Books brought to life: The best book to TV adaptations

Bookworms, assemble! We’ve curated a standout list of book-to-screen adaptations, including a few you might not even realise began life on the page.

From print to screen, these series span every genre. Whether you’re craving a sweeping romantic epic, diving headfirst into thrilling espionage, or settling in for a gripping period drama, your next binge is waiting. 

So put your feet up, grab the snacks, get cosy, and watch your favourite stories leap off the page and onto the screen.

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Normal People 

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Honestly, grab some tissues for this one! Few TV dramas have captured modern love quite like Normal People, the quietly devastating series that became a cultural talking point almost overnight. Adapted from Sally Rooney’s celebrated novel, the show traces the on-again, off-again relationship between two young people who can never quite get the timing right.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is luminous as Marianne, all sharp edges and buried vulnerability, while Paul Mescal delivers a breakout performance as Connell, whose silence often says more than words ever could. Intimate, tender and often painfully relatable, Normal People strips romance back to its rawest form, letting glances, pauses and unspoken feelings do the heavy lifting.

Essential viewing for anyone who has ever loved someone at the wrong time.

Trespasses

Stream on Channel 4

If you like your love stories complicated, politically charged and quietly devastating, Trespasses is one to lean into. This Channel 4 drama adapts Louise Kennedy’s widely acclaimed debut novel, transporting viewers to 1970s Northern Ireland where personal desire and public danger are impossible to separate. At its centre is an illicit affair that unfolds against a backdrop of checkpoints, suspicion and rising violence.

Lola Petticrew is gripping as Cushla, a young teacher drawn into a risky relationship with an older, married man played with brooding restraint by Tom Cullen. Gillian Anderson adds steel and tension as his formidable wife, bringing emotional weight to an already loaded situation.

A must-watch for fans of dramas that blend romance with political edge and emotional bite.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Stream on U

Betrayal, revenge and high-stakes adventure come alive in The Count of Monte Cristo. This 2024 drama series brings Alexandre Dumas’ classic 1846 novel to the screen, following Edmond Dantès as he is wrongfully imprisoned and transforms himself into the cunning Count of Monte Cristo to settle old scores.

Sam Claflin shines as Edmond Dantès, with Ana Girardot as Mercédès and Jeremy Irons delivering a commanding turn as Abbé Faria. Thrilling and full of intrigue, The Count of Monte Cristo is perfect for fans of swashbuckling adventure and stories where justice is served with style.

Jane Eyre

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Few literary heroines have left a mark quite like Jane Eyre, and this 2006 mini-series shows exactly why her story keeps being retold. Drawing from Charlotte Brontë’s celebrated novel, the drama joins a long line of film, stage and television adaptations that have inspired generations with its mix of romance, resilience and gothic intrigue. From a harsh childhood to the shadowy corridors of Thornfield Hall, it charts a journey shaped by self-respect and quiet defiance.

Ruth Wilson is compelling as Jane, capturing her intelligence, restraint and emotional fire, while Toby Stephens brings dark charisma and vulnerability to Edward Rochester.

There's a reason we keep coming back to this Brontë diva! A must-watch for anyone drawn to timeless tales of love, independence and inner strength.

Queenie

Stream on Channel 4

Not every adaptation dares to be this honest. Queenie is a 2024 drama series that brings Candice Carty-Williams’ landmark novel vividly to life, capturing its humour, intimacy and razor-sharp social awareness with confidence. Set in contemporary London, it follows Queenie Jenkins as she navigates heartbreak, work, family and friendships, all while negotiating the daily realities of being a young black woman in Britain.

Dionne Brown delivers a compelling lead performance as Queenie, balancing bravado and vulnerability with striking authenticity, supported by a strong ensemble including Samuel Adewunmi and Adjani Salmon. Funny and raw, Queenie offers a snapshot of modern life, exploring identity, mental health and the subtle pressures of everyday prejudice.

All Creatures Great and Small

Stream on 5

There is something instantly comforting about All Creatures Great and Small. This 2020 drama series lovingly revisits the world created by James Herriot, adapting his hugely popular novels for a new generation while staying true to their gentle humour and warmth. Set in the rolling Yorkshire Dales of the 1930s and 40s, it follows young vet James Herriot as he begins his career, tending to animals and finding his place in a close knit rural community.

Nicholas Ralph brings an easy charm and sincerity to James, alongside Samuel West as the formidable yet big-hearted Siegfried Farnon and Anna Madeley as the no-nonsense Mrs Hall. Cosy, wholesome and quietly uplifting, All Creatures Great and Small is a hug of a TV show and a slice of escapism that harks back to a simpler time. Perfect for fans of feel good viewing that soothes the soul.

