There’s something thrilling about having a beloved novel you’ve read be transformed into a TV series.
Maybe it’s seeing the characters you only imagined come to life or the anticipation of watching how your favourite scenes will be played out.
Then, there’s the small buzz of satisfaction you get when you have expert knowledge on the series all your friends and family are talking about.
If, like us, you love determining your next read by what is being adapted for the screen, we’ve got you sorted.
After all, if a novel is being transformed into a hit show, it must be worth sitting down to read, right?
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And we all know we’ve got the time right now to binge entire TV series and novels.
1
Big Little Lies
It may seem an obvious choice, but HBO series Big Little Lies has been one of the biggest TV shows of the past years. The all-star cast, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Reese Witherspoon, the list goes on, bring the story of five women entangled in murder, secrets and lies, to life.
2
Little Fires Everywhere
Honestly, everything Reese Witherspoon touches turns to gold, this is no exception. Based on the novel by Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere is one of 2020’s most anticipated series. The story centres on the picture-perfect Richardson family and a mysterious mother and daughter duo who upend their lives.
3
Alias Grace
If you’re a fan of hit series The Handmaid’s Tale, you may want to pick up Alias Grace next. Another amazing novel by Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace was turned into a mini-series about a woman convicted of murder and the doctor enlisted to determine her guilt. The spooky murder mystery takes twists and turns you’ll never see coming.
4
Good Omens
In this fantasy series an angel and a demon are forced to team up to try and stop the approaching Armageddon. The unlikely duo make for a hilarious pairing and are perfectly played by Michael Sheen and David Tenant in the very well-adapted series.
5
Unorthodox
Another 2020 hit the new series is based on Deborah Feldman’s autobiography, Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots. Born and raised in a New York Hasidic community, Esty struggles after a fruitless first year of marriage. She runs away to Berlin and finds new freedom.
Season 2 trailer for Netflix show You
6
YOU
Netflix phenomenon, YOU, had us almost as obsessed as its protagonist and professional stalker, Joe. Dangerously charming, intensely obsessive, Joe goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by. It’s based on You by Caroline Kepnes.
7
Shrill
This comedy series, now on SBS, about a struggling young journalist learning to love herself just the way she is, sounds like many female-centric 21st century tales. But, its taboo-shaming, hilariously relatable delivery had viewers instantly hooked.
8
Outlander
There is more to this show than just its dreamy Scottish lead, Jamie (played by Sam Heughan). Hard to believe, we know.
If you love a love story, this is one that stands the test of time. There’s also mystery, drama, action, history (author, Diana Gabaldon goes to great lengths to fact-check and research her work), and again, have you seen Jamie?
9
Game of Thrones
The books are said to be a challenging read but given the scale of Game Of Thrones, this decade’s biggest television series, we can’t make a list like this without it. And, you never know, the final book may give a better ending than the series.
