Where do amazing TV shows and series come from? They don’t just come into existence out of the clear blue sky! Some of the best shows out there are based on books. There are plenty of amazing TV shows that started off as novels or book series and we are here to list some of the most incredible ones!

It is awesome when a book is able to be transformed into a movie but unfortunately, movies can be viewed in one sitting. Movies are typically no longer than two hours and the entire story is laid out right there. When a book is transformed into a TV show, that means that we are able to see the story unfold in 30-minute to hour-long increments!

15 Pretty Little Liars– Novel Series Written By Sara Shepard

Pretty Little Liars is for sure one of the biggest shows of this generation. It is about four teenage girls who lie… A lot. Due to the fact that they lie so much, they have to do crazy things to keep their lies a secret. This show is based on a series of novels written by Sara Shepard.

14 Gossip Girl– Novel Series Written By Cecily Von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl is one of the biggest TV shows ever and it was based on a series of young adult novels written by Cecily von Ziegesar. She had her books published between 2002 in 2011. The books, and a show, focus on teenagers in Manhattan who are very wealthy, very well-connected, and very much involved in drama.

13 13 Reasons Why– Book Written By Jay Asher

When it comes to Netflix's original TV shows, 13 Reasons Why is often considered one of the most controversial shows to exist! It is a show based on a book written by Jay Asher. The book was published in 2007, but the show didn’t premiere until 2017. The final episode will premiere in 2020.

12 The Vampire Diaries– Novel Series Written By L.J. Smith & J.L. Miller

The Vampire Diaries is another amazing TV show to watch about vampires, werewolves, witches, doppelgangers, and other supernatural elements. The show is based on a novel series by L.J. Smith and J.L. Miller. The books fall into many genres... horror, fiction, fantasy, and romance. The show maintains that same energy.

11 Netflix's YOU– Book Written By Caroline Kepnes

Another Netflix original TV show that a lot of people have been tuning into these days is called YOU and it stars Penn Badgley. The first episode premiered in 2018 and we are impatiently awaiting the third season. It is based on a book that was written by Caroline Kepnes. The third season should hopefully be just as intense as the first two seasons were.

10 Game Of Thrones– Book Series Written By George R.R. Martin

Of course we have to include Game of Thrones on this list! It is seriously one of the biggest and best shows ever (except for its ending of course)… George R.R. Martin’s best selling book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, is what inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones to come to life in the first place.

Related: Game Of Thrones: The Worst Things The Characters Have Done, Ranked

9 The 100– Novel Series Written By Kass Morgan

The 100 is a novel series written by Kass Morgan. There are four books in total, released between 2013 and 2016. The book series inspired the TV show of the same name! The books and show are about what would happen to civilization on earth if nuclear warfare took place. So far there have been seven seasons.

8 Girlfriends' Guide To Divorce– Book Written By Vicki McCarty Iovine

Girlfriends Guide to Divorce is an amazing show to watch because it is so relatable. It makes so much sense to us that this show is based on a book because the title itself sounds like the title of a book. The show is based on books written by Vicki McCarty Iovine. The show talks about everything from parenthood, to pregnancy, to divorce.

7 Orange Is The New Black– Memoir Written By Piper Kerman

Orange is the New Black is one of the most awesome Netflix original TV shows in existence and it is based on a book written by a woman named Piper Kerman. Interestingly enough, the main character in the show shares the same name as the woman who wrote the book. The book was actually her memoir and it was released in 2010.

Related: 15 Characters Who Hurt Orange Is The New Black (+ 4 Who Saved It)

6 Shadowhunters– Book Series Written By Cassandra Clare And Joshua Lewis

Shadowhunters is another awesome show that is based on a book series. The authors are Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis and, in total, they wrote six books. The first book was released in 2007 and the last book was released in 2014. The fact that they were able to work together and get so many books written is very impressive.

5 Fresh Off The Boat– Memoir Written By Eddie Huang

Looking for a hilarious show to watch? Fresh off the Boat is probably a good option. It is a show that is based on a memoir by Eddie Huang. The memoir was published in 2013 and was so successful that it was made into a TV show! This is one of those TV shows that definitely can make you laugh.

4 Big Little Lies– Book Written By Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is a show based on a book that was written by Liane Moriarty. The book was released in July 2014 by Penguin Group publishers. The fact that she was able to write this awesome book and have it nominated for awards is very impressive! The show itself is pretty addictive as well.

Related: Suddenly, Ice Cube Is In High Demand… Will He Also Appear On ‘Big Little Lies’?

3 A Series Of Unfortunate Events– Book Series Written By Lemony Snicket

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a show based on books written by Lemony Snicket. The books might actually be more popular than the show at this point because the books were just so epic and amazing. They were filled with so much more detail than the show was able to provide.

2 Sweetbitter– Novel Written By Stephanie Danler

Sweetbitter is available to watch on Amazon prime and based on a book that was written by author Stephanie Danler. She wrote the book based on her true experiences as a waitress in New York City. The show focuses on a 22-year-old girl who moves to New York City and gets a job as a waitress in a high profile restaurant.

1 The Handmaid’s Tale– Book Written By Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale is another amazing show that we could not leave off of this list. It is based on a book written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The book was published all the way back in 1985 and just became a TV show in 2017. We are excited to see more of this show because it is so intriguing.

Next: 15 Things Most Fans Didn’t Know About The Making Of The Handmaid’s Tale