TV Shows I Wish Were Books
May 9, 2022 | Dara Marie | @thornfield_laneOver the last three weeks, I have discussed stories I wish crossed mediums, such as books to film and film to books. We now make it to the final installment of this loose series to look at TV shows I wish I could read as books:
Vikings (2013–2020)
My older brother got me hooked on this History Channel epic last year and we still rave about it.
While the plot quality weakens as the seasons go on–as with many shows–the first three seasons are perfect. The writing is gritty, intelligent, and witty. Every character, major or minor, is complex with different struggles and desires that change and grow throughout the episodes. A flawed protagonist, strong female characters who do not feel forced, numerous raids and battles: it’s everything an adult fantasy series wants to be.
If this was written out in a book series, I believe it would compete with Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
This British series tells the story of 1900s family gangsters who get their name from sewing razor blades into the peaks of their hats.
This is another show my older brother introduced me to. I’ve only watched the first few episodes but am fascinated by the aesthetic. It’s a very honest look at the English working class during the industrial revolution. Like Vikings, the overall premise is built on grit and intelligence; the overall quality is honorable. Protagonist Thomas Shelby has such compelling complexity, I would love to read his mannerism and backstory on the page.
As a book, it would be a slow burn but if done well, would paint a compelling picture.
Reign (2013–2017)
After a life under constant protection for fear of being assassinated, young Mary Queen of Scots is sent to France to wed the Dauphin and seal the countries’ alliance. Royalty brings its up and downs, dangers and tragedies as Mary grows into the Queen we know her as in history.
Is the show at all historically accurate? Absolutely not. Is it a bit soap opera-y? Absolutely. But would I read it if it were a book? 100%.
This was one of my favorite shows in high school despite all the critique it receives. I think it could fit perfectly in book form into my reading guilty pleasure: first-person female historical fiction. It has drama, romance, politics, balls, and betrayal: the perfect mindless read.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
This animated series shows a fantasy world with elemental magic bearers known as ‘benders’. In each generation, one is born who can master all four elements and tasked to use said power to bring peace: the Avatar. No one has seen the Avatar in a hundred years. When he returns amidst a raging war, no one expects to find him as a young boy who puts fun over duty. He’ll have to learn more than just the four elements to be ready to face off the Fire Lord and end the war.
I know there are graphic novels and comics, but I would love to read a traditional-style narrative telling of these characters. They’re so vibrant and quirky and loveable. Zuko has one of the greatest character arcs I have ever seen; it’s a triumph of tv let alone storytelling in general. I would also especially love to see Azula’s mental breakdown in slow, painstaking detail. I’m not a huge fantasy reader, but I would read these in a heartbeat.
The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
I always say I want to watch more of this 60s classic but I still have only seen a handful of episodes. It’s a trippy, psychological anthology show in which each episode acts like a gothic sci-fi short story. I think it could be just that: a short story anthology. The title alone is iconic, it would sell in a heartbeat to nostalgic readers, including me. I love gothic stuff: break my mind, please, I won’t mind.
What tv shows would you like to see as books? I'd love to hear from you! You can connect with me through thornfield.lane@gmail.com or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter: @thornfield_lane.
