10 Book-to-Series Adaptations You Can Stream Online

In the mood for some binge-watching but tired of the usual soap operas you see on TV? We’ve got you covered! Here's a list of series adapted from your favorite books and comics that you can stream online. Grab some chips, get cozy, and away we go!

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1. Riverdale (2017)

   
   

Based on the iconic Archie comics, Riverdale series takes wholesome, clean, All-American characters we've known for decades and places them in a darker and grittier setting. Opening with a murder mystery, the storylines become more and more bizarre as the town's dark secrets come to light.

2. His Dark Materials (2019)

Adapted from Philip Pullman's trilogy of the same name, His Dark Materials is a fantasy-drama series that takes place across different worlds. It follows young Lyra Belacqua on her journey to fulfill her long-foretold destiny.

3. 13 Reasons Why (2017)

Based on Jay Asher’s book of the same name, 13 Reasons Why is one of the most controversial series in recent years, prompting discussions on trigger warnings and depictions of suicide in media. This dark and raw take on teen bullying and suicide is just as, if not even more jarring than the book itself.

4. The Handmaid's Tale (2017)

Based on the eponymous novel by Margaret Atwood, the novel and series are set in a totalitarian, Christian Fundamentalist dystopia in the near future. The protagonist Offred, an enslaved woman known as a “handmaid," Offred must escape the oppressive country of Gilead that was once the United States of America.

5. Game of Thrones (2011)

The award-winning series is an adaptation of George R.R. Martine's high fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. Set in a world of magic, political intrigue, and warring noble houses, Game of Thrones drew in record-breaking views over its eight year run.

6. A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017)

Following the death of their parents, the Baudelaire children are brought to the care of their estranged Uncle Olaf, who wants to get his hands on their fortune.

7. Sherlock (2010)

Although Conan Doyle’s classic series has been adapted multiple times, the BBC’s adaptation is arguably one of the best retellings of the Victorian classic. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson, BBC’s Sherlock brings the most famous detective of all time to the twenty-first century.

8. Outlander (2014)

This series is based on the Diana Gabaldon books of the same name. Set in both 1945 and in 1743, the story deals with time travel and has elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure, science fiction, and fantasy. This steamy, heartfelt, Scottish romance will have you on the edge of your seat.

9. House of Cards (2013)

House of Cards is a political drama based on a trilogy of novels written by Michael Dobbs. The series is about how a Machiavellian couple works in the shadows in order to gain power. Its original books, set in Britain, centered on Margaret Thatcher's successor as the UK’s prime minister. The American adaptation, set in Washington, D.C., reflected American politics.

10. Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

Based on Celeste Ng's 2017 novel of the same name, the miniseries explores the psyche of a suburban American family, whose picture-perfect lives are changed when a new young mother and daughter move into town. The show, with themes of motherhood, racism, and class, culminated in a heated finale.

From the Page to the Screen

The more well-known and well-loved a book is, the higher the pressure on the adaptation to live up to fan expectations. Series often take creative license and change details from the original book; decisions that are often debated by fans. When they get it right, though, it makes for binge-worthy television.

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