Best-Selling Book Adaptations: From 'Big Little Lies' to 'The Handmaid's Tale'
From popular novels to captivating TV series, immerse yourself in the worlds of 'Little Fires Everywhere,' 'Big Little Lies,' 'You,' and more bestselling books turned small screen sensations Discover the captivating adaptations that have taken audiences by storm
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Little Fires Everywhere, Big Little Lies and You are among the best-selling books that made their way to the small screen in the form of TV adaptations.
Reese Witherspoon is the driving force behind several successful TV shows adapted from books, using her passion for bringing new stories to a different platform and spotlighting talented writers with unique voices. As an Oscar winner, she has taken on the responsibility of bringing Liane Moriarty's "Big Little Lies" and Celeste Ng’s "Little Fires Everywhere" to television, not just as a star but also as an executive producer.
Of course, when creating adaptations, it's important to strike a balance between developing new material and staying loyal to the source material. One prime example of this is the show You, which deviates from Caroline Kepnes' novels. "It's a show about love and obsession and where the line is between the two of those - and the character of Joe will always look outside himself for this thing that completes him," showrunner Sera Gamble exclusively told We in January 2020. "He has the perplexity to see a girl and think that she's The One. I don't see any signs of stopping that, but we never want to make a season that feels like it's trying to replicate the one before."
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Scroll through to explore TV shows based on best-selling books:
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TV Shows Based on Best-Selling Books: From ‘Big Little Lies’ to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Little Fires Everywhere, Big Little Lies and You are among the best-selling books that made their way to the small screen in the form of TV adaptations.
Reese Witherspoon has been instrumental in bringing some of the most successful TV shows based on books to the screen, showcasing her dedication to sharing new and compelling stories while also championing talented writers. With her involvement, she has optioned novel adaptations such as Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies and Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere for television, taking on roles both in front of and behind the camera as an executive producer.
Check out television shows that have been adapted from popular novels. One example is "You," which takes liberties with the original material while staying true to the themes of love and obsession. Showrunner Sera Gamble explained in an exclusive interview with We in January 2020 that the character of Joe will always be in search of completion outside of himself, leading to a captivating storyline. The show aims to avoid replication and continue to explore new content in each season.
Credit: Chris Large/Netflix
‘My Life With the Walter Boys’
The Young Adult novel by Ali Nowak, which shares the same name, was adapted by Netflix and premiered in December 2023. The series centers around high school student Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez) who, following a tragic car accident that claims her family, relocates from her upscale life in New York City to rural Colorado to live with the Walter family. Katherine and George Walter (Sarah Rafferty and Marc Blucas, respectively) open their home to Jackie, the daughter of an old family friend, and their eight children.
Credit: Wilford Harwood/Hulu
'The Other Black Girl'
Zakiya Dalia Harris’ first book, which received the American Book Award in 2021, was adapted into a television series almost two years later. The show, based on the mystery novel, centers around the only Black staff member at a publishing company. The Hulu series features Ashleigh Murray, Sinclair Daniel, Garcelle Beauvais, Bellamy Young, and Hunter Parrish.
Credit: Netflix/YouTube
‘All the Light We Cannot See’
The TV adaptation of Anthony Doerr’s 2014 war novel has arrived in the form of a limited Netflix series. Directed by Shawn Levy of Stranger Things, the drama features a star-studded cast including Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Louis Hofmann, and Aria Mia Loberti. The highly anticipated All The Light We Cannot See is set to premiere on November 2, 2023.
Credit: Dan Power/Netflix
'The Night Agent'
Arriving in March 2023, the Netflix series, based on Matthew Quirk's novel The Night Agent, is a gripping thriller. Led by Gabriel Basso, Hong Chau, and Sarah Desjardins, the show centers on an FBI agent (Basso) as he delves into a high-level conspiracy involving a Russian mole within the U.S. government.
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
'Shadow and Bone'
Premiering in April 2021, the Netflix series is an adaptation of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. The fantastical drama chronicles Alina Starkov's (Jessie Mei Li) journey as she grapples with her extraordinary magical powers while confronting the malevolent Kirigan's (Ben Barnes) efforts to reshape the world in his own image.
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Studios
'Daisy Jones & the Six'
Riley Keough and Sam Claflin lead the Amazon Prime series based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel. Set to premiere in March 2023, the TV adaptation delves into the epic journey of a prominent '70s rock band. Joining Keough and Claflin are Suki Waterhouse, Camila Morrone, Josh Whitehouse, Nabiyah Be, Will Harrison, and Sebastian Chacon.
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'Lockwood & Co.'
Premiering in January 2023, the Netflix series is an adaptation of Jonathan Stroud's book series of the same name. It revolves around three friends as they encounter and solve mysteries while on the hunt for ghosts in London, England.
