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Book adaptations are usually in high demand because they tend to have well-rounded narratives. Also, most adaptations are based on renowned books that have received positive feedback from bookworms. However, this can often be a double-edged sword as it guarantees the interest is piqued, but the expectations are also high as readers want the original work to be justified.
Every year, several book adaptations are released across different mediums. In 2024, bookworms were happy to see that several show creators undertook the task of transforming interesting novels into bingeable shows with multiple episodes. Unsurprisingly, some book adaptations made a better impact on viewers as compared to others.
Bookworms who want to add book adaptation gems to their year-end watchlist should check out the well-made titles on this list.
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
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Shōgun, Masters of the Air, and five other book adaptations that will have viewers hooked
1) Boy Swallows Universe (January 11, 2024)
Based on Trent Dalton's semi-autobiographical novel, this book adaptation boasts a poignant coming-of-age tale that is full of heart. The young protagonist in the lead, Eli, is played by three actors at different stages in his life, Auden Ryan, Felix Cameron, and Zac Burgess.
An iron-willed teenager, Eli gets caught up in his family's criminal dealings. Even though he is young, he is determined to save his mother from the dangerous situation they find themselves in.
What's interesting is that this seven-episode book adaptation holds the viewer's attention throughout its runtime with several storytelling elements such as mystery, love, action, and more. It also has clever twists that will keep the viewers guessing. While there is some crime and violence, the core messages of family and hope are the ones that make the strongest impression.
Where to watch: Boy Swallows Universe can be streamed on Netflix.
2) Masters of the Air (January 26, 2024)
War movies and shows have always garnered interest among viewers for their emotional storytelling and this Apple TV+ book adaptation is no different. Based on Donald L. Miller's book, Masters of the Air chronicles the dangerous missions undertaken by the 100th Bomb Group during World War II. The nine-episode show stars Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, and Anthony Boyle among others.
Historical dramas benefit from detailed sets and costumes and the creators of Masters of the Air have ensured that the visuals stay true to the era. The narrative relies heavily on the chemistry between the characters and the talented actors do make their interactions and camaraderie believable.
Also, the striking CGI and intense fight scenes of this book adaptation allow the audience to feel the hardships and challenges faced by the group.
Where to watch: Masters of the Air is available on Apple TV+.
3) Expats (January 26, 2024)
Nicole Kidman plays the lead, Margaret Woo, an American expatriate, in this book adaptation based on Janice Y. K. Lee's novel, The Expatriates. Margaret is an American expatriate living in Hong Kong whose life initially seems sorted but soon begins to unravel after her son goes missing.
The six-episode book adaptation captures the lives of the expatriate community and the sense of bonding they share. Expats is worth watching because it offers different viewpoints that add multiple layers to the plot.
Kidman captures her complex character with great depth and charisma. However, she isn't the only character worth remembering as the narrative ensures satisfying character arcs for several main characters throughout the show.
Where to watch: Expats is available for streaming on Prime Video.
4) One Day (February 8, 2024)
The name of this book adaptation will seem familiar to cinephiles as a movie with the same name came out back in 2011 starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. Both the film and the series are based on a novel of the same name by David Nicholls.
The story follows Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew who meet each other for the first time on the night of their graduation. Even though their lives take them on different paths, they continue to share a bond.
This book adaptation is a slow burn but the chemistry between its leads, Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall, is endearing and keeps viewers invested in their relationship timeline. The show is more immersive than the movie because there is enough time for the viewers to understand the characters and the little things that draw them to one another.
Where to watch: One Day, containing 14 episodes, is available on Netflix.
5) Shōgun (February 27, 2024)
This book adaptation was one of the most talked about shows in 2024 and for good reason. Based on James Clavell's novel, the narrative is set in Japan in the year 1600. Cosmo Jarvis plays Pilot Major John Blackthorne who helps Lord Yoshii Toranaga, portrayed by Hiroyuki Sanada, fight an epic battle against his enemies.
Shōgun thrives on an immersive plotline complemented by rich characters and detailed production design. Fans of the book have also praised the casting as the actors do a great job of aligning themselves with the mannerisms expected from their characters.
The Emmy award-winning book adaptation, containing ten episodes, is perfect for viewers who enjoy historical dramas with dark undertones and layered storytelling.
Where to watch: Shōgun can be streamed on Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) 3 Body Problem (March 21, 2024)
Based on Liu Cixin's novel series Remembrance of Earth's Past, this book adaptation created a lot of hype for its intriguing premise. In the show, different scientists come into contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. The narrative goes on to capture how this revelation changes their lives and their understanding of the universe. It stars John Bradley, Eiza González, Rosalind Chao, and more.
One thing that will catch the attention of viewers from the get-go is the cinematography. The show's creators take great care to use different camera angles to emphasize different aspects of the story. The fast pace of this book adaptation also ensures that there is always something exciting happening on screen.
However, the best thing about the show is the way it reveals just enough to keep the audience invested and yet still keep them guessing about what could come next.
Where to watch: 3 Body Problem, containing eight episodes so far, is available on Netflix.
7) Ripley (April 4, 2024)
This book adaptation, starring Andrew Scott, is based on Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley. The eight-episode series is set in 1960 New York. Scott plays Tom Ripley, a con man who is hired by a wealthy man to bring his son back from Italy. When he gets a little too attached to the taste of the good life, things start to spiral.
The book adaptation isn't fast-paced from the very beginning but it builds up over time in tune with the flow of the interesting narrative. The black-and-white treatment also adds to the viewing experience.
Scott is the biggest highlight of this show and carries the narrative with great ease. Even though his character doesn't have any redeeming qualities as such, Scott is still able to portray him in a manner that prompts viewers to root for him.
Where to watch: Ripley is available for streaming on Netflix.
These 2024 book adaptations are perfect for viewers who want to binge-watch shows with captivating plotlines that keep getting better with each episode.