Interview with the Vampire

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Gothic romance gets a bold new bite in Interview with the Vampire. This 2022 drama series reimagines Anne Rice’s wildly popular The Vampire Chronicles, bringing her seductive, soul searching mythology back to the screen while acting as a confident reboot of the infamous 1994 film adaptation of Interview with the Vampire. Framed through a modern retelling, it charts the tortured bond between immortal companions and the price of eternal life.

Jacob Anderson mesmerises as the brooding Louis, with Sam Reid delivering a thrillingly charismatic turn as the dangerous and alluring Lestat. Dark, sensual and emotionally charged, Interview with the Vampire leans into desire, power and immortality with lashings of big-budget attention to detail. Essential viewing for fans of vampire stories with teeth and substance.

Both seasons of Interview with the Vampire are streaming on BBC iPlayer now and the follow-up, The Vampire Lestat, looks set for release later in the year.

Little Fires Everywhere

Stream on Channel 4

Perfect suburban lives rarely stay perfect for long in Little Fires Everywhere. This 2020 drama series is an explosive adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling 2017 novel, bringing its simmering tensions and moral dilemmas vividly to the screen. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Shaker Heights, it centres on two very different families whose lives collide, exposing long buried secrets and the cost of keeping up appearances.

Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington lead the cast with electrifying performances, portraying women bound together by motherhood, ambition and deep rooted resentment. Smart, provocative and emotionally charged, Little Fires Everywhere explores race, class and privilege with precision and bite. Essential viewing for fans of glossy dramas that peel back the veneer to reveal something far more unsettling underneath.

The Secret Agent

Stream on ITVX

Espionage gets a dark, literary twist in The Secret Agent. This 2016 drama series adapts Joseph Conrad’s anarchist spy novel The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale, bringing its tense, morally complex story of terrorism, betrayal and surveillance vividly to the screen. Set in Edwardian London, it follows undercover agent Verloc as he navigates a dangerous web of politics, loyalty and personal ambition.

Stephen Graham delivers a quietly menacing performance as Verloc, with Vicky McClure and Toby Jones adding depth and intensity to the gripping ensemble. Moody, intelligent and full of suspense, The Secret Agent is perfect for fans of dramas that keep you guessing until the very end.

Killing Eve

Stream on BBC iPlayer

When a killer becomes your obsession, things get dangerously addictive in Killing Eve. This 2018 drama series adapts Luke Jennings’ Villanelle thrillers with razor-sharp wit and high-stakes suspense. It’s the show that shot Liverpool-born Jodie Comer to international stardom and earned her a string of awards.

Sandra Oh shines as the relentless MI6 agent Eve Polastri, while Comer mesmerises as the stylish and unpredictable assassin Villanelle. Twisted, thrilling and darkly hilarious, Killing Eve is perfect for fans of cat-and-mouse thrillers that offer twists and turns aplenty!

A Woman of Substance

Stream on Channel 4

Ambition, love and betrayal take centre stage in A Woman of Substance. This 1985 drama series adapts Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling 1979 novel, following Emma Harte as she rises from a humble servant to a powerful businesswoman, building an empire against all odds.

Jenny Seagrove captivates as the determined young Emma, with Lindsay Wagner and Deborah Kerr delivering unforgettable performances as the older Emma and the matriarchal figures who shape her journey. Epic and full of heart, A Woman of Substance is perfect for those who love stories of resilience and ambition.

Fans of this 1985 classic will be thrilled to hear that a new adaptation will be coming to Channel 4 in 2026!

Little Women

Stream on ITVX

Some stories never lose their magic, and Little Women is proof. This 2017 mini-series is yet another lovingly crafted adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved novel, a book that has inspired countless film, stage and television versions and charmed audiences for nearly a century. Set during and after the American Civil War, it follows the four March sisters as they navigate love, ambition and the pull between independence and family.

Maya Hawke brings warmth and quiet strength to Jo, the restless writer determined to live life on her own terms, while Willa Fitzgerald, Kathryn Newton and Annes Elwy shine as Meg, Amy and Beth. Faithful yet fresh, Little Women captures the emotional intimacy, humour and heartache that have kept this story alive across generations.

Perfect for anyone who believes great stories are meant to be retold!

The Last Anniversary

Stream on BBC iPlayer

This beloved book has finally be brought to life! Set on the sun-soaked Scribbly Gum Island, The Last Anniversary follows Sophie Honeywell (Teresa Palmer), a journalist who unexpectedly inherits a house from her ex-boyfriend’s great-aunt. The island is full of mystery, famed for the decades-old disappearance of a young couple, and Sophie’s arrival uncovers long-buried family secrets. With a stellar ensemble cast including Miranda Richardson, Danielle Macdonald, and Helen Thomson, this six-part drama weaves a compelling tale of family, motherhood, and the enduring legacies of women.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Based on the mystery novel of the same name by Holly Jackson, this series is an absolute must see if you love drama, crime and everything in between! Everyone in Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myres)’s small town knows the story, pretty popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal, who then killed himself. However, five years later and now a senior herself, Pip decides to investigate Andie’s death for her school project, soon discovering a dark trail of secrets that may actually prove Sal’s innocence…

Sherlock

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

There have been countlesssss adaptations of Sherlock, but in our opinion, Benedict Cumberbatch brings the character to life like no other with a fresh modern-day twist! Sherlock delves into the life of the genius “consulting” detective Sherlock Holmes as he solves various mysteries in modern-day London. Assisted in his mystery solving by his flatmate and friend Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman), together they work with the Metropolitan Police to crack the toughest of mysteries.

