Many of our favorite shows are based on books. These shows bring stories to life in new ways, letting us see familiar tales in a different light. Whether you’re a book lover or a fan of series, there’s something exciting about how these adaptations work. In this post, we’ll take a look at some popular shows based on books.

1. The Witcher

The Witcher is a fantasy series based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, and it’s a wild ride through a world full of monsters, magic, and messed-up politics. The main character, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), is a Witcher — basically a mutated monster hunter with cool sword skills and a grumpy personality. He just wants to do his job and stay out of trouble, but of course, trouble always finds him.

The story also focuses on Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress with a tough past and a lot of ambition, and Ciri (Freya Allan), a young princess with mysterious powers and a huge destiny. Their lives get tangled together in ways none of them expected, and their bond becomes one of the most emotional parts of the show.

What makes The Witcher really stand out is how it mixes intense action with deep themes — like fate, identity, love, and what it means to be good in a world that’s full of gray areas. There’s also plenty of drama, some dark humor, and a ton of cool creatures.

Whether you’re into sword fights, magic, emotional character arcs, or just a gritty fantasy vibe, The Witcher has a bit of everything. And even if you haven’t read the books, the show does a great job pulling you into its wild, dangerous world.

2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a mystery-thriller series based on the hit novel by Holly Jackson. The show follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, played by Emma Myers (you might know her as Enid from Wednesday), a bright and determined high schooler who decides to reopen a murder case that her whole town considers solved.

Five years ago, a girl named Andie Bell was murdered, and her boyfriend, Sal Singh, was blamed for it — he supposedly killed himself afterward, and everyone moved on. But Pip isn’t convinced the story adds up. As she starts her own investigation, she teams up with Ravi Singh, Sal’s younger brother, played by Zain Iqbal, and together they begin uncovering secrets that some people would do anything to keep hidden.

The show mixes teen drama, suspense, and true crime energy, with a strong dose of tension and plot twists. Pip’s character is smart, brave, and a little stubborn — which makes her easy to root for as she dives deeper into the mystery. Themes like justice, prejudice, and how the truth isn’t always clear-cut run throughout the story, making it more than just a typical whodunnit.

With its sharp writing, engaging characters, and just the right amount of darkness, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a gripping watch from start to finish. If you’re into twisty mysteries, strong female leads, and stories that keep you guessing, this one’s definitely for you.

3. Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series on Netflix based on the Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo. The story takes place in a war-torn world where magic and monsters exist — and everything changes when a seemingly ordinary girl, Alina Starkov, discovers she has a rare and powerful ability that could reshape the future of her country.

Jessie Mei Li plays Alina, a humble mapmaker who finds out she’s a Sun Summoner — someone who can summon light, a power thought to be only legend. This makes her the key to destroying the deadly Shadow Fold, a dark, monster-filled barrier splitting the land of Ravka. As she’s taken to train with the magical elite known as Grisha, Alina must learn to control her powers while navigating a world full of politics, war, and betrayal.

The series also features a second storyline involving a group of thieves and outcasts called The Crows, led by the clever and mysterious Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), with standout characters like Inej (Amita Suman) and Jesper (Kit Young). Even though they come from a different book series, the show cleverly weaves their stories together, adding heists, action, and witty banter into the mix.

With themes like identity, power, friendship, and the fight between light and darkness, Shadow and Bone delivers both epic fantasy and emotional depth.

If you love strong female leads, complex characters, and rich world-building, Shadow and Bone is definitely one to add to your watchlist.

4. You

You is a dark and addictive psychological thriller series based on the novel of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. The show follows Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, a seemingly sweet and intelligent guy who works in a bookstore — but don’t be fooled. Behind the charming smile is a dangerously obsessive mind.

At first, Joe seems like the perfect romantic lead. He falls for a woman named Beck and goes out of his way to win her over. But “going out of his way” turns into full-blown stalking, manipulation, and even murder — all while Joe convinces himself that everything he does is for love. As the seasons go on, Joe continues this twisted cycle with new identities, new cities, and new victims, but his obsession with control and perfection never truly leaves him.

The series is unique because it’s told from Joe’s point of view, letting us hear his inner thoughts and rationalizations. It makes the audience feel uncomfortably close to his mindset, blurring the lines between sympathy and horror. It dives deep into themes like toxic love, obsession, identity, and the masks people wear to seem “normal.”

With a mix of suspense, creepy charm, and shocking plot twists, You constantly keeps you on edge. Whether you’ve read the book or not, the show offers a chilling and fascinating look at just how far someone will go in the name of love — and how dangerous that can be.

5. Bridgerton

Bridgerton is a romantic period drama that blends old-fashioned elegance with modern charm. Based on the bestselling book series by Julia Quinn, the show is set in early 1800s London during the social season — when high society families prepare to marry off their sons and daughters in grand style.

At the center of it all is the wealthy and well-known Bridgerton family, made up of eight siblings, each with their own personality, dreams, and drama. Season 1 focuses on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) as she enters the marriage market and catches the attention of the handsome yet emotionally guarded Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). What starts as a fake courtship quickly turns into something much more real — and complicated.

As the series continues, each season shifts focus to a different Bridgerton sibling, exploring their romantic journeys, personal growth, and the ups and downs of love in a society full of rules, gossip, and pressure. One of the most unique elements of the show is the mysterious Lady Whistledown, a secretive gossip columnist (voiced by Julie Andrews) who seems to know everything about everyone — and isn’t afraid to spill the tea.

Bridgerton is not just about finding love — it’s about figuring out who you are, standing up for what you want, and navigating a world where appearances often mean everything.

