2019 was a strong year for television adaptations of literary works. Networks and streaming platforms brought beloved novels and stories to life with varying degrees of fidelity, visual flair, and storytelling prowess. While all of the series we’re looking at are good in their own right, some managed to elevate themselves above the rest in execution, narrative depth, and performance. In this ranking, we’ll go from good to best, exploring six standout book-based series that captivated audiences last year.
6. The Spanish Princess Season 1 (Starz)
The Spanish Princess offered a sweeping, drama-filled retelling of Catherine of Aragon’s early life and her tumultuous marriage into the English royal family. Starz delivered rich costumes, intricate court intrigue, and strong performances from Charlotte Hope and Ruairi O’Connor. The show stays reasonably faithful to historical events while adding drama for modern viewers. While compelling and visually polished, the pacing occasionally slows, and the narrative doesn’t always push beyond expected historical drama tropes, placing it at the solid “good” entry in our ranking.
5. War of the Worlds Season 1 (Fox / Canal+)
H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi novel got a fresh take with War of the Worlds, a suspenseful series that blends action, mystery, and social commentary. The show impressed with its production values, strong cast (Gabriel Byrne, Daisy Edgar-Jones), and creative reimagining of alien invasion scenarios. While the story sometimes juggles multiple plotlines, its character development and visual storytelling keep viewers invested. It’s a thoughtful adaptation, though not as audacious or memorable as the very best of the year.
4. Good Omens Season 1 (Amazon Prime / BBC Two)
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens found a perfect home on screen, with Michael Sheen and David Tennant delighting in their roles as Aziraphale and Crowley. The series preserves the wit, satire, and apocalyptic absurdity of the source material, balancing fantastical elements with sharp humor. While exceptionally faithful and entertaining, some narrative threads could feel rushed in its six-episode run, keeping it just shy of the top three.
3. Game of Thrones Season 8 (HBO)
Though Game of Thrones famously diverged from George R.R. Martin’s unfinished novels by its final season, the show remains a cultural phenomenon. Season 8 brought the saga to its conclusion with grand spectacle, epic battles, and emotional moments. The adaptation choices were controversial among fans, yet the cinematic execution, high-stakes drama, and thematic resolution secure its place near the top of book-based adaptations for sheer scale and impact.
2. The Witcher Season 1 (Netflix)
The Witcher, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels, delivered a dark, immersive world filled with monsters, magic, and morally complex characters. Henry Cavill embodies Geralt of Rivia with stoic gravitas, while the story interweaves multiple timelines and perspectives. The series succeeds in balancing action, political intrigue, and character development, creating a faithful yet highly entertaining adaptation. Its ambitious scope and high production quality make it one of 2019’s standout literary adaptations.
1. Carnival Row Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video)
At the top of our 2019 rankings is Carnival Row, a visually lush and narratively ambitious adaptation of a fantastical noir-inspired book world. Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne anchor the story of tensions between humans and mythological creatures in a richly detailed city. The series excels in world-building, character complexity, and thematic depth, addressing immigration, prejudice, and political intrigue. It successfully translates its source material into a fully realized cinematic universe on the small screen, earning it the crown as the best book-based adaptation of 2019.
Final Thoughts
2019 showcased how literature continues to inspire captivating television. From the historically grounded drama of The Spanish Princess to the fantastical grandeur of Carnival Row, these series demonstrate the diversity and creativity of book-to-screen adaptations. While each has its merits, it’s clear that some adaptations managed to push boundaries, fully realizing the potential of their source material and leaving audiences eager for more.
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