Vampire Diaries

Stream now on ITVX

Based on the vampire romance books by LJ Smith, Vampire Diaries  is the perfect mixture of love, loss, grief and obviously, vampiresss! This show follows Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a teenage girl from the fictional town of Mystic Falls as she falls in love with a 161-year-old vampire, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley).

 

Wolf Hall

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

This BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning series brings the equally award-winning Hilary Mantel novels to life. Introducing you to Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) as he rises up the ranks, from a humble lawyer to the closest and most trusted advisor to Henry VIII. However, with great power comes even greater danger…

His Dark Materials

Available on BBC iPlayer

The hit TV series adaptation of Philip Pullman's beloved fantasy trilogy has captivated audiences of all ages. His Dark Materials follows Lyra, a young orphan from an alternate world governed by the Magisterium, a powerful religious and political force. In her quest to find her missing friend, Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and parallel universes.

The series features a star-studded cast, including Dafne Keen, James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Scott.

Karen Pirie

Available now on ITVX

Karen Pirie is an intensely gripping drama based on Val McDermid’s novels, following the determined Scottish Detective Karen Pirie (Lauren Lyle) as she reopens long forgotten cold cases. With a combination of savvy intuition and relentless determination, she works hard to bring justice to victims. 

Home Fires

Available now on U

Inspired by the novel Jambusters written by Julie Summers, this popular wartime drama takes you to rural Cheshire during World War II where a group of Women’s Institute members rally together to support the home front, all whilst facing personal struggles, loss and resilience. As the war intensifies and rations increase, friendships are tested, age-old secrets unravel, and the women must fight for their community's survival!

Dexter

Stream now on C4

Adopted as a child by Miami police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar), Dexter (Michael C. Hall) was trained to channel his dark impulses into a deadly form of justice—eliminating criminals who slip through the cracks. By day, he works as a skilled forensics technician, but by night, he becomes a ruthless vigilante! If you love gripping crime dramas with a killer twist, Dexter is a MUST!

 

Some more faves:

Game of Thrones

Okay a books brought to life article isn’t even close to complete if we don’t include one of THE best adaptations of the 21st century, Game of Thrones! This intense series ticks every single box category wise, fantasy, action, drama, romance and all things in between! Set in the fictional land of Westeros, this gripping show sees nine noble families battle for control of the seven kingdoms! And if all that isn’t enough there are dragons, magic and even some scary white walkers!

The Witcher

Now the books are a true masterpiece… and the series is equally incredible! This epic fantasy drama follows the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a monster hunter with magically enhanced abilities who finds his destiny intertwined with a powerful sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Princess Cirella of Cintra (Freya Allan).  When Geralt and Yennefer uncover the immense power hidden within Ciri – power strong enough to change the continent – they must battle a number of enemies to protect her at all costs!

Shadow and Bone

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you MUST have heard of this sinister fantasy series! Shadow and Bone will introduce you to the life of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li)  an orphan turned soldier in the Kingdom of Ravka. After saving fellow soldiers and Grisha (people with the ability to manipulate elements) whilst crossing the Shadow Fold, Alina is rushed to the capital Os Alta by head Grisha the darkling (Ben Barnes) to be trained to save the kingdom and destroy the shadow fold!

Bridgerton

An easy read and an even easier watch, this blast to the past consists of 8 novels (currently three series) following the eight siblings of the noble Bridgerton family as they navigate love, loss, adventures and happiness! With one season per character, we are three series down and cannot wait for more! 

The Queens Gambit

Did you know that this fast-paced drama was originally a novel by Walter Tevis?! Set in the Cold War era, The Queen's Gambit follows orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she becomes addicted to becoming the greatest chess player in the world!

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Did you enjoy the books? Well if you've read J. R. R. Tokein's Unfinished Tales or The Silmarilion then get excited because this adaptation brings the books to life like no other! Unlike the films, the show takes you on a journey to the first and second ages, set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings showing the making of the rings as well as introducing us to some familiar and new characters as they battle with the re-emergence of evil on Middle-Earth!

If you're looking for some books-to-TV adaptations for the little ones then we've got you covered! And, if you want even moreeee recommendations sign up to the Freely newsletter!