Top 20 Book to TV Show Adaptations of the Century So Far
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VOICE OVER: Emily - WatchMojo
WRITTEN BY: Savannah Sher
From binge-reading to binge-watching, these are the best book to show adaptations of the century so far. For this list, we'll be looking at our favorite TV shows that were based on books and began airing in 2000 or later. Our countdown includes “Killing Eve,” “Big Little Lies,” “Outlander,” and more!
Was the book better? That’s up to you to decide. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 20 Book to Show Adaptations of the Century (So Far).
For this list, we’ll be looking at our favorite TV shows that were based on books and began airing in 2000 or later.
#20: “Anne with an E” (2017-19)
While this isn’t the first time that Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” novel was adapted for the screen, “Anne with an E” is definitely the first time the classic children’s story has been so dark. Creator Moira Walley-Beckett called the titular orphan an "accidental feminist", with the show building upon themes already present in the book, like “identity, prejudice, bullying, being an outsider, searching for a way to be accepted and how to belong.” Despite being set in the 19th century and following a young girl living in a small town, the drama didn’t only surprise critics for its cinematography and thrilling plot, but it also captured an extremely passionate fanbase thanks to the depth and realism of its characters - specifically Anne Shirley herself.
#19: “True Blood” (2008-14)
2008 was a big year for vampire romance, especially ones that were adapted from popular novel series! Not only was the first “Twilight” movie released, but we got to see some paranormal love stories unfolding on our TV screens too when “True Blood” premiered. Based on the novels by Charlaine Harris, the show centers on a world where vampires are coming out of hiding because of a newly released synthetic blood product and a seemingly regular girl who falls for one of them. If you’re missing the show, you can go back and read the more than a dozen novels that are set in this world!
#18: “Hannibal” (2013-15)
While we all assumed that the TV series “Hannibal,” which began airing in 2013, was based on the story told in the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs,” it also goes one layer deeper than that. This entire universe is based on the world created by Thomas Harris, though the TV show takes a loose approach, borrowing characters and plot points, but not directly following the trajectory of the plots from “ Red Dragon” or “Hannibal.” It does, of course, feature Dr. Hannibal Lecter as the cannibal and forensic psychiatrist that we’ve come to know.
#17: “Dexter” (2006-13)
While there are some TV shows that everyone knows are based on books, there are others where this background information flies under the radar. “Dexter” was one of these cases, with Jeff Lindsay’s series of novels not getting a lot of airtime. The story is about a forensic blood spatter analyst who decides to enact vigilante justice by taking out the murderers who manage to evade persecution in the actual criminal justice system. In the process, he becomes a serial killer himself, but this show managed to make us sympathize with him and at times even feel like he was doing the right thing.
#16: “The Leftovers” (2014-17)
One of the most criminally underrated shows of the last decade has to be “The Leftovers.” Despite the fact that it aired on HBO, it never quite got the widespread appeal it deserved. The story of the “Sudden Departure” (where 2% of people on Earth mysteriously disappeared) was a compelling hook, but it was the emotional drama and character development that followed which was even more interesting. The series was co-created by Tom Perrotta, who also wrote the novel that the show is based on, so you can be sure that this adaptation captures the same spirit.
#15: “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-19)
For many of us, this was the book series that got us into reading. The poor Baudelaire orphans couldn’t seem to catch a break, and we couldn’t stop turning the pages to see if they would finally get a happy ending. The series was already adapted into a major film starring Jim Carrey in 2004. More than a decade later, we got a more complete adaptation when Netflix turned all thirteen books into a series with Neil Patrick Harris playing Count Olaf. This version was extremely well-received and we honestly just wish it had been on for longer.
#14: “Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
This series of novels was practically begging to be made into a TV show. The “Pretty Little Liars” novels, written by Sara Shepard, are full of twists and turns, dealing with crime and standard high school drama. The show doesn’t follow the storylines of the books with exactness. No one was complaining, though, because the writers kept us on the edge of our seats for seven seasons as we tried to figure out what had happened to Alison and who A really was. It definitely went off the rails at a few points, but we always came back to it regardless.
