One reason is budget constraints. For example, if a novel has a vast and detailed world, like in 'Game of Thrones' (although it was a great show overall but had some issues), recreating that world on a limited budget can lead to a sub - par result. The producers might not be able to afford the elaborate sets or high - quality special effects needed.
Sure. 'The Witcher' on Netflix is based on a series of novels. The show brings to life the characters, the magical world, and the complex storylines from the books. It has been really popular, with fans of the novels enjoying seeing their favorite stories and characters on the screen.
Some shows like 'Ozark' can be considered similar. It has elements that seem like they could be based on real - life financial crimes and the underworld. 'The Act' is also a good one. It was based on a true story about a mother - daughter relationship gone horribly wrong. And 'Unbelievable' is based on a true story about sexual assault investigations.
One show could be 'The Crown'. It's based on the real - life events of the British royal family. Another is 'Narcos', which is based on the true story of the drug lords in Colombia. 'Mindhunter' is also a great one as it's inspired by the real - life work of FBI agents in profiling serial killers.
One major difference is that shows based on graphic novels often inherit the themes and tones of the source material. For instance, if the graphic novel is a dark, noir - style story, the show will likely maintain that atmosphere. They also may have a different pacing. Graphic novels can be read at the reader's own pace, but shows have to balance that for a television audience. So, sometimes they might compress or expand certain story elements. Moreover, shows based on graphic novels can attract a different type of viewer. People who are fans of the graphic novel will be interested in seeing how their favorite stories are translated to the screen, and this can create a more engaged and sometimes more critical audience compared to those who watch shows without any prior knowledge of the source material.
One popular show based on a novel is 'Game of Thrones'. It was based on the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. Another is 'Stranger Things', which draws inspiration from various 80s horror and science - fiction novels in terms of its atmosphere and some plot elements. 'The Handmaid's Tale' is also a well - known show based on the novel by Margaret Atwood.
The 'Eragon' TV show (if there was one hypothetically, as the movie adaptation was also not great). The rich lore and detailed world - building of the novel were not translated well. The story seemed rushed and many important aspects of the book were either changed or omitted.
A few are 'The Umbrella Academy' which is based on the comic book series (comic books can be considered a form of novel in a graphic sense). It's about a dysfunctional family of superheroes. Then there's 'Shadow and Bone' which is based on Leigh Bardugo's novels. It takes viewers into a world of Grisha, magic, and political upheaval.
One advantage is that they already have a built - in fan base. Fans of the novels are likely to watch the show, which gives it an initial audience. For example, when 'The Lord of the Rings' movies came out, the fans of the books were eager to see how their favorite story was adapted. Also, novels usually have well - developed characters and complex plots. This provides rich material for the show creators. They can expand on the story and bring the characters to life in a new medium.
Shows based on novels often attract audiences because the novels already have a built - in fan base. People who loved the book will be curious to see how it's adapted. For example, fans of the 'Harry Potter' novels flocked to see the movie adaptations. Also, the storylines are usually well - developed in novels, so there's a lot of material to draw from for an engaging show. The characters are already familiar to some viewers, which makes it easier for them to get invested in the show.