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:
Mr Loverman
Stream on BBC iPlayer from Monday the 14th October
This life-affirming story follows 74-year-old Barrington Jedidiah Walker as he comes out of the closet, choosing to break the silences in society. Starring Lennie James.
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).
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Based on the mystery novel of the same name by Holly Jackson, this series is an absolute must-see if you love drama, crime and everything in between! Everyone in Pip Fitz-Amobi's (Emma Myres) small town knows the story, pretty popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal, who then killed himself. However, five years later and now a senior herself, Pip decides to investigate Andie’s death for her school project, soon discovering a dark trail of secrets that may actually prove Sal’s innocence…
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 Pursuit of Love
Stream now on U
Based on the novel publish by Nancy Mitford in 1945, this immaculate adaptation sees two cousins, Linda Radley (Lily James) and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) in pursuit of freedom, friendship, sex and loveeee in 1920s Oxfordshire.
Noughts and Crosses
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Now this is not an adaption to miss, based on the award-winning novels by Malorie Blackman, Noughts and Crosses is set in an alternate world that has been colonised by Africa. When two individuals belonging to difference races and class fall in love, society kicks back, with a vengeance! Starring Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza.
Recipes for Love and Murder
Available now on U
Now if you love drama with a sprinkle of humour and a dash of mystery then do not miss this adaptation! Based on the much-loved book from Sally Andrew’s HUGELY popular Tannie Marie novels, Recipes for Love and Murder centres on Tannie (Maria Doyle Kennedy), a food and advice columnist who becomes entangled in a murder investigation after a local woman sought advice on her abusive relationship!
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, this 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!
Apples Never Fall
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
This number one New York Times Bestseller by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty has just hit our screens and we LOVE IT. After the sudden disappearance of matriarch Joy Delaney, a picture-perfect family begin to see their lives unravel as the four children are forced to reassess the image of the perfect couple they had of their parents as family secrets begin to rise to the surface! Starring Annette Bening and Sam Neill.
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!
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!
