It's about to get literary as some of your favorite stories and novels come to life this year on the small screen. We've rounded up new television shows based on best-selling books for you to check out. It's about time to read and re-read these literary works before binge-watching them on television! Which adaptation are you most excited about?
1. American Gods
Author: Neil Gaiman
- Read it first: Fully Booked | National Bookstore | Amazon
Based on Gaiman's 2001 award-winning fantasy novel about mythological gods and creatures in the real world. The upcoming series premieres April 2017 on Starz.
2. Anne (Anne of Green Gables)
Author: L. M. Montgomery
- Read it first: Amazon
The classic coming-of-age story of Anne Shirley will be reintroduced to the younger generation through an eight-episode series set to air within the year, thanks to the partnership of Netflix and CBC.
3. Big Little Lies
Author:
- Read it first: Fully Booked | Amazon
Premiering on HBO this February, the comedy-drama based on the 2014 novel of the same title will feature a star-studded cast which includes Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Alexander Skarsgård, and Shailene Woodley.
4. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Author: Daniel Handler
- Read it first: Amazon
It's not the first time we're introduced onscreen to the tumultuous lives of the Baudelaire children — the children's novels were first adapted into a movie, and now over a decade later, it breathes new life as a Netflix Original Series. The first season is now streaming, and features as stellar cast headlined by Neil Patrick Harris.
5. Legion
Based on Marvel Comics's Legion
- Read it first: Amazon
Another Marvel character makes it to the television screen, this time on FX. Based on the mutant character of the same name, Legion is about the son of Professor X who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and possesses powers like telepathy and telekinesis. The first season premieres February 8.
6. Riverdale
Based on the characters from Archie Comics
- Read it first: National Bookstore | Amazon
Premiering at The CW and streaming on Netflix on January 26, the teen soap will bring to life our favorite Riverdale highschoolers Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the rest of the gang — but not quite like we know them in the comics. Coincidentally, Archie is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
7. Sharp Objects (HBO)
Author: Gillian Flynn
- Read it first: Fully Booked | National Bookstore | Amazon
After film adaptations of Flynn's two novels (Gone Girl and Dark Places), it's now small screen treatment for the adaptation of her debut novel. They start filming for the HBO series in March, with Amy Adams playing the role of a journalist reporting a series of brutal murders that take place in her hometown.
8. The Handmaid’s Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
- Read it first: National Bookstore | Amazon
The book by the Canadian author about a dystopian future already had a film adaptation, as well as a ballet and stage adaptation in the past. Premiering in April is Hulu's television series starring Elisabeth Moss (The West Wing, Mad Men), Samira Wiley (Poussey in Orange is the New Black) Joseph Fiennes, and Alexis Bledel.
9. Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
- Read it first: Fully Booked | Amazon
Based on the New York Times bestselling young adult novel, the upcoming series is scheduled to be released streaming later this year on Netflix, with Selena Gomez as executive producer.
10. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Author: Tom Clancy (Jack Ryan series of novels)
- Read it first: National Bookstore | Amazon
Jack Ryan has had a successful run in Tom Clancy's many novels, and even on the big screen — the famous fictional character has been portrayed by stars like Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck on film. This time around, Jack Ryan will feature in a drama series on Amazon Prime Video, starring John Krasinski as the titular character.
