It wasn't long ago that a 'TV adaptation' of a popular book series would have been seen as a disappointment by some fans. A movie adaptation promised A-list stars, big budgets, and the latest CGI; all of which weren't common with TV adaptations.
However, recently the world has experienced a 'Golden Age of TV," with many modern TV shows being capable of emulating (or even exceeding) what some movie studios are capable of in terms of cinematography, special effects, and star quality. There has never been a better time for the TV adaptation.
10 Harry Potter And The TV Adaptation
The central focus of this list, the Harry Potter series was a cultural phenomenon across the globe. Even years after the main series has ended, a new generation of fans is falling in love with the Wizarding World and visiting the various theme parks that have sprung up as a result of the popularity.
While the movies are incredible, a modern TV series would've been able to explore far more of the book storyline and more characters than the movies. This would allow for famously cut scenes, such as the Deathday party, to finally be adapted for the small screen.
9 Seventh Son Needs A TV Show To Redeem Its Source Material
Perhaps the least well-known on this list, the Seventh Son is an adaptation of the fantastic Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney. The book series follows a Spook’s Apprentice called Tom Ward as he grapples with all manner of dark creatures, from Witches to Boggarts.
The movie was a stunning disappointment, barely even resembling the book upon which it was based. A TV series would be the redemption that this incredible book series deserves.
8 Percy Jackson Fans Are Finally Getting What They Deserve
The Percy Jackson series is one of the most popular young adult franchises of the past several decades. The series, taking place in the modern age, follows a demi-god called Percy Jackson as he battles all manner of mythological creatures and learns to control his own godly powers.
A movie adaptation was released, but it disappointed fans and critics upon release. A TV series adaptation is in the works and it would take some feat to be worse than the movies.
7 The Hunger Games Would Be Gold Standard TV
The Hunger Games, in a way, kickstarted a new age of young adult book adaptations in the wake of Harry Potter and Twilight. However, unlike some other movie adaptations at the time, Hunger Games stood out amongst the pack.
While the movies are excellent, there’s no denying that a modern TV series would be able to expand on the lore and characters in a way that the time constraints of a movie wouldn’t allow.
6 The Long Halloween Would Be A Fantastic Limited Series
The Long Halloween is one of the most iconic graphic novels of all time. One of the central inspirations behind Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the Long Halloween shows the Dark Knight in his early years as he works with James Gordon and Harvey Dent to fight Gotham's organized crime all while a mysterious killer known as Holiday is committing murders on holidays.
The graphic novel recently received a two-part feature-length adaption, but a slow-paced, limited series that stuck closer to the source material, and Tim Sale's iconic art style, would've been an incredible sight to see.
5 Artemis Fowl Fans Deserve A Faithful Adaptation
One of the most recent movie adaptations on this list, Artemis Fowl promised a lot before its eventual disappointing release on Disney+. The book series itself is incredibly popular, showcasing a young villain and his character development across several installments.
The recent movie was almost universally panned by critics and fans alike, with many pointing to the central character's lack of depth as one of the most disappointing elements. A TV series would allow for more character development to take place and match the expectations of the fans.
4 Eragon Is Ripe For A Disney+ TV Reboot
Eragon tells the story of a young farm boy who discovers and hatches a dragon egg, while an evil ruler tracks the boy and the dragon down. The book series was incredibly popular, which eventually led to the release of a film in 2006.
Unfortunately for fans, the movie was a big disappointment and no more Eragon movies were made. However, since Disney+ acquired the rights to the property, fans have been clamoring for a TV series of this popular book series.
3 Troy (And The Odyssey): A Legendary Tale
Some stories will stand the test of time; told and retold again and again throughout the ages. One of these legendary stories is Homer's the Iliad, an epic poem that tells the story of the Greek siege of Troy and the city's eventual fall to Odysseus' Trojan horse.
While there have been several adaptations of the Iliad, none has gone as far as to include the involvement of the Greek pantheon and the subsequent 'sequel' in the form of the Odyssey. This story is ripe for a modern retelling that lives up to the stories' reputations.
2 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Wasn't Very Extraordinary
The Golden Age of Comic Book movies is upon us. Ushered in by Christopher Nolan's exemplary Dark Knight Trilogy and taken to new heights by the MCU, comic book movies aren't going anywhere anytime soon. However, comic book movies weren't always the box office gold that they are today.
Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentleman, despite its all-star cast and popular source material, failed to make an impact among critics or the box office. If the property was given another chance, perhaps the medium of TV might allow for greater impact.
1 The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy Needs An Updated
Douglas Adams is one of the most beloved science fiction writers of all time, with his seminal Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy being one of the most loved series in the genre. As a result of this popularity, the property is ripe for a TV reboot in the Golden Age of TV.
While a movie was released in the mid-2000s, it didn't generate waves among the critics or the audience. As the only TV series of Hitchhiker's Guide dates back to the early 1980s, it's time for a refresh.