Top 10 TV Shows That Went BEYOND the Source Material

Based on the 2011 novel of the same name, “The Leftovers” depicts the lives of people in the aftermath of a rapture-like disappearance of some of the world’s population. The first season follows the events of the book relatively closely, although there are some changes to the career of Kevin Garvey. Later seasons expand on the cast’s stories in new and often existential ways, creating original arcs unique to the TV series. Additionally, the overall tone of the show is bleaker in general, and more emphasis is placed on the characters’ grief at their loved ones’ departures.

This dystopian TV series is based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning novel. The debut season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” sticks fairly close to the book, albeit with some changes. In the book, we never learn Offred’s real name; she tells us in the final moments of the show’s first episode that her name is June. The season ends with a similar cliffhanger of Offred being taken away in a van. However, every season after is new material, with entirely fresh character arcs playing out onscreen and even more depths for the leaders of Gilead to sink to.

Taking inspiration from stories by Elmore Leonard, “Justified” primarily crafts its own narrative. It builds off the “Fire In the Hole” short story with attention and care. Despite expanding significantly on its source material, with plenty of new characters and original arcs, “Justified” has been hailed as being incredibly truthful to the tone of Leonard’s work. Timothy Olyphant made the Raylan Givens character his own, to Leonard’s delight. The down-to-earth way the characters speak has also been praised. The show even inspired Leaonard to write more material featuring Raylan Givens and characters original to the TV show. Now that’s impressive.

While many TV adaptations attempt to translate the source material to the screen, “Watchmen” is more like a straight-up sequel. The series picks up with many of the surviving characters from Alan Moore’s graphic novel, illustrating the effects the dramatic events of the original had on the world. However, it also incorporates all-new stories and conspiracies. The “Watchmen” show also delves into the past. It touches on both overlooked historical events as well as fleshing out the backstories of previously mysterious side characters, like Hooded Justice. With a cliffhanger ending, we were keen to see the new directions “Watchmen” could have gone.

This iconic crime drama is based on a series of novels. The show’s first season about the serial killer who targets other killers sticks fairly close to the first book. However, there are some key differences, like LaGuerta dying early in the book and Deb learning about her brother’s criminal activities much later in the show. The show also does not feature a supernatural origin to Dexter’s “Dark Passenger.” While its later seasons didn’t receive as much acclaim, for much of its run, “Dexter” tells plenty of darkly compelling stories of its own.

While it’s based on the New Zealand mockumentary film of the same name, the show is definitely its own thing. Although set in the same universe — some movie characters even make a guest appearance — the series follows an entirely different group of vampire roommates. These dysfunctional and hysterical vamps have their own unique clashes with each other and the modern world. The show even develops original monsters, like energy vampires — we’ve all met at least one of these daywalkers! No matter what medium, “What We Do in the Shadows” is hilarious.

Both this Amazon superhero show and the comics it’s based on are full of shocking and dark storylines. However, the series tones down some of the more graphic and cruel elements from the source material, while also delving further into the characters. Some of the cast also change genders in the adaptation, such as Stormfront. Perhaps one of the biggest changes is that the titular Boys don’t obtain superpowers themselves on a regular basis. This helps raise the stakes in their fight against supes and makes them feel more relatable. While the showrunners may have mixed and matched elements from the comics, the show is generally better for it, and arguably surpasses its origins.

It took a second go-round to make the version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” that creator Joss Whedon wanted. Although the series was based on Whedon’s script for the 1992 film, the show took the concept of a high school girl empowered to fight vampires and ran with it. While the series retains the humor, it goes much darker with the material, and doesn’t shy away from drama either. The cast and lore are much expanded as well. The TV series proved hugely influential on many supernatural teen shows that followed it, and it has even spawned comics that extend the story further. It’s a credit to how great “Buffy” is that people often forget there was even a movie.

Look, we know it’s pretty universally agreed that this epic fantasy series started to fall off once the creators ran out of “A Song of Ice and Fire” books to adapt. We’re not arguing that, even if there are a few great moments in later seasons. But in focusing on the negative, people often forget many of the clever changes and additions made in the adaptation. Younger characters were aged up, additional scenes between characters who never met were added, and entire battles were created. Arya and Tywin’s relationship! Brienne vs. the Hound! “Chaos is a ladder!” These weren’t George R. R. Martin originals, folks. Without these additions to the source material, many fan favorite moments would be lost.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Themes, Acting & Action All Go Deeper than the Film

TV Gives More Time to Flesh Out This Alternate History

Jack Reacher Is More Likable & the Supporting Cast Is Fleshed Out

Unlike the Previous Books & Series, This One Came across the Pond

It’s Hard to Find Something This Reimagining Didn’t Do Better than the Original

Based on a film which was itself based on a book, “M*A*S*H” is among the most popular American television shows ever made. Set during the Korean War, the TV series may include a few of the characters from the film, but it diverges significantly from it. The film had a darker tone than the television series that would follow it — although as the sitcom went on, it dealt with similar themes and leaned in to dark comedy. During its long run, it was able to grapple with America’s role in contemporary conflicts including the Vietnam War. The changes made to “M*A*S*H” helped ensure its status as one of television’s landmark shows.