5 TV Adaptations That Took Their Original Books To The Next Level
These books are great, but their adaptations are even better.
Adapting a beloved book to the screen, big or small, is no easy task. Readers tend to interpret fictional worlds, plots, and characters in their own exclusive ways. In addition, we often endow book heroes with traits that feel relatable to us. However, when these elements are brought to life on screen, they often differ from our imaginations, leading to disappointment.
Fortunately, there are exceptions. Some showrunners not only honor the source material, but enrich the story with their unique vision. Here are five examples of adaptations that even fans of the original books consider better than the source material.
The Boys (2019-present)
Based on: The comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
The new fourth season of the Amazon superhero series has received its fair share of criticism. However, all in all, Eric Kripke's adaptation of the famous comic books remains a pop culture sensation, thanks largely to its new themes and meanings.
The Boys took the essence of the comics and their characters and turned it into a more accessible and relatable experience. The original books rely heavily on shock value, which can be overwhelming. The show strikes an ideal balance between the wild and the sane.
Dirk Gently's Detective Agency (2016-2017)
Based on: The series of novels by Douglas Adams
Douglas Adams' comedic detective novels have always been a delight and have seen some intriguing adaptations. But Max Landis' series of the same name took them to new heights. While the show didn't stick strictly to the source material, it retained its signature quirkiness and humor.
Even now, fans are disappointed that the show was canceled after only two seasons, leaving the wacky storylines in the pipeline unfinished. If there's one series that deserves a revival, it's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.
Invincible (2021-present)
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Based on: The Image Comics series by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley
The Prime Video animated series is written by Robert Kirkman, the original comic book creator. And that works to the show's advantage.
Understanding that many viewers are seasoned fans familiar with the original plot, Kirkman made a smart move by adjusting the narrative flow to reveal the most shocking twist early on. This strategic change transformed what could have been an average superhero cartoon into an extraordinary show.
House of the Dragon (2022-present)
Based on: Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin
The success of the Game of Thrones prequel, currently in its second season on HBO and Max, may make viewers want to dive into the source material. However, many will be surprised to learn that Fire & Blood is nowhere near as entertaining as the show it is based on.
The novel is written in the form of a scholarly treatise, a bunch of murky historical accounts about the Targaryen family thrown together as an in-universe history book. While it provides a great deal of background information about Westeros, even hardcore Martin fans agree that the series is much more digestible.
Sharp Objects (2018)
Based on: The novel by Gillian Flynn
HBO's psychological thriller diverges from its source novel in several ways, but each creative decision by the showrunners made the story shine on screen.
Casting Amy Adams as the troubled lead and Patricia Clarkson as her domineering mother brought the characters to life in a way that felt both fresh and authentic. Now, reading the novel after watching the show, it's hard to imagine anyone else in those roles.