10 Best Book Adaptations Of The 2020s So Far

As a total movie and TV buff, I’ve noticed something really cool happening lately. Adapting books for the screen isn’t new, of course, but the last few years have seen a ton of amazing TV shows based on books. It’s been great seeing stories I loved growing up – and some classics I hadn’t gotten around to – come to life on TV and reach a whole new audience. Adapting a book is always a gamble, but these recent shows prove that when it’s done right, it can be truly fantastic. It’s a delicate balance, but when they nail it, it’s magic!

It’s challenging to adapt a book into a movie or TV show because books often contain so much detail. It’s hard to capture the essence of the story while still satisfying fans who loved the original. Luckily, recent television adaptations are doing a better job of including key scenes and characters that readers enjoy. With many more book-to-screen projects planned, this trend is likely to continue throughout the 2020s – and so far, those shows have been quite successful.

10. The Summer I Turned Pretty

2022

The popular Prime Video series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, successfully adapted Jenny Han’s beloved book trilogy for television. The show follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin (played by Lola Tung) as she navigates love and growing up during her summer vacations with family friends Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno). What begins as a rivalry between the two boys blossoms into a heartfelt romance, captivating audiences. While the show concluded in 2025, fans can look forward to a movie on Prime Video that will bring the story to a final close.

9. Margo’s Got Money Troubles

2026

The novel Margo’s Got Money Troubles became even more popular after a television adaptation premiered in April 2026. Elle Fanning stars as Margo Millet in this compelling story, supported by an impressive cast including Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman. The eight-episode series on Apple TV received widespread critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of characters and emotional depth, staying true to the spirit of Rufi Thorpe’s original book.

8. 3 Body Problem

2024

The 2024 Netflix series 3 Body Problem brings Liu Cixin’s acclaimed sci-fi trilogy, Remembrance of Earth’s Past, to the screen in a fresh and compelling way. Developed by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss (creators of Game of Thrones) and Alexander Woo, the first season focuses on scientists who discover an alien civilization posing a massive danger to humankind. The show is praised for its immersive storytelling and believable characters, and future seasons are planned to adapt the remaining books in Cixin’s series with similar artistry.

7. Lessons In Chemistry

2023

Brie Larson stars in the Apple TV series Lessons in Chemistry, which is based on Bonnie Garmus’s popular novel – released just last year! The show follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant woman whose scientific ambitions are thwarted by the sexism of the 1960s. After an unexpected pregnancy and heartbreak, she uses her intelligence to create something truly impactful. The series faithfully adapts the book, and Larson delivers a compelling and genuine performance as Zott, portraying her through all stages of her life.

6. Pachinko

2022

The Apple TV+ series Pachinko, which premiered in 2022, is based on Min Jin Lee’s 2017 novel. It follows a Korean family who faces hardship as they move to Japan, and explores their lives across several generations. The TV adaptation skillfully uses multiple time periods to tell a complex and moving story, expanding on the novel by showing family members settling in different parts of the world. Pachinko is an intimate and detailed portrayal of a family’s journey.

5. Daisy Jones & The Six

2023

Based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel, Daisy Jones & The Six quickly became a hit on Prime Video in 2023. The show, starring Riley Keough as Daisy Jones, tells the story of a fictional 1970s band – their rise to fame, their struggles, and their eventual breakup at the height of their popularity. Adapting a novel that’s written as a collection of interviews and documents presented a challenge, but the series successfully delivers a complex and engaging story that enhances the original book.

4. The Wheel Of Time

2021

Amazon’s The Wheel of Time is based on Robert Jordan’s epic book series, and it builds a detailed and immersive world for its characters. Instead of strictly following the books, the show creatively rearranges and combines storylines from the first four novels to create a more compelling narrative. The series, starring Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred, focuses on bringing the spirit of the books to the screen in a fresh and engaging way.

3. Normal People

2020

The Hulu series Normal People, which premiered in 2020, quickly captivated viewers with its emotionally powerful storytelling. Based on the popular Sally Rooney novel, the show stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal as Marianne and Connell. Praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of their relationship, the adaptation beautifully brought the novel’s complex connection to life, relying on the actors’ chemistry to convey the story’s depth. Many consider it one of the best book-to-screen adaptations in recent years, delivering an intense and intimate experience throughout its limited run.

2. The Queen’s Gambit

2020

I was completely captivated by The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix! It’s based on a book from the 80s, and it tells the story of Beth Harmon, a brilliant young chess player. The show really stuck to the original story, showing her incredible rise to the top while also honestly portraying her struggles with addiction, which started when she was young. It came out in October 2020 and became Netflix’s biggest hit ever – and for good reason! It’s a beautifully shot and deeply moving series that really stayed with me.

1. Heated Rivalry

2025

One of the most anticipated shows of 2025, Heated Rivalry, is based on Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changers novels. The series primarily focuses on the evolving relationship between hockey players Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). It also incorporates storylines from Reid’s earlier books – Game Changer, featuring Scott Hunter (Francois Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.), and the original Heated Rivalry novel. The show is known for its complex characters and compelling drama. Season two will adapt the 2022 book, The Long Game.

2026-07-25 20:01