4 New Shows Based on Books to Watch This Fall on Hulu, Netflix & Apple TV+

Adapting a book for the screen is not always an easy task. Writers must condense a story and (often) change parts of it so it will fit within the running time and meet audience suitability constraints. But when done well, it can result in a show that grabs TV audiences and satisfies fans of the author’s original work.

Here are five new shows based on books that are available to stream this autumn:

1. The Other Black Girl (Hulu)

All 10 episodes are already available

This comedy-drama is based on the novel by Zakiya Dailila Harris. Sinclair Daniel plays Nella Rogers, the only black girl working at Wagner Books. When the company takes on another black employee, the two quickly bond, but it soon becomes apparent that Hazel-May McCall, the other black employee played by Ashleigh Murray, is not all she seems to be.

As cracks form in their relationship, Nella discovers some disturbing secrets.

2. Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)

First two episodes will be available on October 13

The series is based on the debut novel from Bonnie Garmus, which, in turn, is loosely based on the author's own experiences as a creative director in the advertising industry, where she routinely had her work and ideas stolen by men. It's a powerful yet funny story that shines a light on what the ad industry was like and promotes feminism in work and life in general. Brie Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, who hosts a cookery show in the 1960s with an ambitious goal of teaching women about more than just recipes.

3. All the Light We Cannot See (Netflix)

All four episodes will be available on November 2

The series is an adaptation of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning wartime novel set in Paris. The story charts the lived experiences and connection between a blind teenage French girl, Mare-Laure LeBlanc (played by Aria Mia Loberti), and highly thought of young German soldier Werner Pfenning (Louis Hoffman), who was forced to join the army because of his skills as a radio operator. The stellar cast also includes Hugh Laurie and Mark Ruffalo.

4. The Buccaneers (Apple TV+)

First three episodes will be available on November 8

The show is based on an unfinished novel by author Edith Wharton. The book was posthumously published in 1938 and explores a clash of cultures. Set in 1870s London, the series is a period drama with a difference. Amid the usual social convention you would expect from such a show, wealthy, fun-loving American women have been arriving in the ULK capital to pursue English husbands.