14 Best TV Shows Based on Books, According to Reddit

1. The Magicians (2015-2020)

Based on Lev Grossman's book series of the same name, The Magicians is a blend of the wonder of Harry Potter and the adult themes of Game of Thrones, always earning itself a top spot in Reddit rec lists. The show revolves around Quentin Coldwater, a grad student chosen to attend Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy. This isn't your grandma's magic school, though.

The series balances moments of wonder with the harsh realities and consequences of magic. Don't be fooled by the initial quirky, college-life episodes; the series quickly evolves into a much darker, complex narrative. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a solid 91% rating, and it's not hard to see why with the layered storytelling, complex characters, and unique magical elements.

2. The Leftovers (2014-2017)

The Leftovers, based on Tom Perrotta's novel, is an exploration of grief, faith, and the human condition after 2% of the world's population suddenly disappears. The series doesn't focus on the mystery of the disappearance itself but rather its aftermath and its effects on the characters.

From a beleaguered police chief to a cult-like group called the Guilty Remnant, the show presents an intriguing view of a society in crisis. The series received an impressive 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is a brilliant, emotionally intense roller coaster ride that delves into existential quandaries with finesse.

3. The Terror (2018)

The Terror takes Dan Simmons' historical novel and converts it into a chilling, atmospheric horror series. The show's first season focuses on Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic in 1845–1848, blending historical facts with a supernatural spin.

The series is an icy nightmare that features a cast of characters faced with cold, starvation, and a menacing entity lurking in the white wilderness. With its eerie ambiance, intense performances, and nail-biting horror elements, it's no surprise that The Terror has an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)

The Man in the High Castle, based on Philip K. Dick's novel, presents an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II. The United States is divided into the Greater Nazi Reich and the Japanese Pacific States, with a neutral zone in between. It's a gripping exploration of what might have been, filled with political intrigue, resistance movements, and a mysterious film reel that shows a different outcome to the war.

The series has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 84% and has been praised for its thought-provoking narrative, complex characters, and its chilling take on a dystopian alternate reality.

5. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2015)

Based on Susanna Clarke's best-selling novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell transports viewers to 19th century England where magic, long thought to be extinct, is revived by the titular characters. This seven-part series is a masterful blend of period drama and fantasy. While Mr. Norrell is cautious and prefers to keep magic respectable, Jonathan Strange is more adventurous, setting the stage for a magical clash.

With its unique narrative, compelling characters, and meticulous world-building, the series has earned a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

6. Bosch (2014-2021)

Bosch, based on Michael Connelly's best-selling book series, follows the gritty life of Los Angeles homicide detective Harry Bosch. Titus Welliver delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, whose relentless pursuit of justice often puts him at odds with his superiors.

The series dives deep into the underbelly of LA's crime world, its political undercurrents, and Bosch's personal life, all wrapped up in a deliciously noirish aesthetic. With a stellar Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%, Bosch is a hidden gem in the crime television genre.

7. Wolf Hall (2015)

Adapted from Hilary Mantel's award-winning novels, Wolf Hall offers a riveting look into the intricacies of King Henry VIII's court, seen through the eyes of his adviser, Thomas Cromwell. This isn't your typical historical drama. The politics are as razor-sharp as a headsman's axe, and the performances, particularly Mark Rylance's restrained portrayal of Cromwell, are top-notch. The six-part series offers a fresh perspective on a well-tread period of history, a feat that has earned it a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

8. The 100 (2014-2020)

The 100, inspired by Kass Morgan's book series, kicks off with an intriguing premise: 97 years after a nuclear war destroyed Earth, 100 juvenile delinquents are sent back to the planet to see if it's habitable. From this point, the series weaves a narrative full of moral dilemmas, survivalist drama, and a surprisingly deep exploration of leadership.

Despite some initial teen drama trappings, the show quickly evolves into a more complex, darker tale. With a solid 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating, The 100 is a testament to the narrative potential of young adult literature adaptations.

9. The Last Kingdom (2015-2021)

Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom is a historical drama that follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble who's captured and raised by Vikings. The series offers a gritty, realistic depiction of 9th-century England, a time when Viking invasions were reshaping the British Isles.

Packed with intense battles, political machinations, and a hero torn between two cultures, The Last Kingdom provides a captivating look into a tumultuous period of history. Its engaging storytelling and dynamic characters have earned it a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. The Expanse (2015-2021)

Originally a novel series by James S. A. Corey, The Expanse is a space opera that weaves together political conflict, social commentary, and human drama. The series starts as a simple missing person case in a colonized solar system and spirals into an intense interplanetary conflict that threatens humanity's existence.

The complex narrative, detailed world-building, and compelling characters make The Expanse an immersive viewing experience. Its efforts to portray a realistic, near-future vision of space colonization, complete with the physical, political, and social implications, have resulted in a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93% and near-cult following on Reddit.

11. Justified (2010-2015)

Based on Elmore Leonard's short story Fire in the Hole, Justified is a crime drama with a distinct Western flavor. Timothy Olyphant plays U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a lawman with a cowboy hat, quick draw, and even quicker wit. The series sees Givens reassigned to his rural Kentucky hometown, where he grapples with his complicated past and a range of criminal activities.

Justified combines smart storytelling, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue to create a uniquely entertaining experience that earned it a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Justified is definitely worth checking out, especially ahead of revival premiere.

12. Poldark (2015-2019)

Adapted from Winston Graham's novels, Poldark is a sweeping historical drama set in the late 18th century. The series follows Ross Poldark, a British officer returning home from the American Revolutionary War, only to find his estate in shambles and his love interest engaged to his cousin.

Against this backdrop of social change and personal misfortune, Poldark unfolds as a story of resilience, romance, and societal struggle. It's been lauded for its stunning cinematography, well-developed characters, and captivating plotlines, garnering an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

13. Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)

This one's a bit of a cheat, as it's inspired by a non-fiction book rather than a novel, but it's too good to leave off the list. Halt and Catch Fire is a riveting drama set in the 1980s and '90s during the personal computer revolution and the subsequent rise of the World Wide Web.

The show centers around a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy whose innovations directly confront the corporate behemoths of the time. With excellent character development, a well-executed period setting, and engaging storylines, Halt and Catch Fire has secured a commendable 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

14. Hannibal (2013-2015)

Based on Thomas Harris' novels, Hannibal explores the chilling relationship between FBI investigator Will Graham and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The series is a feast for the senses, with its lush visuals, immersive soundscapes, and intense performances. Despite its dark and violent themes, or perhaps because of them, Hannibal became a cult favorite, scoring an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a psychological thriller that's as terrifying as it is fascinating.