Book lovers, you are in for an absolute treat! We have assembled some excellent book-to-TV adaptations just for you, including some shows you may not have known had literary roots!
From paper to the screen, these shows hits every single genre, whether you love a rom-com (let's face it, we allll love a rom-com), are a fan of fantasy (did someone say vampiresss) or enjoy a good dystopian series then we've got you're next show sorted! So kick your feet up, grab some snacks, get cosy and watch your favourite book be brought to life!
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Free to watch right now:
Sherlock
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
There have been countlesssss adaptations of Sherlock, but in our opinion, Benedict Cumberbatch brings the character to life like no other with a fresh modern-day twist! Sherlock delves into the life of the genius “consulting” detective Sherlock Holmes as he solves various mysteries in modern-day London. Assisted in his mystery solving by his flatmate and friend Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman), together they work with the Metropolitan Police to crack the toughest of mysteries.
Vampire Diaries
Stream now on ITVX
Based on the vampire romance books by LJ Smith, Vampire Diaries is the perfect mixture of love, loss, grief and obviously, vampiresss! This show follows Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a teenage girl from the fictional town of Mystic Falls as she falls in love with a 161-year-old vampire, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley).
The Flatshare
Watch on 5 from Friday 15th March
This romantic comedy-drama based on the works of Beth O’Leary follows two strangers, Tiffany and Leon who share a flat but never meet! With opposite schedules they communicate only through post it notes, gradually forming a deep connection without ever seeing each other! As their bond grows, love and complications unravel in this heart-warming tale of friendship, healing and unexpected romanceeeee.
Wolf Hall
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
This BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning series brings the equally award-winning Hilary Mantel novels to life. Introducing you to Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) as he rises up the ranks, from a humble lawyer to the closest and most trusted advisor to Henry VIII. However, with great power comes even greater danger…
His Dark Materials
Available on BBC iPlayer
The hit TV series adaptation of Philip Pullman's beloved fantasy trilogy has captivated audiences of all ages. His Dark Materials follows Lyra, a young orphan from an alternate world governed by the Magisterium, a powerful religious and political force. In her quest to find her missing friend, Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and parallel universes.
The series features a star-studded cast, including Dafne Keen, James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Scott.
The Miniaturist
Stream now on U
Based on Jessie Burton’s acclaimed 2014 novel, this TV adaptation whisks you away to 1686 Amsterdam, where young Nella Ortman (Anya Taylor-Joy) receives a mysterious dollhouse from her new husband. When she enlists a miniaturist to furnish it, eerie supernatural events unfold, as each tiny figure begins to predict the chilling fate of her family. Filled with secrets, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural, this drama really brings the book to life!
Karen Pirie
Available now on ITVX
Karen Pirie is an intensely gripping drama based on Val McDermid’s novels, following the determined Scottish Detective Karen Pirie (Lauren Lyle) as she reopens long forgotten cold cases. With a combination of savvy intuition and relentless determination, she works hard to bring justice to victims.
Home Fires
Available now on U
Inspired by the novel Jambusters written by Julie Summers, this popular wartime drama takes you to rural Cheshire during World War II where a group of Women’s Institute members rally together to support the home front, all whilst facing personal struggles, loss and resilience. As the war intensifies and rations increase, friendships are tested, age-old secrets unravel, and the women must fight for their community's survival!
Dexter
Stream now on 5
Adopted as a child by Miami police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar), Dexter (Michael C. Hall) was trained to channel his dark impulses into a deadly form of justice—eliminating criminals who slip through the cracks. By day, he works as a skilled forensics technician, but by night, he becomes a ruthless vigilante! If you love gripping crime dramas with a killer twist, Dexter is a MUST!
Interview with the Vampire
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
This epic tale of seduction, blood and immortality is based on the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. This show is a reinvention of the novel, telling the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), an 18th century lord who chose immortality over death. With themes of morality, love, loyalty and immortality, this show is just as gripping as the books and we are here for it!
Queenie
Watch now on Channel 4
Now we love a coming-of-age story, one where we follow the journey of someone finding their place in the world. Welllll, last year Queenie dropped on Channel 4 and it ticks all our boxes! Queenie is about bad dates, awful sex and heartbreak as well as tackling race and hierarchy in the work place. If you love blisteringly funny dramas then this achingly yet relatable series is a must-see!
Some more faves:
Game of Thrones
Okay a books brought to life article isn’t even close to complete if we don’t include one of THE best adaptations of the 21st century, Game of Thrones! This intense series ticks every single box category wise, fantasy, action, drama, romance and all things in between! Set in the fictional land of Westeros, this gripping show sees nine noble families battle for control of the seven kingdoms! And if all that isn’t enough there are dragons, magic and even some scary white walkers!
The Witcher
Now the books are a true masterpiece… and the series is equally incredible! This epic fantasy drama follows the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a monster hunter with magically enhanced abilities who finds his destiny intertwined with a powerful sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Princess Cirella of Cintra (Freya Allan). When Geralt and Yennefer uncover the immense power hidden within Ciri – power strong enough to change the continent – they must battle a number of enemies to protect her at all costs!
Shadow and Bone
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you MUST have heard of this sinister fantasy series! Shadow and Bone will introduce you to the life of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) an orphan turned soldier in the Kingdom of Ravka. After saving fellow soldiers and Grisha (people with the ability to manipulate elements) whilst crossing the Shadow Fold, Alina is rushed to the capital Os Alta by head Grisha the darkling (Ben Barnes) to be trained to save the kingdom and destroy the shadow fold!
Bridgerton
An easy read and an even easier watch, this blast to the past consists of 8 novels (currently three series) following the eight siblings of the noble Bridgerton family as they navigate love, loss, adventures and happiness! With one season per character, we are three series down and cannot wait for more!
The Queens Gambit
Did you know that this fast-paced drama was originally a novel by Walter Tevis?! Set in the Cold War era, The Queen's Gambit follows orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she becomes addicted to becoming the greatest chess player in the world!
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Did you enjoy the books? Well if you've read J. R. R. Tokein's Unfinished Tales or The Silmarilion then get excited because this adaptation brings the books to life like no other! Unlike the films, the show takes you on a journey to the first and second ages, set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings showing the making of the rings as well as introducing us to some familiar and new characters as they battle with the re-emergence of evil on Middle-Earth!
If you're looking for some books-to-TV adaptations for the little ones then we've got you covered! And, if you want even moreeee recommendations sign up to the Freely newsletter!
