8 Flawless TV Shows That’ll Make You Want to Read the Books

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Turning books into TV shows is increasingly common. While many adaptations like You, Bridgerton, and The Witcher gain popularity, only a handful are truly exceptional—so good that they inspire viewers to pick up the original books. Even if someone already knows the story and characters, a fantastic TV adaptation can make them want to experience the world in even more detail by reading the source material.

Reading the original books offers a deeper dive into the story, letting you discover more details, connect with beloved characters, and experience the narrative as the author intended. Even if you already know how things end from watching a TV or movie adaptation, the book can still be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re into fantastical adventures, vast science fiction worlds, or stories based on real life, there’s a book-to-TV adaptation out there for you.

8. Station Eleven is a Gripping And Refreshing Miniseries

After a deadly flu wipes out most of the population, the HBO series Station Eleven tells the story of a traveling group of actors and musicians. They journey through a changed world, dedicated to keeping art and human connection alive. The show isn’t just about surviving, though; it explores what people remember, what brings them together, and what aspects of culture they choose to save when faced with total loss. It also features a dangerous cult that the group encounters along the way.

The miniseries Station Eleven received a lot of praise for its fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Instead of a dark and bleak future, it presents a surprisingly hopeful and colorful world. The show unfolds slowly and powerfully, weaving together emotional flashbacks and beautifully written storytelling to explore universal human experiences. Fans of the HBO series will also likely enjoy Emily St. John Mandel’s original novel, which is equally thoughtful, symbolic, and moving, offering a different way to connect with the story.

7. Only Book Readers Can Finish The Expanse’s Story

The Expanse is a large-scale science fiction story taking place throughout our solar system, which has been colonized by humans. Conflict between Earth and Mars is rapidly escalating, threatening to erupt into war. At the same time, a strange alien material poses a danger to the future of humankind. The series follows key characters like Chrisjen Avasarala, a UN official, police detective Joe Miller, Captain James Holden, and Julie Mao, and their teams as they navigate these complex political and scientific challenges.

What makes The Expanse so good is how realistic it is – everyone has complex motivations, and there are no clear heroes or villains. Originally, the SyFy channel canceled the show after three seasons, but a huge fan campaign, supported by famous authors like George R.R. Martin and Patton Oswalt, convinced Amazon to continue it for three more. The show creates a captivating and exciting universe that will likely inspire viewers to explore the original Expanse novels by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, writing as James S.A. Corey. These books offer an even deeper look into the story and characters, and allow fans to see how the complete story ends.

6. The Mindhunter Books Are Even More Interesting

Netflix’s Mindhunter stands out from typical crime shows by focusing on how the FBI began to understand serial killers. The series stars Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, who pioneer the Behavioral Science Unit. Instead of action, the show centers on compelling conversations that explore the minds of criminals and the reasons behind their horrific acts. Ford and Tench develop psychological profiles, attempting to decipher the motivations, habits, and fixations of these offenders.

The Netflix series Mindhunter stands out for its smart, realistic take on criminal investigations, with strong writing and a focus on the smallest details. It’s easy to see David Fincher’s influence – the show skillfully examines psychological suspense, what’s right and wrong, and the darker aspects of human nature. Viewers who enjoy the series will likely appreciate the 1995 book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker that inspired it, which offers even more true crime stories and details the origins of the Behavioral Science Unit.

5. Shōgun’s Historical Accuracy Earned it Critical Acclaim

Hulu’s Shōgun is set in 17th-century Japan, a time of civil war. The story centers on John Blackthorne, an English sailor who is captured by Lord Toranaga and finds himself caught up in Japan’s complex political struggles. As Blackthorne adjusts to a new culture and way of life, the show becomes a compelling look at themes of loyalty, ambition, and what it takes to survive. The series is a careful and respectful adaptation of the original story, avoiding easy explanations of the differences between Eastern and Western cultures and paying close attention to historical detail. The result is a beautifully made, captivating, and unforgettable show.

If you enjoyed the Shōgun series on Hulu, you’ll love James Clavell’s 1975 novel, which the show is based on. The book, inspired by the true story of William Adams, delves deeper into the political intrigue and characters’ thoughts. Even with plans for more seasons of the show, the novel is a great way to experience the complex story and drama.

4. Over Six Seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale Only Becomes More Culturally Relevant

In a bleak future where infertility is widespread due to disease and environmental damage, the totalitarian government of Gilead controls fertile women, forcing them to bear children for the powerful and privileged. The story of The Handmaid’s Tale centers on June Osborne, who is forced to serve the Waterfords – a couple instrumental in creating Gilead, a situation that eventually impacts them deeply. While the Handmaids are completely stripped of their freedom, the series follows their six-season struggle against this oppressive system.

Though unsettling and bleak, The Handmaid’s Tale is truly frightening because of its connection to real-world issues. Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerfully vulnerable performance as June (later Offred), and the show’s thoughtful writing has cemented its place as a significant feminist work. While Margaret Atwood’s novel first came out in 1985, the Hulu series proves its themes still resonate today, and the book itself provides a uniquely immersive and chilling experience.

3. Slow Horses is AppleTV+’s Most Distinctive Thriller

AppleTV+’s Slow Horses follows a team of MI5 agents who’ve been sidelined to Slough House, a dull and unremarkable department. Led by Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, the team is often underestimated due to his gruff personality and disheveled look. However, over the show’s five seasons, these agents develop a strong and surprisingly touching connection while skillfully solving various crimes.

AppleTV+’s thriller is a clever mix of dark humor and suspense, offering a refreshing, realistic take on the world of espionage. While the show has a cynical edge, its strong performances and witty, dark comedy make Slow Horses truly captivating. Fans of the show’s humor will also appreciate the source material – Mick Herron’s original 2010 novels – which are known for their fast pace and hilarious inner thoughts of the characters.

2. George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire Books Are Well Worth a Read For Game of Thrones Fans

If you were disappointed with how Game of Thrones ended, reading George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels is a great idea. The TV series, which depicts the power struggles between noble families like the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters, became a huge cultural hit thanks to its complex characters, political scheming, and realistic portrayal of violence. While the show was once considered by many to be the best on television, the books offer a more complete and potentially satisfying experience.

Look, even though the last few seasons of Game of Thrones weren’t perfect, I still think it was an incredible show and deserves to be remembered as a TV masterpiece. When it was at its best, so many of us were completely hooked and wanted more – more of the world, more depth for the characters we loved, and more storylines to follow. Honestly, if you’re craving that, you really need to read George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books. I know we’re all still waiting for The Winds of Winter, and who knows if it’ll ever come out, but the existing books are totally worth the read!

1. The Queen’s Gambit Had a Global Impact

Netflix’s 2020 series, The Queen’s Gambit, quickly became known as a standout TV show. The drama follows Beth, a brilliant but troubled young woman who excels at chess. As she matures, her dedication to the game intensifies, but it’s complicated by personal struggles, including addiction. This combination of talent and self-destructive behavior makes her story particularly captivating and powerful.

The Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit made chess incredibly exciting and visually compelling, much like a great sports movie. It’s no wonder the show led to a surge in the game’s popularity, with chess set sales jumping by 87%! If you enjoyed the series, consider reading Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel, which offers a deeper look into the main character’s inner life and thought process. The book adds another layer of understanding to the already captivating story and the strategy behind each chess move.

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2026-04-17 16:36