Best Book-to-Series Adaptations to Binge-Watch in 2026

Streaming platforms have revolutionized literary adaptations. Where cinema has 2 hours, a series can develop a novel over 10 hours — or more.

The result: some series adapted from books surpass their source in terms of narrative depth. Others disappoint despite exceptional source material.

In this article, we present the best book-to-series adaptations to binge-watch — ranked by platform and genre.

Why Do Series Succeed Where Films Sometimes Fail?

A series has one decisive advantage over a film: time.

• Character development: complex narrative arcs can be respected
• World-building: the universe can be explored in depth
• Faithfulness: fewer drastic cuts needed

But beware: more episodes also means more risk of straying from the book…

The Best Book-to-Series Adaptations by Platform

Netflix

The Witcher – Andrzej Sapkowski

• Seasons: 3 seasons (+ spin-off)
• What works: rich universe, Henry Cavill perfect as Geralt
• Faithfulness score: 7/10

Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo

• Seasons: 2 seasons
• What works: the Grishaverse well-translated on screen
• Faithfulness score: 7/10

Bridgerton – Julia Quinn

• Seasons: 3 seasons
• What works: romance, costumes, Regency atmosphere
• Faithfulness score: 6/10 — free adaptation but entertaining

HBO / Max

Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin

• Seasons: 8 seasons
• What works: the first 6 seasons are masterful
• What disappoints: controversial ending once the books were surpassed
• Faithfulness score: 9/10 (seasons 1–6), 5/10 (seasons 7–8)

His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman

• Seasons: 3 seasons
• What works: far superior to the 2007 film
• Faithfulness score: 8/10

The Last of Us – Craig Mazin

• Source: video game + graphic novel
• What stands out: exceptional emotional writing
• Faithfulness score: 9/10

Amazon Prime Video

The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan

• Seasons: 3 seasons
• What works: epic universe well constructed
• Faithfulness score: 6/10 — fans divided

The Boys – Garth Ennis

• Source: comic book
• What stands out: biting satire, totally addictive
• Faithfulness score: 7/10

Hulu / Disney+

The Handmaid's Tale – Margaret Atwood

• Seasons: 5 seasons
• What works: gripping dystopia, Elisabeth Moss's performance
• Faithfulness score: 9/10 (season 1), then drifts from the book

Percy Jackson – Rick Riordan

• Seasons: 2 seasons
• What stands out: finally an adaptation that respects the books
• Faithfulness score: 9/10

Apple TV+

Foundation – Isaac Asimov

• Seasons: 3 seasons
• What works: visually breathtaking, narrative ambition
• Faithfulness score: 5/10 — very free adaptation

Our Top 3 Most Faithful Book-to-Series Adaptations

1. Game of Thrones (seasons 1–6) — remarkable precision
2. The Handmaid's Tale (season 1) — near-total faithfulness
3. Percy Jackson (Disney+) — finally respects the fans

Should You Read the Book Before Watching the Series?

Unlike films, we recommend watching first for certain long series (Game of Thrones, The Witcher). The book will then offer you an even richer experience.

For shorter series (The Handmaid's Tale, His Dark Materials), read the book first — the series takes on another dimension.

Conclusion

Series adapted from books are often the opportunity to dive into a literary universe with a depth impossible in cinema. Netflix, HBO, Amazon — platforms compete in ambition to adapt the best works.

Which book-to-series adaptation has hooked you the most? Tell us in the comments!