8 Best Netflix Shows Based on Books

Many of the best TV shows start with great stories, and books are often a fantastic source of inspiration. Television has produced numerous adaptations of novels, ranging from very close retellings of the original story to shows that use the book as a jumping-off point for something completely new. These shows and the books they’re based on often create a rich, interconnected world that fans love to explore.

Netflix offers a huge variety of shows, from fantastical adventures to heartwarming romances, adapting popular books for the screen with high-quality production. Whether you enjoy classic literature or recent bestsellers, there’s something for every book lover. With talented showrunners like Shonda Rhimes leading the way, these adaptations are definitely worth watching.

Bridgerton Is the Perfect Modern-Period Romance

It might sound strange, but Shonda Rhimes essentially invented a new type of show when she brought Julia Quinn’s novels to the screen. The series centers on the wealthy Bridgerton family during the Regency era, and each episode follows the exciting love life of a different Bridgerton sibling as they search for romance in unexpected places.

The first season of the show focused on the romance between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings. Season two followed Viscount Anthony Bridgerton as he found love with Kate Sharma, and in season three, Colin Bridgerton realized he had feelings for his longtime friend, Penelope Featherington.

Bridgerton isn’t your typical period drama. Shonda Rhimes blends classic historical settings and costumes with modern music and attitudes. The show became a huge hit when it debuted during the pandemic, offering a lighthearted, sensual, and enjoyable escape. Rhimes has updated many outdated themes from the original novels, and many viewers actually prefer the series to the books themselves.

The Witcher Started Off Strong on Netflix

I just finished watching this new Netflix series based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, and it’s a wild ride! It follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter—or ‘witcher’ as they’re called—who finds his life unexpectedly linked to a young princess named Ciri. Along with Yennefer, a seriously powerful sorceress, Geralt and Ciri embark on some truly gripping adventures across this beautifully realized medieval world they call the Continent. It’s a captivating story with fantastic characters and a really immersive setting.

Henry Cavill was praised for his performance as Geralt of Rivia during the first three seasons of The Witcher, but he won’t be returning for Season 4. This change in casting has upset many fans.

This fantasy show stands out for its realistic and often dark world, where right and wrong aren’t always clear and political maneuvering drives the plot. While book fans initially loved how creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich adapted the story, many found Season 4 lacking. Issues like the recasting of actors, alterations to the source material, unsatisfying conclusions to long-running plots, and inconsistent pacing frustrated viewers. Despite these problems, it remains one of the most captivating fantasy series on Netflix.

Heartstopper Is a Tender Coming of Age Drama

I absolutely adore Heartstopper! It’s a show created by Alice Oseman, and it all started with her amazing graphic novels. The story takes place at Truham Grammar School and follows Charlie Spring, a sweet teen who’s secretly dating someone. But everything changes when he meets Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player. Suddenly, Charlie’s feelings get complicated because he’s drawn to Nick, and Nick’s still figuring things out about himself and his sexuality. It’s just a really heartwarming and relatable story!

This Netflix series offered a sensitive and unique look at first love, exploring themes of sexuality and consent. Viewers especially enjoyed the developing relationship between Charlie and Nick.

Despite not having a new season planned for 2026, the show has been widely praised for its positive, thoughtful, and heartwarming portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. The cast has quickly become beloved by fans for their acting, and the show boasts a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes for both its first and final seasons.

Maid Was a Breakthrough Miniseries on Netflix

The Netflix series Maid initially seemed like a quiet release, but it quickly became incredibly popular after debuting in 2021. Inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, the show tells the deeply moving story of Alex Russell.

Russell, a young mother, escapes an abusive relationship with her daughter, hoping for a fresh start. But she quickly discovers that complicated rules and paperwork are making it incredibly difficult to support herself and her child.

In the miniseries, Margaret Qualley played Alex, a woman who had to work as a house cleaner for a company called Value Maids to receive financial assistance. Beyond just being about cleaning, Maid powerfully showed the unique challenges faced by single mothers, particularly those without any family or friends to help. Alex’s story highlighted her bravery and determination while living in poverty, and most importantly, her commitment to doing what was best for her daughter.

Virgin River Is Pure, Soapy Fun

Looking for a heartwarming and uplifting show? Netflix’s Virgin River, based on Robyn Carr’s novels, is set in a beautiful small town where everyone supports each other through life’s challenges. The story follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who arrives in town and quickly catches the attention of Jack Sheridan, a local bar owner and veteran, as she begins working with Doc Mullins.

Mel is grieving the death of her husband, and Jack is dealing with post-traumatic stress from his time in the Marines. Virgin River centers on their complicated romance, while also showing the challenges faced by the other people who live in the town. The show keeps viewers engaged with surprising twists and turns, but it also connects with audiences because its characters feel so real and authentic.

The Haunting of Hill House Is One of the Most Nuanced Horror Shows

Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, the series quickly became popular on the streaming service. While the show differed significantly from the book, it followed the Crain family – siblings Steven, Shirley, Theo, Luke, and Nell – after they moved into Hill House to fix it up. A sinister force within the house endangered them all, leaving the siblings with profound and lasting grief.

While The Haunting of Hill House delivered plenty of frightening moments, at its core it was a powerful story about how trauma impacts families across generations. The terrifying Bent-Neck Lady, her backstory, and the ultimate explanation of what truly haunted the house were both deeply scary and incredibly sad. The show also featured beautiful, classic gothic settings and visuals.

You Mixed Romance With Murder in an Addictive Concoction

This Netflix show is truly one of the most entertaining around. Many viewers might not realize it’s based on Caroline Kepnes’ four-book series, which follows Joe Goldberg, a man who becomes dangerously fixated when he thinks he’s found his soulmate. Joe’s version of love is actually obsession, stalking, and control, and he often leaves a string of victims behind. Despite his terrible actions, Joe is a surprisingly complex character – repulsive yet, for some, even sympathetic.

The story follows Joe’s unbelievable life, from a difficult and abusive childhood to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, all while struggling with violent impulses. The books are actually much more graphic than the TV show, delving into Joe’s disturbing thoughts as he becomes obsessed with people. Despite this, the show is a fantastic adaptation of the original material, and many viewers feel it has a stronger conclusion.

The Queen’s Gambit Remains One of Netflix’s Most Watched Shows

Many people enjoyed the series without realizing it was based on a 1983 novel by Walter Tevis. The show starred Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, a young woman who grew up in an orphanage after losing her parents. There, she became addicted to tranquilizers while also discovering an extraordinary gift for chess.

The series The Queen’s Gambit beautifully blended old-fashioned charm with striking modern visuals to tell the compelling story of Beth, a chess prodigy who rose to challenge and defeat the world’s best players, ultimately competing for the championship in Russia. It was a powerfully competitive and emotionally resonant story, structured so well that it practically demands a second viewing.

2026-01-12 03:10