25 TV Shows Based on Books That Improved on the Source Material

TV shows can build upon and improve stories that first appeared in books. Show creators frequently use a novel as a starting point, then develop the characters and plot in ways that weren’t possible in the original book. This allows them to use visuals to tell the story in a way that can be even more immersive than reading it. The following series show how adapting a story for television can take it to a new level.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

I have to say, while the first season of this show stuck pretty closely to Tom Perrotta’s original novel, things really took off after that. Showrunners Damon Lindelof and Perrotta himself weren’t afraid to venture beyond the book, crafting completely new storylines. What started as a story hinting at grief and faith blossomed into a full exploration of those themes, and with a much more dreamlike quality than the novel offered. Most critics, myself included, agree that the show actually improved on the source material, delivering a conclusion that felt truly unique and deeply moving.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

Jeff Lindsay first created the character of the serial killer in his novel, before the TV show came out. While the later books leaned into supernatural themes, the series kept the character rooted in a more realistic world. Michael C. Hall’s performance gave the protagonist a complex and relatable side, even though he was a violent killer. The show also featured supporting characters who felt more believable than those in the books.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

The original comic book by Garth Ennis was known for its shocking and pessimistic tone. The Amazon series, however, uses satire to critique corporate environments and the obsession with superhero celebrities. Showrunner Eric Kripke deepened the characters of Butcher and Homelander, adding emotional depth to their stories. The show also presents a more streamlined narrative compared to the comic’s often disconnected episodes.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–Present)

Margaret Atwood wrote the original novel that the first season of the show adapts and concludes. The series goes beyond the novel, showing us the stories of other handmaids and revealing the complex politics within Gilead. Elisabeth Moss’s powerful performance brings a strong sense of rebellion to her character, Offred. The show takes Offred’s personal story and turns it into a gripping drama about a larger fight for freedom.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

Before the TV show began, Luke Jennings released a collection of novellas featuring the character Villanelle. Phoebe Waller-Bridge then transformed these stories, emphasizing the intense obsession between the two main characters. The series added a distinctive dark humor and stylish feel that weren’t as noticeable in the original writings. The captivating chemistry between Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer made the dangerous pursuit between their characters truly special.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Candace Bushnell first published a collection of columns in The New York Observer. The HBO series adapted these writings into a connected story about the bonds of female friendship. Darren Star developed the characters, transforming them from simple ideas into complex, relatable women. By presenting a more in-depth and emotionally resonant portrayal of dating, the show captured the public’s imagination and became a cultural hit.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Cecily von Ziegesar’s books were the basis for the popular TV show. The show updated the characters’ ages and highlighted the powerful families of New York’s Upper East Side. The storyline was simplified to create a fast-paced, dramatic series. The show’s look and fashion became instantly recognizable and more influential than the books themselves.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

L.J. Smith’s initial book trilogy, written in the early 1990s, centered on a supernatural love story. When The CW adapted the books for television, they updated the setting and explored the backstories of the Salvatore brothers in more detail. The show’s creators added intricate villains and historical scenes, building out the series’ mythology. Unlike the books, which sometimes felt disjointed, the TV show maintained a consistent and focused tone.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Piper Kerman’s memoir about her experiences in prison became the basis for a dramatic TV series. The show expands on her story to explore the lives of all the women in the prison, using her character as a way to share their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Unlike the book, which focused on one person’s perspective, the series blends humor and heartbreak to create a more comprehensive and emotional portrayal of life inside.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

Liane Moriarty’s novel was originally set in Australia, a change from the California location in the miniseries adaptation. The series streamlined the story to build more suspense around the murder at trivia night. Director Jean-Marc Vallée used visuals to highlight the hidden emotional pain of the characters. These changes – the new setting and shorter format – made the story move along at a much better pace.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

H.G. Bissinger’s book about Texas high school football served as the basis for a TV series filmed in a realistic, documentary style, capturing the intense feelings within the town. Jason Katims skillfully explored the families involved and the challenges faced by the young players. Over time, the show evolved beyond the original book, becoming a powerful story about achieving the American Dream.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Dr. Hannibal Lecter first appeared in the novels of Thomas Harris. Bryan Fuller then brought these characters to life in a captivating and visually striking television series focused on psychological horror. The show explores the intricate connection between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter before the events seen in the movies. Its unique artistic style and depiction of hallucinations offered a fresh and deeper look at the infamous villain.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Walter Tevis’s novel, written in the 1980s, centers around a remarkably talented chess player. The recent limited series brings this story to life with striking visuals, powerfully portraying the character’s inner turmoil. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a compelling performance as Beth Harmon, conveying both her brilliance and loneliness with very few lines of dialogue. The series successfully transforms the quiet, strategic game of chess into an exciting and captivating experience for viewers.

