Friday for Funsies || Books That Would Make Amazing TV Shows

Somehow, I think this week’s Friday for Funsies is going to be a lot easier, and it’s going to make a lot more sense, because turning books into movies is hard. How are you supposed to fit all those pages into just a couple hours? How much can reasonably be sacrificed to make that happen?

Books made into TV shows, though?

Oh, that’s a gold mine that’s just waiting to explode, don’t you think? That’s why I’m bringing you my personal favorites for episodic adaption today!

The Diviners by Libba Bray

LISTEN. I WOULD KILL A MAN FOR THIS.

Is that extreme? Okay, fine, maybe it is. But seriously, the 1920s glitz, glam, and ghosts? The gradually unfurling scientific schemes? The multi-POV approach?

This series would thrive on TV and I need it as of yesterday.

 

Shades of Magic Series by VE Schwab

It’s a given that I’d sell my soul for anything Schwab, but this would really be incredible. The worlds Schwab creates would absolutely flourish on the small screen, and I think the way she lays out her plots would translate well to a more episodic format. Plus, the ending of A Conjuring of Light would make for the most satisfying series finale in the history of the world, AND because that’s how it is in the books, it would make a great open end for a spin-off.

Honestly, I’m just asking the universe to give me more Shades of Magic content. I’m greedy like that.

 

The Lockwood and Co. Series by Jonathan Stroud

If I remember right, this one has already been optioned for TV by a British company!

HOWEVER.

Nothing has happened news-wise since last September, which is a crime tbh. I would support the hell out of this show, especially since I spent most of my summer this year watching hours of various ghost hunting shows for the kicks. For someone who hates horror, I sure do love paranormal stuff.

But seriously, the case by case ghost adventures the crew goes through in this series, plus the plot that underscores the whole thing would be STUNNING in that episodic format, with so much room for extra fun ghost adventures and maybe even filler episodes.

My only condition is that they outright say Holly Munro is a lesbian because I KNOW IT and I have no patience for beating around the bush when a character is queer. MAKE IT CLEAR IN CANON, COWARDS.

 

The Witchlands Series by Susan Dennard

I know, I’m cheating a little on this one too because the Jim Henson Company has picked this one up! The news broke this fall, and apparently Sooz has been sitting on it for AGES longer than that. I almost can’t believe one of my favorite series is actually supposed to reach TV, and I DEFINITELY don’t want to wait.

Good things come with time, though, and I’ll force myself to be patient if that’s what it takes.

 

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

More ghosts! What is it with me and ghosts?

But I really do mean it. I think Sparrow Hill Road‘s fragmentary format would be amazing on TV, and that even the non-linear elements could be incorporated well. The book is already written more as a collection of short stories with a connecting theme, after all. I hesitate to include Girl in the Green Silk Gown as a TV option, though, because that feels more inclined to adaption as a movie.

 

So, what do you think? Do I have a future in the ruthless world of TV? Or have I totally missed the mark and forgotten some books that would be even more worth it? Tell me all about what you want to see on the TV!