of Thrones was the first of George R. R. Martin's fantasy novels from Westeros and beyond to be adapted, taking from the A Song of Ice and Fire books.
Game of Thrones was at its absolute best when it stuck close to George R. R. Martin's source material, but eventually reached a point where it had to deviate into a new and unfamiliar direction. Its final season will always be a point of contention, but its overall impact is undeniable.