Apple TV+ Has Found Success Adapting Literary Masterpieces

Since the early days of Hollywood, TV and film have evolved greatly; in some ways for the better, in other ways to their detriment. Part of the shift in the movie industry is tied to culture. While the 1920s saw an unprecedented growth compared to today’s productions (particularly in film), the source material from classic Hollywood was more grounded in true stories and works based on classic literature. That is, at least compared to the modern era, where everything from toys, comics, and memes gets its own movies.

Apple TV+ may not be a heavy hitter in the streaming space, with the amount of content they put out far less than Netflix, Prime Video, or even the free platform Tubi. Yet, Apple TV+ has become known for quality content, with much of its success resting on carefully selecting projects and drawing inspiration from old Hollywood in adapting established novels.

Apple TV Knows What To Adapt

Perhaps the best example of Apple TV+ focusing on and adapting a literary work to great success is Pachinko, which has garnered critical success and a dedicated fandom despite some unfortunate snubbing come award season. Debuting in 2022, the series is still running with the second season having finished in late 2024 and a third on the way. The series is based on Min Jin Lee’s multi-generational novel of the same name, exploring the rich history of four generations of Koreans living in Japan with deeply emotional and resonant prose. The adaptation is about as near perfect as they come, backed by a strong cast, and hitting all the essential emotional beats of the novel.

This isn’t the only series to successfully adapt a literary work. Titles like Black Bird, based on James Keene’s true-crime memoir, and Silo, an adaptation of Hugh Howey’s dystopian Wool series, are seen as relatively faithful adaptations for fans of the books and the shows. Comparatively, titles like Defending Jacob and Foundation take liberties with the original works they were based on, but still deliver delightful series. Whether approached by wanting to do a straight adaptation or taking creative liberties, Apple TV+’s choices of what literary works to adapt are spot on.

Upcoming Adaptations From Apple TV To Be Excited For

Apple TV+ continues to adapt exciting literary works for their platform, including new seasons of already beloved shows like The Buccaneers, and the previously mentioned Silo and Foundation. We are also fans of the recent adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s satirical crime novel, Bad Monkey, which is confirmed for a second season. New seasons of beloved shows are coming, but there are also great titles on the horizon that are adapting literary works. Upcoming book-to-series adaptations to keep an eye out for include Lucky, Margo’s Got Money Problems, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Neuromancer, Down Cemetery Road, and Cape Fear. Honestly, we could go on and on, with so many of the titles planned based on acclaimed novels.

Related

Apple TV’s “Big” Adaptation of Cyberpunk Heist Classic Gets Exciting Tease From Series Star

The ‘Green Lantern’ star reveals he’s playing a member of the Ashpool family.

Fans will also want to keep an eye on Lucky, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a woman leaving a life of crime and attempting to build a normal life. Lucky is based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel. I’m Glad My Mom Died is based on the memoir by Jennette McCurdy, which chronicles her past with her abusive mother; Jennifer Aniston is set to star and also produce the series.

Neuromancer is in the early stages of production, but with a strong cast and crew attached, the adaptation of William Gibson’s iconic novel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sci-fi series of all time. Apple TV+ certainly knows what it is doing with its book adaptations, and there is plenty of great content on the platform with more to come.