Five Popular TV Series Adapted from Books

 The book is published and available. What is next? Some of these books will sell well over long periods, others will vie for a best-seller slot, and others will aim to adapt to TV series based on books. Even before the OTT boom, books inspired serials like Malgudi Days. Now, they do so even more, much more.

This is exciting news for writers, as a thriving market has opened up for published books. Now, more books than ever before are being made into movies or serials. This helps the writer achieve fame and sales and gives the producer a storyline that resonates with readers. It is a win-win situation for both authors and serial producers.

Book-to-screen adaptations allow audiences to experience well-loved stories in a visual format. In India, many TV series have drawn inspiration from bestselling novels and autobiographies, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

For many authors, this is a dream they are looking to realise. Here, we explore the five best book-to-TV adaptations that successfully bridged the gap between literature and entertainment and what made them stand out.

1. Malgudi Days – A Nostalgic Journey

From Pages to Frames: The Classic That Defined Generations

R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days is one of the finest and earliest examples of a best book-to-TV adaptation in Indian television. When the series was first introduced to TV, it became immensely popular with all age groups. These were timeless stories told of a life in the fictional town of Malgudi.

🔹 Why It Stood Out:
✔ Authentic representation of Narayan’s storytelling
✔ Timeless themes of childhood, life lessons, and morality
✔ Brilliant performances that breathed life into beloved characters

Many writers, including those publishing with Zorba Books, draw inspiration from Malgudi Days when crafting relatable narratives that connect deeply with audiences, e.g., Let’s Play by Swarn Lamba

2. Byomkesh Bakshi – India’s Own Sherlock Holmes

Detective Fiction at Its Best

Inspired by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s Byomkesh Bakshi novels, this TV adaptation became a cult classic among mystery lovers. Byomkesh, often called India’s Sherlock Holmes, solved complex cases with logic and observation, making detective fiction a thrilling experience for Indian audiences.

🔹 Impact on Literature and Television:
✔ Helped popularise detective fiction in India
✔ Paved the way for modern crime series
✔ Highlighted the importance of sharp storytelling in visual media

With growing interest in crime fiction, writers often look to such adaptations to inspire gripping narratives.

3. Sacred Games – A Modern Classic

From Book to Blockbuster: Redefining Indian Storytelling

Vikram Chandra’s Sacred Games found new life as a Netflix series, becoming a wildly popular TV series adapted from books. With gripping plotlines, layered characters, and intense political themes, the show gripped audiences across the nation.

🔹 Why It Became a Phenomenon:
✔ Complex storytelling rooted in history and politics
✔ Explores Indian crime, underworld, and corruption
✔ Global recognition for Indian storytelling

This adaptation proved that TV shows inspired by books could dominate streaming platforms, paving the way for Indian writers to explore ambitious narratives for both print and screen.

4. The Scam 1992 – Based on Financial History

Real Stories, Real Impact

It was adapted from the book The Scam: Who Won, Who Lost, Who Got Away by Sucheta Dalal and Debashis Basu. Scam 1992 became one of India’s most memorable television series. The audience was already familiar with the fraud. The book’s role was to unveil the case’s various known and unknown details in a delightful way. Keeping the reader hooked through the storytelling. This was then aptly translated into an equally powerful screenplay, with dialogue and acting that matched the book’s writing. This real-life financial thriller brought audiences closer to the Harshad Mehta stock market scam. Bringing biographies and investigative books to the fore could make powerful television content.

🔹 Lessons for Writers:
✔ True events make compelling stories
✔ Books based on real-life incidents attract broad audiences
✔ Non-fiction adaptations educate and entertain simultaneously

Writers looking to publish memoirs and autobiographies with Zorba Books can take inspiration from such impactful adaptations, proving that real-life stories resonate powerfully. Example: The Lady in Blue: The Memoirs of First Lady Air Marshal by Padma Bandyopadhyay.

5. Tamas – A Haunting Reflection of Partition

Historical Fiction That Moves Generations

Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas was transformed into an unforgettable TV series based on books that depicted the horror of partition and communal violence in India. With its powerful storytelling and deeply emotional narrative, Tamas remains one of the most significant book-to-screen adaptations.

🔹 How It Shaped Indian Television:
TV shows inspired by books like Tamas have played a crucial role in bringing historical fiction to mainstream audiences. They have not only entertained but also sparked important conversations about communal harmony, demonstrating the power of literature in shaping cultural discourse.
✔ Started conversations about communal harmony
✔ Showed the strength of literature in shaping cultural discourse

Autobiographies and historical works often have the power to shape discussions and influence perspectives, just like Mud Houses and Brick Walls rebuilding lives in Quetta and Nilokheri by Bishambar Das Nanda.

Comparison of TV Series Adapted From Books

Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Book-to-TV Adaptations

For aspiring writers and authors, book-to-screen adaptations open up new creative possibilities:
✅ They expand a book’s reach beyond traditional readership
✅ They offer opportunities to develop engaging character-driven narratives
✅ They help bridge the gap between literature and visual storytelling

If you have a manuscript, publishing can be the first step towards bringing your story to life. Whether it’s fiction, biography, or investigative writing, every great book holds the potential to become a successful screen adaptation.

Are you an aspiring writer eager to publish your next masterpiece? Get started today with Zorba Books, where stories transform into impactful narratives that reach a wider audience. Whether it’s a novel, autobiography, or historical fiction, your words can become something greater. Begin your publishing journey now!

This blog highlights the power of TV series based on books, showcasing how literature continues to shape Indian entertainment. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!