Top TV Shows Based Off of Books Pt.2

Hello everyone! I am back with a brand new list of book to TV adaptations. It’s been a while since I’ve done a list such as this and since more adaptations keep popping up by the numbers I couldn’t resist compiling a new list. To see part one, click here.

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The 100

The 100 follows a group of teens who are among the first people from a space habitat, “The Ark”, to return to Earth after a devastating nuclear apocalypse. The series is based onthe books Kass Morgan, which I wasn’t aware of till watching the first season. The dystopian theme has been kind of overdone in books/TV recently, but there is something special about The 100. The writing is done very well and I love how the characters have developed over the two seasons I’ve watched so far. I really like the actors and actresses on set, plus the locations/sets really immerse the viewer into the world.

Outlander

Oulander follows Claire Randall, a married World War II nurse who in 1945 finds herself transported back to the Scotland of 1743, where she encounters the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser and becomes embroiled in the Jacobite risings. I’ve read three books so far in the series, and I can truly say when comparing the books to the TV adaptation everything is on point. The casting, writing, acting, and most of all the cinematography is on point. I love how this series accurately depicts the wonders and horrors of traveling back in time and how it might affect history. I can’t wait to see how the TV series will continue to adapt Diana Gabaldon’s books.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is an Australian TV series surrounding round the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher, a glamorous private detective in 1920s Melbourne. It is based off of the book series of the same name by Kerry Greenwood. Essie Davis is absolutely fantastic in this series! I love historical shows and this one is a fun mixture of action, suspense, romance, and adventure. Miss FIsher is a sassy and fierce detective who takes her viewers on a new adventures. I love the characters, cinematography, and the costume design. I enjoy trying to figure out the clever murder mysteries placed in each episode.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is a drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The series revolves around the fictional lives of upper-class adolescents living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. I haven’t watched this show in forever, but I did enjoy it when it was on TV. I read the books in middle/high school and I felt like the books were actually a little more scandalous when compared to the TV show. The drama was over the top on this show, but nonetheless it was entertaining.

Hannibal 

This psychological thriller–horror television series based on characters and elements appearing in Thomas Harris’ novels Red Dragon and Hannibal. It focuses on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist destined to become Graham’s most cunning enemy. The suspense was so intense in this series, The actors Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen are so good in ther roles, and watching the power play between these two keeps the viewers on edge. It’s horribly graphic at times, so it’s not a show for viewers sensitive to that, but if you enjoy a good thriller I highly recommend it.

No.1 Detective Ladies Agency

Based on the book series by Alexander McCall Smith, this TV series focuses on the story of a detective agency opened by Mma Ramotswe and her courtship with the mechanic Mr. JLB Matekoni. Though it only had one season (it always makes me sad when shows I like get cancelled), I thought it was well executed for someone who has never read the books. The shooting location of Botswana provides a scenic landscape and I love that my girls, Anika Noni Rose and Jill Scott star in it. This show has its dramatic moments, but also many feel-good laughs.

The Dead Zone

Coming from the mind of Stephen King this science fiction drama television series stars Anthony Michael Hall as Johnny Smith, who discovers he has developed psychic abilities after a coma. This is a show I haven’t watched in a while, but definitely need to go back in visit. I’m a huge fan of sci-fi shows and I like how The Dead Zone has that detective/mystery show feel as Smith uses his abilities to help solve crimes.The characters are interesting, the show is well-written, and the acting is great!

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is loosely based on the 1820 Halloween short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow“by Washington Irving with added concepts from Rip Van Winkle. I debated whether to put this show on this list or not, but based solely on the first season I decided to keep it. The writing was its strongest in season one, but I felt the writing kind of waned from second season till now. But regardless of how it ended up, I still really loved this show! Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane and Nicole Beharie as detective Abbie Mills made a fantastic duo on TV! Their friendship was solid and I liked how they had each other’s back.

Christy

Christy is based on the novel Christy by Catherine Marshall. The show starred Kellie Martin as Christy Huddleston, a new teacher arriving to the fictional Appalachian village of Cutter Gap, Tennessee, in 1912. The villagers have old-fashioned ways and the series focuses on how Christy is the outsider that tries to fit in bringing new ideas, but not overstep her boundaries. I love period shows, as you can probably tell, and Christy is an absolute delight. The show only lasted one season, but I still recommend watching it.

Fresh Off The Boat

American sitcom series starring Hudson Yang, Randall Park, and Constance Wu that is loosely inspired by the life of chef and food personality Eddie Huang and his book Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir. The story follows the course of Eddie Huang’s Taiwanese family as they make their way from Chinatown of Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida to open up a cowboy-themed steak restaurant and dealing with the culture clash that follows! I love this show’s diverse cast and every episode has me laughing out loud. I look forward to reading the memoir the show is based on.

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What are some of your favorite TV shows based off books? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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