#13: “His Dark Materials” (2019-)
One of the most beloved modern fantasy series has to be Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy. Fans and critics alike were disappointed by the 2007 film adaptation, and sequels were thus never produced to “The Golden Compass.” Readers thought that they’d never get another chance to see Lyra’s story unfold on screen, but they were pleasantly surprised when “His Dark Materials” began airing in 2019. This adaptation took a darker tone and actually addressed some of the more interesting and controversial things from the novels. It came complete with a pitch perfect cast, particularly Dafne Keen as Lyra.
#12: “The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
You knew there had to be more than one vampire love story on our list! When L. J. Smith penned “The Vampire Diaries” novels in the early ‘90s, they were a sensation, and the series continued to be successful for years. When the show premiered in 2009, fans finally got to see their favorite paranormal love triangle play out on screen. Everyone would agree that it was worth the wait because the show surpassed the popularity of the books and turned into something wholly its own. It even spawned a spin-off series that ran for five seasons, “The Originals.”
#11: “13 Reasons Why” (2017-)
Jay Asher’s 2007 novel was full of dark subject matter for the YA genre and definitely seemed like it would be a challenge to adapt. Perhaps that’s why it took a decade for someone to tackle it, but developer Brian Yorkey and company succeeded, turning the standalone book into a four-season TV show. The plot addresses just about every issue that modern teens are facing, depicting the events that led to Hannah Baker taking her own life. The show does an excellent job of modernizing Asher’s story so that it resonates with today’s young people and reflects everything that has changed since 2007.
#10: “Killing Eve” (2018-)
This is one of the most shocking entries on our list, and we’re guessing most of you didn’t know that this spy thriller actually had a literary background. The fast-paced and groundbreaking “Killing Eve” stars Sandra Oh as an MI5 agent and Jodie Comer as a deranged assassin engaged in a game of cat and mouse. It’s based on “Codename Villanelle,” a collection of e-books written by Luke Jennings. Considering the show’s popularity, Jennings has continued to write the stories set in this world.
#9: “Big Little Lies” (2017-19)
Usually, we’re faithful to the idea that the book is always better, but there are some notable exceptions. While Liane Moriarty’s novel “Big Little Lies” was riveting, the developers of the TV show added extra layers of interest to an already compelling story by crafting a distinctive aesthetic and color palette and utilizing music in a way that felt fresh. You also have to credit the all-star cast for making this into a major hit and an awards season darling. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Shailene Woodley all deliver excellent performances, but every single member of the cast feels like a standout as well. It’s no wonder fans begged for another season of what was supposed to be a limited series!
#8: “You” (2018-)
We almost wish this hadn’t been made into a TV show because now it’s going to haunt our nightmares and make us wary of every new person we meet. But in all seriousness, “You” became a major hit after airing on Netflix and viewers were clamoring to see what happened next. But if they wanted answers, all they had to do was look to Caroline Kepnes novel series, which the show is based on. Like the novels, the show is so twisted that you definitely won’t want to stream this right before going to bed.
#7: “Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
In the early aughts, teenage girls anxiously awaited the release of the latest “Gossip Girl” novel at their local bookstores, but a few years later they were able to see the antics of their favorite Upper East Siders on their TV screens. Cecily von Ziegesar’s novel series has a level of snark and satire that is missing from the show, and the books are worth checking out of you’re looking for a lighthearted beach read. They don’t get quite as dark or dramatic as the show does, always retaining an air of frivolity, and most importantly, the books focus mainly on the high schoolers and don’t bore us with the parents’ storylines.
#6: “The 100” (2014-)
Kass Morgan’s “The 100” series was a perfect pick to adapt into a TV show. While there was an excess of feature films being made in the 2010s that followed the YA apocalyptic road map, the genre wasn’t nearly as represented on the small screen. But this story about a group of 100 young people who are exiled from their space station and charged with returning to Earth to see if it’s habitable is extremely compelling and features plenty of interweaving storylines that kept us tuned in week after week.
