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9 TV Shows That Were Inspired By Books

The book was better.

Elviris Rodriguez

Apr 05, 2016

Baruch College

274

We all tell ourselves that we want to read more; some of us may even get books that we want to read... only to toss them to the side gathering dust while we instinctively click next episode and curse our lack of willpower. If that sounds like you, then I have good news: Many tv shows are actually based on or inspired by books. Now this isn’t a list about shows like Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead which you probably already know are based off books (and if you didn’t, you’re welcome. Now the list is 11 shows). Instead, it is about shows you may not know are inspired by books. And contrary to what the headline says, I have not read most of these books so I don’t know if they are actually better. That's for you to discover.

1. Dexter

Dexter, the show about the anti-hero serial killer, is based on the Darkly Dreaming Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. If you’ve been missing Dexter since its 2013 finale, then this 7 book series is just what you need.

2. The Magicians

This newcomer to Syfy has been called Harry Potter for college, and like the Harry Potter series, it is also a series of books. This is a trilogy by Lev Grossman, and because the show is so new, if you read the books now you’ll know where the story is heading before everyone else. No spoilers though.

3. The 100

Following the success of other postapocalyptic shows, The 100 found its way into audience’s hearts with its story about humans re-colonizing earth. But before it was a show it was a trilogy by Kass Morgan that focuses on the same premise with a different story.

4. Fresh Off the Boat

Not many people know that Fresh Off the Boat is actually a semi-autobiographical show about the life of chef Eddie Huang. The show, which was just renewed for season 3, focuses on Huang’s childhood, and the first season is narrated by the real Eddie Huang.

5. Outlander

If you’re a fan of historical shows or shows about time travel, then you’re probably already watching Outlander. While you wait for the next season you should read the 8 novels by Diana Gabaldon and the 3 short stories and the graphic novel and watch the musical. Well, maybe you can’t do all that before the next season, which premieres April 9, but next time you need to wait for a season premiere, you have something to do so you won’t get bored.

6. iZombie

If we’re being literal, then iZombie is actually based off a comic book, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a try. Published under DC’s Vertigo Comics, iZombie has 5 volumes comprised of 28 issues.

7. Orange is the New Black

Another semi-autobiographical show, Orange is The New Black is based on the book Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison by Piper Kerman. The elements of the book are mostly seen in the show’s first season with the other seasons moving away from the book to develop the show’s characters.

8. Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire is loosely based on the life of real Enoch “Nucky” Johnson and the book by Nelson Johnson (no relation) which was written prior to the premiere of the series but was published when it premiered.

9. House of Cards

So House of Cards isn’t really based on a book as much as it is inspired by a trilogy of books by writer Michael Dobbs. The books are actually about British politics and did in fact have a British show based on them in the early 90s. However, the show we all know does have some elements from the book and Dobbs serves as an executive producer on the show.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

9 TV Shows That Were Inspired By Books

The book was better.

1. Dexter

2. The Magicians

3. The 100

4. Fresh Off the Boat

5. Outlander

6. iZombie

7. Orange is the New Black

8. Boardwalk Empire

9. House of Cards

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

1. When dealing with people is too difficult.

2. When food is the best part of your day.

...you can't ever say no to it

3. When you meet new people.

4. When you're the third wheel.

5. When life is tough but you're trying to hold it together.

6. When you're the brunt of a joke.

7. When you're too broke for food.

8. When your judgment could be better.

9. When you're not great at socializing.

10. When honesty is the best policy.

11. When you accept your flaws.

12. When work is not going well.

13. When you skip the gym.

14. When you over think.

15. When you swipe right.

16. When you get a crush.

17. When no major life event is happening

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