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Novels serve as the inspiration for many TV series, but very few shows can go out and try something different. These few not only follow what happened in the novels but also include new stories, characters, or change the plot. Some of them developed new narrative points to improve the story, while others added more emotion.
The use of stunning visuals, strong actors, and inspired direction in these TV series brought fans closer than ever to the original written work. We look at 10 dramas that stood out for pushing past the original stories and making the episodes more substantial.
**Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.**
Here is the list of 10 bold TV adaptations that took the story further than the original
10. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
The Umbrella Academy dropped on February 15, 2019, and Peter Hoar directed the pilot episode. It was adapted from The Umbrella Academy comics by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. It is a Netflix TV show about siblings adopted by an alien who work to save the world from destruction. The first part of the series largely adheres to the comics but then the storyline of the show changes direction.
Fans were amazed when Number Five came across himself from another time in Season 2. The entertaining and clever way that scene was written made many fans believe the show bettered the comics. The stories of individuals are deeper and more powerful to watch in the series. The soundtrack and video give the television show a distinct, stylish appearance and feel.
9. Game of Thrones (HBO)
Game of Thrones was released on April 17, 2011. Produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the classic TV series was based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. The series began with stories similar to the books, but as the novels remained unfinished, the show made up its own stories.
Hodor’s death in Season 6 will always be remembered. GOT fans were amazed when they discovered that Hodor was the short form of "Hold the door." The drama and emotional depth associated with the line gave the character a somber edge and relevance. The fact that it wasn't mentioned in the novels demonstrates how the show was able to produce an original poignant moment.
GOT viewers remarked on how well the scene connected history to the current events. It gave a more complete representation to an almost mute character. Many fans believed the series would surpass its source material because of the gripping narrative and surprising drama.
8. The Leftovers (HBO)
The Leftovers was released on June 29, 2014. It was adapted from The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta, and created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta. In The Leftovers, 2% of the population mysteriously disappears, startling everyone. Season 1 follows the book, but Seasons 2 and 3 take many steps further. In Season 2, fans saw Nora take a difficult questionnaire to prove she isn’t considered a “lensing risk.” The audience's attention was pulled to the character's emotional response, the peaceful atmosphere, and how creepy everything appeared.
The episode introduced a scene missing in the book, and proved how the show handled grief differently. To many fans, the show's distinctive and adventurous narrative gave viewers the impression that these scenes had a deeper meaning than the book.
7. Watchmen (HBO)
The HBO TV series, Watchmen, is based on the plot of the original graphic novel rather than being a remake of the 2009 film. Damon Lindelof produced Watchmen and released it on October 20, 2019. It was inspired by Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore's Watchmen graphic novel.
Much later in the novel, new themes emerge, as do several different new characters. Audiences were startled to discover that Cal, the mild-mannered and unassuming character, was the powerful Doctor Manhattan. The transition moved the audience. Personalities of the newer and older characters were also developed.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, which did not appear in the comic, was added to the series and is now part of this AC law. Mixing old stories and fresh ones gave the show novelty. Many believe that the series is more significant than the comic book.
6. The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
Bruce Miller produced The Handmaid's Tale and released it on April 26, 2017. The show was adapted from The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Season 1 of The Handmaid’s Tale closely followed the events from the novel. After the first season, the show’s storylines were not only taken from the book but also went past where Atwood's story left them.
The scene where June chooses to stay in Gilead to safeguard her daughter instead of fleeing to freedom herself struck the audience as particularly moving. It demonstrated her bravery and character development, though it was not included in the book. Her emotional decision profoundly affected many among the audience.
Additionally, the show offered other characters greater screentime, which expanded and developed the milieu. Most of the audience felt that The Handmaid's Tale gave the original plot greater vitality because of the extra scenes and daring direction.
5. The Magicians (Syfy)
John McNamara & Sera Gamble produced the TV show, The Magicians. The show was released on December 16, 2015. It was adapted from The Magicians by Lev Grossman. The Magicians had to alter several aspects to fit a television audience rather than adhere to Lev Grossman's original premise.
The audience talked about different characters and the ways their personalities differed. The fans remembered the fun musical number Under Pressure from Season 2. They use the song to help themselves during a difficult situation. While the incident was missing from the books, it made everything more exciting and heartwarming on the show.
This TV series showcased how the characters relied on each other and briefly examined contemporary methods of using magic. The show featured improved relationships, greater diversity, and more comedic moments. The audience felt that adapting the novel into a TV show enhanced its excitement and entertainment value.
4. Big Little Lies (HBO)
Big Little Lies follows the stories of a group of wealthy women living in Monterey, California. The story originates from Liane Moriarty’s book, Big Little Lies, and was released on television on February 19, 2017. The second season delves into avenues not covered in Liane Moriarty's book, while the first season stayed true to her tale. Celeste Wright, played by Nicole Kidman, has a gripping scene when she encounters her husband, Perry.
Many among the audience found a strong emotional connect and thought that the gravity of this confrontation was interesting, because it dissected the many aspects of domestic abuse. Even though the show retained the story of the book, many viewers fely it went deeper than the original book.
3. The Sandman (Netflix)
The Sandman, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's comic book of the same name, was released on August 5, 2022. The TV show has many directors, including Jamie Childs. In the 24/7 episode, viewers observed a dinner scene where everyone had to speak the truth, which resulted in turmoil and misery.
Many fans were attracted to this episode due to its honest look at what happens when we tell all. The effect of the original comic was heightened by the show's philosophical concepts and visual narratives, which provided a new perspective.
2. Interview with the Vampire (AMC)
Interview with the Vampire was released on October 2, 2022, and Alan Taylor directed the first episode of the series. It was adapted from Anne Rice's novel, Interview with the Vampire. The AMC series tells Rice’s story using a contemporary approach.
Claudia’s death profoundly impacted the audience. They gained a deeper understanding of the themes of eternal existence and ongoing loss after experiencing the emotions portrayed in the character's story. Many felt that the series surpassed the original book, as it explored these topics in greater depth.
1. The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)
This TV show was released on October 12, 2018. It was adapted from Shirley Jackson's classic novel of the same name.
In the episode tittled The Bent-Neck Lady, viewers discover a disturbing fact about the titular character. This revelation not only takes people off-guard but also imbues the character's story with raw passion. Many viewers believe that the show outdid the novel in terms of impact because it combined horror with moving family narratives.
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We can conclude that these productions weren’t afraid to take chances, and it did them well. The shows looked at different, memorable storylines and feelings not found in the books. They gave classic stories new life with striking imagery, nuanced character development, and captivating plots.
Some of these pieces addressed current events, while others provided context for the characters' histories. The addition of these series to the novels offered both thrilling and comforting adjustments to the audience. Many among the audience and critics alike felt these shows were as powerful, if not more powerful, than the source materials.
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