#5: “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
So far, all of the entries on our list have been based on works of fiction, but this one derived from the true story told in Piper Kerman’s memoir “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.” For the show, Kerman’s name was changed to Chapman and the story expanded to include the tales of many of the other women who lived alongside her in prison. The show ended up being a massive hit for Netflix, ushering in an era of original programming from the streaming giant.
#4: “Sherlock” (2010-17)
Elementary, my dear Watson! We don’t have to tell you that this BBC crime drama, which premiered in 2010, is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. But this is one of the most remarkable adaptations on our list because the creators took an extremely well-known, much-loved character and brought him from Victorian times into modern day while retaining the sensibilities and spirit of his personality. “Sherlock” is fast-paced and quick-witted, showing TV audiences that old stories don’t have to be stuffy.
#3: “The Handmaid's Tale” (2017-)
Renowned Canadian speculative fiction writer Margaret Atwood had not one, but two of her novels adapted for television in 2017. There was “Alias Grace,” which was released as a miniseries, and then there was “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Despite the fact that the book was released decades earlier, it seemed unsettlingly fitting for our modern times. The show achieved great critical acclaim and countless accolades while also making audiences question the stability of the freedoms that they currently enjoy. In fact, it was such a big hit that it prompted Atwood to pen a sequel to her 1985 novel called “The Testaments,” which was released in 2019.
#2: “Outlander” (2014-)
Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series paired romance with time travel and historical fiction, becoming a mainstay for a certain type of genre reader after initially being released in the early ‘90s. This love story came to our TV screens in 2014, making fans enamored with Claire and Jamie’s complicated tale all over again. The books feature a healthy amount of steamy love scenes, which made for perfect fodder for the visual medium. It’s a great guilty pleasure bodice ripper that also brings in more serious elements and plot points, managing to make the story feel modern despite its setting.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Shrill” (2019-)
“Sharp Objects” (2018)
“Watchmen” (2019)
“Mindhunter” (2017-)
#1: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
David Benioff and D. B. Weiss managed to bring high fantasy into the mainstream when they adapted George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series for HBO. It was an instant hit, only gaining in popularity as the seasons went on. The development followed an interesting trajectory, because at one point in the series, the story being told on TV surpassed the one told on the page, forcing the show’s creators to make their own decisions about the fates of the characters. Will George R. R. Martin ever finish his book series and let us know how he envisioned it all ending? We might never know.
For this list, we’ll be looking at our favorite TV shows that were based on books and began airing in 2000 or later.
#20: “Anne with an E” (2017-19)
While this isn’t the first time that Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” novel was adapted for the screen, “Anne with an E” is definitely the first time the classic children’s story has been so dark. Creator Moira Walley-Beckett called the titular orphan an "accidental feminist", with the show building upon themes already present in the book, like “identity, prejudice, bullying, being an outsider, searching for a way to be accepted and how to belong.” Despite being set in the 19th century and following a young girl living in a small town, the drama didn’t only surprise critics for its cinematography and thrilling plot, but it also captured an extremely passionate fanbase thanks to the depth and realism of its characters - specifically Anne Shirley herself.
#19: “True Blood” (2008-14)
2008 was a big year for vampire romance, especially ones that were adapted from popular novel series! Not only was the first “Twilight” movie released, but we got to see some paranormal love stories unfolding on our TV screens too when “True Blood” premiered. Based on the novels by Charlaine Harris, the show centers on a world where vampires are coming out of hiding because of a newly released synthetic blood product and a seemingly regular girl who falls for one of them. If you’re missing the show, you can go back and read the more than a dozen novels that are set in this world!
#18: “Hannibal” (2013-15)
While we all assumed that the TV series “Hannibal,” which began airing in 2013, was based on the story told in the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs,” it also goes one layer deeper than that. This entire universe is based on the world created by Thomas Harris, though the TV show takes a loose approach, borrowing characters and plot points, but not directly following the trajectory of the plots from “ Red Dragon” or “Hannibal.” It does, of course, feature Dr. Hannibal Lecter as the cannibal and forensic psychiatrist that we’ve come to know.
