6 Shows Based on Books You Need to Watch Right Now

Did this post sound urgent to you? That’s because it is!

I don’t think there’s anything better than mashing two of everyone’s favourite hobbies together so I thought: TV and books galore ❤

I have to say I did not realise most of these were based on books until quite later on, which is just so sad 😂😂 But a pleasant surprise, still. Plus I think that just made me love them even more. Does that ever happen to you?

Anyway, here are the 6 shows based on books you need to watch right now (in my humble opinion and in no particular order):

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1. Lucifer [Amazon Prime / Netflix]

What if the Devil had gotten tired of ruling Hell and decided to go open a nightclub in Los Angeles instead? Oh, and he also becomes a consultant for the LAPD.

I literally have to keep myself from bingewatching this show, otherwise it’ll be over in two days and I’ll have to suffer through withdrawl until season four comes out!

Tom Ellis is the perfect Lucifer Morningstar – charming, seductive, selfish and absolutely delightful. If you don’t fall in love with him on the first episode, then there is something seriously wrong with you. All the other characters are absolutely lovely as well and their companionship and loyalty will fill your heart to the brim.

👍 For fans of: NEIL GAIMAN; angel/demon stories; non-boring police shows that will make you laugh your butt off; sexy/witty/fun characters and dialogue; (extremely) slowburn romance.

👎 Possible turn offs: the portrayal of Christianity.

❌ Did not read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

2. You [Netflix]

A bookstore manager becomes so obsessed with an aspiring writer he’ll cross any line to get their happily ever after.

This show had to grow on me. The first few episodes were a bit of a hiccup and it certainly didn’t win me right away. But turns out there was a lot more to it than meets the eye. It actually managed to have enough substance and suspense to be a compelling watch until the very end.

It’s perfect for people who want to be kept on the edge of their seat but don’t want anything too hardcore (a.k.a. me!). I also love how social media and technology are presented in it – as literal weapons that can make or break lives.

👍 For fans of: stalker stories; messed up characters; highly dysfunctional relationships.

👎 Possible turn offs: not as thriller/horror as the creators make it out to be.

❌ Did not read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

3. Anne with an E [Netflix]

Two siblings, both past their prime, decide to take on an orphan boy to help out around their ancestral farm of Green Gables. What they get instead, though, is a spunky redheaded girl who is adamant to win their hearts.

I guarantee you will have moments of immense joy as well as immense sadness with this show! Amybeth McNutty is such a pure soul, she will steal your heart in the very first episode ❤

I do admit it’s quite heavy for a children’s story (as in, it will break your heart) but it didn’t make me enjoy it any less. If you loved the original growing up, definitely give this a try but keep in mind it won’t be quite the same as the book.

👍 For fans of: orphan stories; childhood romance; countryside wunderlust; female friendships.

👎 Possible turn offs: darker and bleaker than the original.

❌ Did not read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

4. Girlboss [Netflix]

Based on Sophia Amoruso’s autobiography, it tells the story of how she started the company Nasty Gal while working as a campus safety host for San Francisco’s Academy of Art University.

Sophia is impulsive, manipulative, selfish, unkind, unstable, narcissistic and an absolute disaster. I have to say, though, no matter how bad she got, I still rooted for her. I do not condemn her actions, nor do I agree with the paths she chose to take, but her story was certainly an eye-opener when it comes to building a business from scratch.

It will make people angry and annoyed, but it will absolutely bring your inner Girlboss/hustler to the surface. It’s also one of those stories I believe people only hate because the main character is a girl – had she been a man and everyone would have idolised them instead (cough Jordan Belfort cough).

👍 For fans of: fun and lay back shows; entrepreneurial journeys; girls making it big in the world; fashionistas (or fashion curious).

👎 Possible turn offs: dislikeable main character; too Hollywoodified and unrealistic at times; ruthless and despicable business practices.

❌ Did not read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

5. American Gods [Amazon Prime]

Devasted by the death of his wife, ex-convict Shadow takes on the job of bodyguard for Mr. Wednesday. But who is he? And what does he want with Shadow?

This is quite the dark comedy, incredibly well written and filled with flawed characters you will learn to love… Eventually. The plot itself is nicely constructed and will keep you interested as it subtly explores the greek mythology nuances whilst dealing with some pretty heavy subjects. It was nice to see the creators had taken care not to make the gods and goddesses too obvious and instead allowed the viwer to guess and take things in at their own pace.

It can be a bit too violent at times for my taste, but everything else makes it so worth it I can’t recommend it enough.

👍 For fans of: NEIL GAIMAN AGAIN; greek mythology; dark comedies; urban fantasies; fleshed out characters; intricate plot; amazing special effects.

👎 Possible turn offs: violence; bleak atmosphere; heavy themes including death.

❌ Did not read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

6. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo [Netflix]

Based on the world-wide bestseller, the show follows Kondo as she visits various American family homes full of clutter and guides them in tidying up their houses through her KonMari method.

Don’t think this is another super stressful show about decluttering and desperate families. Instead, it’s oddly relaxing and Marie is such a pure and loving soul it will be hard not to feel totally zen while watching/listening to her.

Each episode includes a few of her teachings, and because they are often rotated, it never gets too repetitive. All in all, it’s just so incredibly satisfying!

👍 For fans of: educational shows; organising; home decor.

👎 Possible turn offs: it’s reality TV; Japanese wisdom may not mix well with everyone.

✅ Read the book // 📺 Watch the trailer here

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So there you have it, my top 6 shows based on books you need to watch right now!

📺 Is it shameful of me not to have read (almost) any of the books that inspired the shows? 😱😱😱

📺 Do you like any of these or are planning to watch/read them?

📺 Do you have any suggestions for the list?

Let me know in the comments below! 🙂