Whether you’re into swoon-worthy love stories, family dynamics, or juicy secrets, Bridgerton has all the ingredients for a binge-worthy watch.

6. Shadowhunters

Shadowhunters is a supernatural drama series based on Cassandra Clare’s popular book series, The Mortal Instruments. It’s set in a world where humans live alongside magical beings like demons, vampires, and werewolves — all hidden from ordinary people. At the heart of the story is Clary Fray (Katherine McNamara), a seemingly normal teenager who discovers that she’s part of a secret group called the Shadowhunters — human-angel hybrids trained to hunt demons and protect the world from dark forces.

When Clary’s mother is mysteriously attacked, she’s thrown into the hidden world of magic, meeting a group of Shadowhunters including the charming and mysterious Jace Wayland (Dominic Sherwood) and the tough but loyal Alec Lightwood (Matthew Daddario). As Clary learns about her newfound abilities, she becomes tangled in a deadly battle against powerful enemies, including the sinister Valentine Morgenstern, a rogue Shadowhunter determined to destroy everything the group stands for.

The show mixes thrilling action, heart-pounding romance, and intriguing supernatural lore, with themes like identity, loyalty, love, and the fight between good and evil.

Shadowhunters is a fun and exciting watch for fans of magic, love triangles, and dark fantasy. With its mix of action, romance, and dramatic twists, it’s a wild ride that keeps you hooked as the characters face both inner and outer demons.

7. One Day

One Day is a heartfelt and emotional TV series that follows the story of Emma and Dexter, two very different people who meet on the day they graduate from university. Even though they come from different worlds, something clicks between them. Instead of diving into a full-on romance, they decide to stay friends—and that friendship lasts for years.

What makes this series unique is how it checks in on their lives on the same day each year—July 15th. We get to see how they grow, drift apart, reconnect, and deal with everything life throws at them: love, heartbreak, careers, loss, and personal struggles. Sometimes they’re close, sometimes they’re distant, but their bond always seems to pull them back together.

The show is based on the bestselling novel One Day by David Nicholls, and it really captures how timing can play a huge role in relationships. It’s about finding love, figuring yourself out, and realizing how much one person can mean to you—even if things don’t always go as planned.

If you’re into emotional, character-driven stories that make you laugh, cry, and reflect on life, One Day is definitely worth watching.

8. Heartstopper

Heartstopper is a heartwarming and charming coming-of-age series that explores love, friendship, and self-discovery. Based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, the show follows Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a shy and kind-hearted teenager at an all-boys school in England. Charlie is trying to navigate the ups and downs of high school, but everything changes when he develops a friendship with the popular and athletic Nick Nelson (Kit Connor).

As the two start spending more time together, Charlie begins to realize that his feelings for Nick are more than just friendship, but Nick’s unsure of his own sexuality. The show beautifully explores their journey of self-acceptance, as they both learn about their identities, face challenges from their peers, and navigate the complexities of first love.

What makes Heartstopper so special is its gentle, inclusive approach to love and friendship. The series focuses not just on romantic love, but also the importance of supportive friends, family, and the beauty of accepting yourself for who you truly are. The chemistry between Charlie and Nick is adorable, and the show captures the tenderness of young love while also touching on important themes like mental health, bullying, and finding your place in the world.

Heartstopper is a refreshing and uplifting watch, full of sweet moments, laughter, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of teen dramas or looking for a feel-good story about love and identity, this one’s definitely worth watching.

9. 13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why is a powerful and emotional drama series based on the bestselling book by Jay Asher. The show follows Clay Jensen (played by Dylan Minnette), a high school student who is devastated by the suicide of his classmate, Hannah Baker (played by Katherine Langford). After her death, Clay receives a set of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah, in which she explains the 13 reasons why she chose to end her life. Each tape focuses on a different person and event that played a role in her decision.

As Clay listens to the tapes, he uncovers uncomfortable truths about his classmates and the toxic culture at his school. The show delves into serious issues like bullying, mental health, peer pressure, and the effects of social media, showing how seemingly small actions can have a massive impact on someone’s life.

13 Reasons Why is raw and emotionally intense, tackling difficult topics with unflinching honesty. While the story is centered around Hannah’s tragic story, it also focuses on the effects of her death on those left behind — especially Clay, who struggles with guilt, confusion, and grief.

The series explores themes like the importance of empathy, the consequences of silence, and the need for open communication about mental health. It’s not just about one girl’s journey, but about how every action, every word, and every choice can affect those around us.

If you’re looking for a series that tackles heavy, real-life issues in a thought-provoking way, 13 Reasons Why is definitely a show that leaves a lasting impact.

10. The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit is a gripping drama series based on the novel by Walter Tevis. It follows the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young orphan with an incredible talent for chess. After her mother dies, Beth is sent to an orphanage, where she first learns about chess from the janitor, Mr. Shaibel. She quickly becomes a chess prodigy, surprising everyone with her skill at a time when women were rarely seen in the world of competitive chess.

As Beth gets older, she faces many challenges. While she rises to the top of the chess world, she also struggles with personal issues like loneliness, addiction, and the pressure to be perfect. Throughout the series, we see Beth grow as a person, dealing with both her inner demons and the obstacles that come with being a woman in a male-dominated sport.

What makes The Queen’s Gambit so powerful is how it focuses on more than just chess. It explores themes of ambition, isolation, and overcoming personal battles. Beth’s journey is about finding herself, fighting for her dreams, and handling the ups and downs of life.

With amazing acting, beautiful period details, and intense chess games, The Queen’s Gambit is an inspiring and emotional story about a girl who rises above the odds to follow her passion.