#17: “Dexter” (2006-13)
While there are some TV shows that everyone knows are based on books, there are others where this background information flies under the radar. “Dexter” was one of these cases, with Jeff Lindsay’s series of novels not getting a lot of airtime. The story is about a forensic blood spatter analyst who decides to enact vigilante justice by taking out the murderers who manage to evade persecution in the actual criminal justice system. In the process, he becomes a serial killer himself, but this show managed to make us sympathize with him and at times even feel like he was doing the right thing.
#16: “The Leftovers” (2014-17)
One of the most criminally underrated shows of the last decade has to be “The Leftovers.” Despite the fact that it aired on HBO, it never quite got the widespread appeal it deserved. The story of the “Sudden Departure” (where 2% of people on Earth mysteriously disappeared) was a compelling hook, but it was the emotional drama and character development that followed which was even more interesting. The series was co-created by Tom Perrotta, who also wrote the novel that the show is based on, so you can be sure that this adaptation captures the same spirit.
#15: “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-19)
For many of us, this was the book series that got us into reading. The poor Baudelaire orphans couldn’t seem to catch a break, and we couldn’t stop turning the pages to see if they would finally get a happy ending. The series was already adapted into a major film starring Jim Carrey in 2004. More than a decade later, we got a more complete adaptation when Netflix turned all thirteen books into a series with Neil Patrick Harris playing Count Olaf. This version was extremely well-received and we honestly just wish it had been on for longer.
#14: “Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
This series of novels was practically begging to be made into a TV show. The “Pretty Little Liars” novels, written by Sara Shepard, are full of twists and turns, dealing with crime and standard high school drama. The show doesn’t follow the storylines of the books with exactness. No one was complaining, though, because the writers kept us on the edge of our seats for seven seasons as we tried to figure out what had happened to Alison and who A really was. It definitely went off the rails at a few points, but we always came back to it regardless.
#13: “His Dark Materials” (2019-)
One of the most beloved modern fantasy series has to be Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy. Fans and critics alike were disappointed by the 2007 film adaptation, and sequels were thus never produced to “The Golden Compass.” Readers thought that they’d never get another chance to see Lyra’s story unfold on screen, but they were pleasantly surprised when “His Dark Materials” began airing in 2019. This adaptation took a darker tone and actually addressed some of the more interesting and controversial things from the novels. It came complete with a pitch perfect cast, particularly Dafne Keen as Lyra.
#12: “The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
You knew there had to be more than one vampire love story on our list! When L. J. Smith penned “The Vampire Diaries” novels in the early ‘90s, they were a sensation, and the series continued to be successful for years. When the show premiered in 2009, fans finally got to see their favorite paranormal love triangle play out on screen. Everyone would agree that it was worth the wait because the show surpassed the popularity of the books and turned into something wholly its own. It even spawned a spin-off series that ran for five seasons, “The Originals.”
#11: “13 Reasons Why” (2017-)
Jay Asher’s 2007 novel was full of dark subject matter for the YA genre and definitely seemed like it would be a challenge to adapt. Perhaps that’s why it took a decade for someone to tackle it, but developer Brian Yorkey and company succeeded, turning the standalone book into a four-season TV show. The plot addresses just about every issue that modern teens are facing, depicting the events that led to Hannah Baker taking her own life. The show does an excellent job of modernizing Asher’s story so that it resonates with today’s young people and reflects everything that has changed since 2007.
#10: “Killing Eve” (2018-)
This is one of the most shocking entries on our list, and we’re guessing most of you didn’t know that this spy thriller actually had a literary background. The fast-paced and groundbreaking “Killing Eve” stars Sandra Oh as an MI5 agent and Jodie Comer as a deranged assassin engaged in a game of cat and mouse. It’s based on “Codename Villanelle,” a collection of e-books written by Luke Jennings. Considering the show’s popularity, Jennings has continued to write the stories set in this world.
#9: “Big Little Lies” (2017-19)
Usually, we’re faithful to the idea that the book is always better, but there are some notable exceptions. While Liane Moriarty’s novel “Big Little Lies” was riveting, the developers of the TV show added extra layers of interest to an already compelling story by crafting a distinctive aesthetic and color palette and utilizing music in a way that felt fresh. You also have to credit the all-star cast for making this into a major hit and an awards season darling. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Shailene Woodley all deliver excellent performances, but every single member of the cast feels like a standout as well. It’s no wonder fans begged for another season of what was supposed to be a limited series!
