7 Best TV Shows Based on Banned Books

Books can be banned in many places for surprisingly minor reasons. Things like depictions of sex, drugs, or even discussions about race, religion, or sexuality are often used as justification, particularly when the book is aimed at younger readers. Despite this, banned books often tell powerful stories with valuable lessons, and many have even been successfully adapted into television shows.

Many TV shows are adapted from books, but those based on previously banned titles carry a special weight. They need to honor the original story while also introducing it to a new generation of viewers who may not know it. Shows like Catch-22 and Heartstopper are excellent examples and definitely worth checking out.

Catch-22 Is a Compelling Anti-War Satire

Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22, set during World War II, tells the story of John Yossarian, an American bombardier determined to avoid combat. Despite his efforts, he’s repeatedly sent on risky missions by his demanding superior. While the book has faced challenges due to offensive language, particularly regarding its portrayal of women, it remains a celebrated work of 20th-century literature.

While Catch-22 has seen several adaptations, including films and plays, the 2019 miniseries is the latest. It successfully captures the book’s blend of dark humor and the grim realities of war. With stunning visuals and strong acting, this version is a truly excellent adaptation.

His Dark Materials Doesn’t Shy Away From Religious Themes

His Dark Materials is set in a unique world where every person has an animal companion called a daemon, representing their soul. The story follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who discovers a secret plot involving a powerful religious authority called the Magisterium and the existence of multiple universes. While Philip Pullman’s trilogy is widely loved, most readers agree it’s a critique of the misuse of religious power, not religion itself.

Though the first book in the series only received one movie adaptation, the BBC and HBO television series His Dark Materials was well-received and lasted three seasons, successfully adapting the entire trilogy. The show boasts beautiful visuals and strong acting, and it’s a more accurate portrayal of the books than the film. Unlike the 2007 movie The Golden Compass, the series didn’t avoid the books’ challenging religious themes, resulting in a compelling, though often overlooked, fantasy story.

The Handmaid’s Tale Is an All-Too-Relevant Dystopia

Set in a future where the United States has become a strict, religious dictatorship called Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale follows June, a woman held captive and forced to have children for the ruling elite. The story is notable for its portrayal of sexual control and has sparked debate due to its themes, which some view as critical of Christianity.

In an article for The Guardian, Atwood responded to criticism by pointing out that her book contains less sexual content than the Bible. She clarified that her work critiques those who abuse power while pretending to be religious, not religion itself.

Although The Handmaid’s Tale has seen many adaptations, the six-season series on Hulu is particularly well-known. The show goes beyond the original novel’s plot and has been praised for being both deeply unsettling and captivating, with Elisabeth Moss receiving significant acclaim for her performance. The distinctive handmaid costume has also become a powerful symbol of women’s rights protests globally, demonstrating the story’s lasting impact and importance.

Looking for Alaska Is a Moving Coming-of-Age Story

John Green’s novel, Looking for Alaska, follows Miles Halter as he begins a new school and quickly becomes infatuated with the unconventional Alaska Young. The book has faced some controversy due to its inclusion of potentially offensive language and mature content.

I’ve been following the discussion around that one scene, and honestly, the claims it’s pornographic are way off base. As the creator, Green himself has explained on his channel, it’s completely unrelated to the core of the story, which is a really moving exploration of grief and the challenges of growing up. It’s frustrating to see that one moment overshadow the much deeper themes at play.

Though a movie adaptation never happened, John Green’s Looking for Alaska became a popular miniseries on Hulu. The show, praised for its moving story about love and loss and strong performances from its young cast, was even considered an improvement over the book by some, particularly for its well-developed supporting characters. Unfortunately, it was removed from Hulu during content cuts in 2023, but you can now buy it on AppleTV.

American Born Chinese Blends Fantasy With the Realities of Immigration

Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, American Born Chinese, tells the story of Jin Wang, a young man grappling with his identity as an Asian American, drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West and Yang’s own childhood. The book, which has won awards, was recently removed from regular classroom use in Mississippi schools due to its exploration of racial issues. Though still available in school libraries, students must now have a parent’s permission to borrow it.

Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, American Born Chinese, was turned into a Disney+ series that explored Jin Wang’s struggles with his identity as an Asian American and retold the legend of the Monkey King in a fresh way. Though it was canceled after just one season, the unique and engaging series is still highly recommended.

Heartstopper Is a Sweet and Inclusive Teen Romance

As a total movie and TV buff, I recently checked out Heartstopper, and it’s seriously sweet. It follows Charlie, a really shy guy who’s openly gay, and Nick, a popular rugby player, as they navigate falling for each other and just figuring out who they are. It’s based on a graphic novel, and honestly, it’s been getting challenged in some places because it features LGBTQ+ characters and, you know, deals with real stuff. The creator, Alice Oseman, had a great response to the criticism on Instagram – she pointed out that queer young people deserve to see themselves represented in stories, and I couldn’t agree more!

After becoming popular as a graphic novel, Heartstopper gained even more fans when it was turned into a Netflix series. Viewers quickly fell in love with the heartwarming story and characters, and many appreciated how it dealt with important issues like sexuality and mental health. After three successful seasons, the series will conclude with a final season.

Forever Is a Grounded Take on Young Love

Forever tells the story of two teenagers navigating the excitement and challenges of first love and sexual exploration. Originally published by Judy Blume, this book has often been challenged and banned in schools and libraries because it openly discusses sex and contraception.

Judy Blume shared on her website that she was inspired to write the book because her teenage daughter asked for a story about two good people exploring intimacy without tragic consequences.

The latest version of Forever is a highly praised Netflix series. While it updates the story with new characters and a modern setting – two Black teenagers in Los Angeles in 2018 – it still captures the heart of the original novel, exploring themes of love and growing up. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the perfect time to watch Season 1 of this adaptation of the once-banned book.

2026-01-28 01:12