While there might be some debate around the faithfulness of certain adaptations, there’s no question TV and film have become intertwined with books in our modern mediascape.

Whether you’re excited to see much-loved novels play out on screen, or you take a more cynical “Hollywood loves taking the IP shortcut” approach, book-to-screen adaptations have been huge in recent years.

But adaptations aren’t just a studio cash grab. They often boost interest and sales in the source material. 

A great example in recent media? Netflix.

As Bridgerton took off as a huge hit for the streamer, the popularity of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels also jumped. The Duke and I held the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list for four weeks. And four other books in the series made it onto the list, too.

And Bridgerton isn’t the only Netflix adaptation sending people to books. Kristin Hannah’s Firefly Lane popped up on the Top 10 list a month ahead of the show’s debut – 13 years after its original publication. It climbed to the #1 spot just three days after the Netflix premiere.

Timeline showing popularity of novels like The Queen's Gambit and Bridgerton compared to their Netflix releases

The Queen’s Gambit? Besides encouraging a spike in people playing chess, it also sent people flocking to Walter Tevis’ book. It held a Top 10 spot for 11 weeks – 37 years after its publication.

International fans renewed their interest in Lupin. The Maurice Leblanc book from 1907(!) trended in Italy, Spain, the UK, Korea, and the US. Sales of the book reached the equivalent of one year’s worth after just 15 days.

More Adaptations Coming To Netflix

If you want to get a jump on reading the next big hits before they air on Netflix, take a look at these upcoming adaptations.

  • Jennifer Mathieu’s Moxie — premiering March 3
  • Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s YES DAY — premiering March 12
  • Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone — premiering April 23
  • Things Heard & Seen based on Elizabeth Brundage’s All Things Cease to Appear – premiering April 30
  • A.J. Finn’s The Woman in the Window —  coming soon
  • R.L. Stine’s Fear Street Trilogy — coming this summer
  • Jojo Moyes’ The Last Letter From Your Lover — coming soon
  • Concrete Cowboy,  based on Gregory Neri’s Ghetto Cowboy — coming soon
  • J.A. White’s Nightbooks — coming soon
  • Stephanie Land’s Maid — coming soon

So, do you check out the original book after (or before) you watch the adaptation? Which Netflix version of a book is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Netflix