#8: “You” (2018-)
We almost wish this hadn’t been made into a TV show because now it’s going to haunt our nightmares and make us wary of every new person we meet. But in all seriousness, “You” became a major hit after airing on Netflix and viewers were clamoring to see what happened next. But if they wanted answers, all they had to do was look to Caroline Kepnes novel series, which the show is based on. Like the novels, the show is so twisted that you definitely won’t want to stream this right before going to bed.
#7: “Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
In the early aughts, teenage girls anxiously awaited the release of the latest “Gossip Girl” novel at their local bookstores, but a few years later they were able to see the antics of their favorite Upper East Siders on their TV screens. Cecily von Ziegesar’s novel series has a level of snark and satire that is missing from the show, and the books are worth checking out of you’re looking for a lighthearted beach read. They don’t get quite as dark or dramatic as the show does, always retaining an air of frivolity, and most importantly, the books focus mainly on the high schoolers and don’t bore us with the parents’ storylines.
#6: “The 100” (2014-)
Kass Morgan’s “The 100” series was a perfect pick to adapt into a TV show. While there was an excess of feature films being made in the 2010s that followed the YA apocalyptic road map, the genre wasn’t nearly as represented on the small screen. But this story about a group of 100 young people who are exiled from their space station and charged with returning to Earth to see if it’s habitable is extremely compelling and features plenty of interweaving storylines that kept us tuned in week after week.
#5: “Orange Is the New Black” (2013-19)
So far, all of the entries on our list have been based on works of fiction, but this one derived from the true story told in Piper Kerman’s memoir “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison.” For the show, Kerman’s name was changed to Chapman and the story expanded to include the tales of many of the other women who lived alongside her in prison. The show ended up being a massive hit for Netflix, ushering in an era of original programming from the streaming giant.
#4: “Sherlock” (2010-17)
Elementary, my dear Watson! We don’t have to tell you that this BBC crime drama, which premiered in 2010, is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. But this is one of the most remarkable adaptations on our list because the creators took an extremely well-known, much-loved character and brought him from Victorian times into modern day while retaining the sensibilities and spirit of his personality. “Sherlock” is fast-paced and quick-witted, showing TV audiences that old stories don’t have to be stuffy.
#3: “The Handmaid's Tale” (2017-)
Renowned Canadian speculative fiction writer Margaret Atwood had not one, but two of her novels adapted for television in 2017. There was “Alias Grace,” which was released as a miniseries, and then there was “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Despite the fact that the book was released decades earlier, it seemed unsettlingly fitting for our modern times. The show achieved great critical acclaim and countless accolades while also making audiences question the stability of the freedoms that they currently enjoy. In fact, it was such a big hit that it prompted Atwood to pen a sequel to her 1985 novel called “The Testaments,” which was released in 2019.
#2: “Outlander” (2014-)
Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series paired romance with time travel and historical fiction, becoming a mainstay for a certain type of genre reader after initially being released in the early ‘90s. This love story came to our TV screens in 2014, making fans enamored with Claire and Jamie’s complicated tale all over again. The books feature a healthy amount of steamy love scenes, which made for perfect fodder for the visual medium. It’s a great guilty pleasure bodice ripper that also brings in more serious elements and plot points, managing to make the story feel modern despite its setting.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Shrill” (2019-)
“Sharp Objects” (2018)
“Watchmen” (2019)
“Mindhunter” (2017-)
#1: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
David Benioff and D. B. Weiss managed to bring high fantasy into the mainstream when they adapted George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series for HBO. It was an instant hit, only gaining in popularity as the seasons went on. The development followed an interesting trajectory, because at one point in the series, the story being told on TV surpassed the one told on the page, forcing the show’s creators to make their own decisions about the fates of the characters. Will George R. R. Martin ever finish his book series and let us know how he envisioned it all ending? We might never know.
