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.
