Adapting a book for television is no easy task. Great casting, pacing, production design, and visual storytelling can elevate even familiar stories into something remarkable. In 2019, several book-based shows succeeded in translating their source material to the screen, while others stumbled in execution. In this post, we rank six standout series from “good” to “best,” focusing on their TV and film craftsmanship rather than faithfulness to the original text.
6. The Spanish Princess Season 1 (Starz)
The Spanish Princess delivers historical drama with strong production values, including lavish costumes, intricate set design, and immersive cinematography. Charlotte Hope brings charisma and poise as Catherine of Aragon, and Ruairi O’Connor is solid as Henry VIII. However, pacing issues and occasional melodramatic dialogue hinder the show’s flow, and some supporting characters are underdeveloped. While visually appealing and competently performed, the series feels uneven at times, placing it at the solid “good” tier.
5. War of the Worlds Season 1 (Fox / Canal+)
This modern adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic tale impresses with tense action sequences, strong cinematography, and a capable ensemble led by Gabriel Byrne. The show builds suspense effectively, and Daisy Edgar-Jones brings gravitas to her role. Yet, juggling multiple storylines occasionally muddles pacing, and certain character arcs feel underexplored. Visually and technically strong, War of the Worlds succeeds as a thriller but lacks the full polish of the top-tier adaptations of 2019.
4. Good Omens Season 1 (Amazon Prime / BBC Two)
Good Omens shines with a perfect balance of performance and production. Michael Sheen and David Tennant deliver chemistry and comedic timing that bring Gaiman and Pratchett’s world to life. Visual effects, set design, and direction capture the apocalyptic absurdity of the story, and pacing rarely falters. Some subplots are condensed, but the overall execution is smooth, entertaining, and visually coherent, placing it solidly in the upper-middle of our ranking.
3. Game of Thrones Season 8 (HBO)
Game of Thrones’ final season is cinematic in scale, with epic battles, stunning visual effects, and high-caliber acting from a seasoned ensemble. While controversial for storytelling decisions, the production quality is undeniable: large-scale set pieces, atmospheric lighting, and intricate choreography make it feel like a film on television. Pacing issues and rushed arcs prevent it from ranking higher, but as a technical achievement in TV execution, it remains impressive.
2. The Witcher Season 1 (Netflix)
Netflix’s The Witcher excels in production, costume design, and fight choreography. Henry Cavill anchors the series with compelling gravitas as Geralt, supported by strong performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. Nonlinear storytelling occasionally challenges viewer comprehension, but the cinematography, monster effects, and musical score create a richly immersive fantasy world. Its confident execution positions it near the top of 2019’s book-based adaptations.
1. Carnival Row Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video)
At the pinnacle is Carnival Row, a masterclass in TV execution. The show combines breathtaking world-building, detailed production design, and consistent tonal balance. Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne deliver layered performances, capturing emotional depth while navigating complex fantasy politics. Cinematography, lighting, creature design, and pacing all work in harmony, creating a cinematic experience on the small screen. Carnival Row is the definitive example of how a book-based show can succeed both narratively and technically.
The Verdict
2019’s book-based adaptations show how television execution can transform literature into immersive viewing experiences. From The Spanish Princess’ solid drama to Carnival Row’s cinematic brilliance, these series highlight the importance of acting, pacing, and production design. While all six shows are enjoyable, the best adapted not just the story, but the very feel and energy of its world for the screen.
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