12 TV Adaptations That Did Justice To The Books They're Based On

1. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2015)

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke

Envision a Britain where magic once thrived but is now a mere shadow of its former glory. Two magicians, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, emerge to restore magic to the land. Norrell's practical, while Strange is impulsive. Their partnership? Rocky. They're challenged by the return of The Raven King, a legendary magician. It's an exciting story mixing the tales of power, rivalry, and unforeseen consequences.

2. Wolf Hall (2015)

"Wolf Hall" and "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel

Rewind to the Tudor period. Enter Thomas Cromwell, an astute advisor to King Henry VIII. The King's marriage to Anne Boleyn? A historical event masterfully orchestrated by Cromwell. The series follows Cromwell's rise from a blacksmith's son to the royal court's right-hand man. Friendships are forged, alliances broken, and enemies outmaneuvered in this political chess game.

3. Hap and Leonard (2016-2018)

Hap and Leonard series of novels by Joe R. Lansdale

Deep in the heart of Texas, two lifelong friends, Hap and Leonard, find themselves embroiled in a series of criminal escapades. Hap, a white working-class laborer, and Leonard, a gay black Vietnam vet with a penchant for trouble, navigate a world of crime, corruption, and betrayal. From stolen money to a femme fatale, it's a tale of two unlikely heroes in a seedy underworld.

4. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

The Saxon Stories series by Bernard Cornwell

Imagine a time when England was divided into seven separate kingdoms. Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised by Vikings, is torn between the two worlds. Loyalties? Tested. Battles? Fought. Intrigue? Unraveled. Uhtred's journey, in this tale of kings and conquerors, is one of blood and destiny.

5. The Night Manager (2016)

"The Night Manager" by John le Carré

When former British soldier Jonathan Pine becomes a night manager at a luxurious hotel, he is recruited by MI6 to infiltrate the inner circle of arms dealer Richard Roper. Pine, using the alias "Thomas Quince," gains Roper's trust while navigating a world of deceit and danger. But is he playing a role or becoming the very thing he's meant to stop? This modern-day spy thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. Alias Grace (2017)

"Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood

Based on the real-life story of Grace Marks, a convicted murderer, this series explores the events leading up to the murders and Grace's subsequent trial. Dr. Simon Jordan, an early practitioner of mental health treatment, is brought in to analyze Grace's mind. What transpires is a tale of love, betrayal, and the quest for truth amidst a sea of ambiguity. The line between fact and fiction? Blurred. Guilty or not? You decide.

7. American Gods (2017-2021)

"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

Shadow Moon, an ex-convict, stumbles into a world where gods walk among men. You see, the old gods (think Norse, Egyptian) are losing followers to new gods (Media, Technology). Mr. Wednesday, an incarnation of Odin, recruits Shadow to be his bodyguard. Their journey? A road trip to rally the old gods for a war against the new. The battle? Not just physical, but also for the very soul of America.

8. Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

"Altered Carbon" by Richard K. Morgan

Imagine a future where the human mind is digitized and transferred from body to body. Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier, is revived centuries later by a wealthy man, Laurens Bancroft, to solve Bancroft's own murder. As Kovacs navigates a world of decadence and corruption, the lines between right and wrong blur. Is the body just a sleeve? Can immortality be bought? The future is here, and it's darker than you think.

9. The Terror (2018)

"The Terror" by Dan Simmons

Based on the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, this series follows Captain John Franklin and his crew as they navigate uncharted Arctic waters. The harsh environment is one thing, but there's something else out there. Something lurking in the icy depths. The crew battles the cold, dwindling supplies, and the terrifying unknown. Can they survive? It's a nail-biting tale of endurance, fear, and the limits of human resilience.

10. Good Omens (2019-present)

"Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Picture an angel and a demon, who have been on Earth since the beginning of time, teaming up to prevent the apocalypse. The unlikely duo of Aziraphale and Crowley must find the Antichrist and prevent Armageddon. Their antics are absurd, hilarious, and at times heartwarming. Biblical figures, prophecies, and a touch of humanity create a fantastical mix. Is the end nigh? Heaven and Hell are about to find out.

11. The Witcher (2019-present)

The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter, roams the Continent slaying beasts for coin. He's not your typical hero, nor is his world black-and-white. In a realm of warring kingdoms, sorcery, and destiny, Geralt's path intertwines with the sorceress Yennefer and the mysterious Ciri. Prophecies, political intrigue, and powerful forces shape their fates. Can Geralt protect those he cares for? It's a tale of swords, sorcery, and silver.

12. The Queen's Gambit (2020)

"The Queen's Gambit" by Walter Tevis

Enter the world of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy with a troubled past. As she rises through the ranks of the male-dominated world of competitive chess, her talent is undeniable. But her success comes at a price – addiction, isolation, and the weight of her own demons. Every move is a calculated risk, both on and off the chessboard. Will she become the world champion? It's a gripping tale of strategy, sacrifice, and the pursuit of perfection.