Credit: Jose Haro/Peacock
'Vampire Academy'
Premiering in September 2022, The Peacock series is adapted from Richelle Mead's book series, chronicling the escapades of dhampir Rose Hathaway and her vampire confidante Lissa at St Vladimir's Academy.
Credit: Peter Taylor/Prime Video
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’
The Prime Video series, released in June 2022, is adapted from Jenny Han’s trilogy of novels. Similar to the beloved YA books, the series revolves around teenager Belly (Lola Tung) as she navigates the summer with her long-time crush Conrad and his younger brother, Jeremiah, while managing her emotions and the debutante social season.
Credit: Netflix
'Heartstopper'
Adapted from Alice Oseman's popular series of graphic novels, this Netflix series follows the journey of two teenage boys whose unexpected bond evolves into a deeper connection while navigating the challenges of high school life.
Credit: Richard Ducree/Netflix
'Sweet Magnolias'
Premiering in May 2020, the Netflix series is adapted from Sherryl Woods’ book series following three lifelong best friends as they navigate adulthood, romance, careers, and raising families. The show stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley, and was recently renewed for a third season in May 2022.
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
'Bridgerton'
The hit Netflix show is based on the book series by Julia Quinn which follows each Bridgerton sibling in their own separate novel.
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'Red Queen'
Peacock has secured the rights for the development of Victoria Aveyard’s young adult fantasy novel, six years after its debut in 2015. Elizabeth Banks is confirmed to have a significant role in the potential series and will also take on the role of director.
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
'Firefly Lane'
Premiering on Netflix in February 2021, this series depicting the journey from youth to adulthood is an adaptation of Kristin Hannah's acclaimed 2008 novel. The stars of the show include Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke.
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'Little Fires Everywhere'
The Hulu limited series, based on Ng's 2017 novel, delves into the complexities of race and class through the characters portrayed by Witherspoon (Elena Richardson) and Kerry Washington (Mia Warren). The show made its debut in March 2020.
Credit: Jennifer Clasen/HBO
'Big Little Lies'
The roles of Witherspoon (Madeline Mackenzie), Nicole Kidman (Celeste Wright), Laura Dern (Renata Klein), Shailene Woodley (Jane Chapman) and Zoë Kravitz (Bonnie Carlson) revolve around a murder mystery and their children’s Monterey elementary school. Originally planned as a miniseries based on Moriarty’s 2014 book, the show was extended for a second season after winning an Emmy and airing from 2017 to 2019 on HBO.
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'Pretty Little Liars'
Troian Bellisario (Spencer Hastings), Ashley Benson (Hanna Marin), Lucy Hale (Aria Montgomery) and Shay Mitchell (Emily Fields) played a group of teenagers who were tormented by a mysterious bully sending threatening texts after their friend goes missing. Sara Shepard's book series, which began in 2006, served as the inspiration for the Freeform series, which ran for seven seasons from 2010 to 2017.
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'Outlander'
The Starz drama, which involves time travel, depicts the enduring love story between Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall) and Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) as their romance unfolds across different centuries. Diana Gabaldon’s book series first appeared in 1991, and the television adaptation debuted in 2014.
Credit: Helen Sloane/HBO
'Game of Thrones'
The popular HBO series already had a devoted following long before its debut on television in 2011, thanks to George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, which first appeared in 1996. The show concluded in 2019 with performances from stars such as Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.
Credit: David Moir/Netflix
'13 Reasons Why'
Debuting in 2017, the divisive Netflix series sparked immediate controversy due to its portrayal of suicide. Although originally planned as a limited series adaptation of Jay Asher's 2007 book, the show will wrap up after four seasons and features Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker and Dylan Minnette as Clay Jensen.
Credit: Jasper Savage/MGM/Hulu/Kobal/Shutterstock
'The Handmaid’s Tale'
The Hulu show is adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 1985 book depicting a dystopian society where women face widespread oppression. Premiering in 2017, the series features Elisabeth Moss in the lead role as June.
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'Gossip Girl'
The CW series featured Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, and Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald. The show, based on Cecily von Ziegesar's book series that began in 2002, followed the lives of these teens and their interactions with an elusive blogger. Running for six seasons from 2007 to 2012, it documented their every move.
Credit: Netflix / Eike Schroter
'A Series of Unfortunate Events'
Lemony Snicket’s series for children, initiated in 1999, was adapted into a Netflix series featuring Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf. The show was on air for three seasons, spanning from 2017 to 2019.
Credit: Beth Dubber/Netflix
'You'
Joe Goldberg, played by Badgley, brings to life the infamous murderous stalker from Kepnes’ 2014 novel. Originally airing on Lifetime in 2018, the show later moved to Netflix for future seasons.