‘Normal People’ (2020)

Sally Rooney’s novel centers on the relationship between Marianne and Connell, and the television series beautifully brings their inner thoughts to life through visuals. The directors, Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, handle the story with great care, heightening the emotional impact. The actors’ connection makes the subtle, unsaid feelings between the characters even more powerful than in the book.

‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

I just finished watching this miniseries, and wow, it really got under my skin. It’s based on Gillian Flynn’s first novel, following a reporter who goes back to her hometown, and the way they tell the story is fascinating. They use a lot of fast cuts and visual tricks to show how broken the main character, Camille, really is. And Amy Adams? She absolutely nails the role, portraying Camille’s self-destructive tendencies with a chilling accuracy. The show itself creates this incredibly claustrophobic and unsettling mood that perfectly amplifies the mystery surrounding the murders in Wind Gap. It’s a truly gripping watch.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

I just finished watching this series, and it’s genuinely gripping. It’s based on the real-life work of FBI agents John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, pioneers in criminal profiling. What director David Fincher does brilliantly is show how behavioral science developed at the Bureau. The show doesn’t just present facts, though; it recreates the agents’ interviews with serial killers, and those scenes are incredibly tense. More than a true crime story, it’s really a fascinating character study of the agents themselves, weaving together anecdotes from the book into a compelling narrative.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

Raylan Givens first appeared in a short story by Elmore Leonard, and the series takes that initial idea and develops it into an ongoing crime story set in Kentucky. The show’s creators successfully captured Leonard’s unique writing style, particularly his dialogue, while also building a compelling villain in Boyd Crowder. It’s a show that skillfully combines the structure of a police procedural with a longer, more complex storyline.

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Lev Grossman’s popular book trilogy has been likened to a more mature version of Harry Potter. When adapted into a Syfy series, the show updated the characters and made the cast more diverse to better represent a contemporary college environment. The series uses a witty and sarcastic style to offset its serious themes. The show’s writers also changed parts of the story to create a stronger sense of teamwork among the characters.

‘You’ (2018–Present)

Caroline Kepnes’s novel is told entirely through the eyes of a stalker. The TV series keeps this unique viewpoint but also includes scenes showing other characters’ reactions, which highlight how wrong the main character’s actions are. Penn Badgley’s performance makes Joe Goldberg surprisingly charming, drawing the audience into his troubling behavior. The show also offers a more biting critique of dating and social media than the book did.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

Emily St. John Mandel’s novel weaves together stories from before and after a pandemic. The TV series simplifies how these characters connect to create a stronger emotional impact. The show’s creator, Patrick Somerville, also changed the ending to give the main characters a more optimistic future. Overall, the adaptation focuses on how art can help people heal from difficult experiences, rather than just how people survive.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Leigh Bardugo created both a trilogy and a separate pair of books, all set in the same world. The Netflix series cleverly combined the stories from both of these into one continuous plot. This approach made the series move faster and helped viewers connect with the secondary characters more quickly. Plus, the special effects beautifully showed the magic at work, making the world feel even more real.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Kass Morgan’s novels provided the foundation for the television series, but the show soon moved away from its initial focus on teen relationships. It became a much darker story about fighting for survival. The creators upped the tension by unexpectedly killing off important characters and delving into complex moral questions. They also significantly developed the culture of the Grounders, building a detailed backstory and mythology that went far beyond what was in the original books.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)

Julia Quinn’s popular Bridgerton novels have been adapted into a TV series produced by Shonda Rhimes. The show features a diverse cast and a contemporary soundtrack, and it brings the historical Regency era to life with lavish sets and clever dialogue. Unlike the books, which each focus on one sibling, the series explores multiple storylines and characters.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Charlaine Harris created the Sookie Stackhouse mystery novels. Alan Ball then turned those books into an HBO series, but he made it edgier and more daring. The show added new characters and gave smaller roles to existing ones, building a detailed and vibrant world in the town of Bon Temps. It also leaned into a playfully dramatic style that really fit the supernatural storylines.

‘Looking for Alaska’ (2019)

I’m a big fan of John Green’s book, and I was so excited when it was adapted into a limited series! What I really appreciate is that the series creators addressed some of the issues with the book’s ending – they gave the main female character a lot more control over her own story. Josh Schwartz really understands teenagers; he portrays them with respect and avoids unnecessary drama. Plus, the longer episodes let you truly connect with the characters and feel their grief in a way the original didn’t quite capture.

Tell us which television adaptation you think surpassed the book in the comments.

2025-11-27 14:47