What's New and Coming Soon in Book-to-Screen

Including The Perfect Couple, Three Women, The Wild Robot, and more

There's a lot going on in the book-to-screen world right now. We're excited to watch, but first we want to read (or reread), because, as we all know, the book is (almost) always better. Here are fourteen of the books that inspired the latest adaptations. Order your copy of the source material so you can read before you watch.

Note: Age recommendations often vary between the book and its adaptation. We have consulted internet sources such as commonsensemedia.org to provide age recommendations and ratings for many of these materials, but we encourage readers to do their own research as well. 

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton

Streaming now on Amazon Prime

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and none too pleased about it when things take an unexpected turn. Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride, this one-of-a-kind YA fantasy features a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help. The series is rated TV-14.

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

Streaming now on Hulu

Nicknamed "The Supremes," Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean are high school best friends who have stuck together through thick and thin over four decades. But now, they are facing struggles that threaten to fracture their lifelong bond. The heartwarming film (rated PG-13) stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, and Uzo Aduba.

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien

Season 2 of The Rings of Power is streaming now on Prime Video

Set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this definitive collection of stories and essays provides inspiration for this series (Ages 12 and up) starring Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, and Owain Arthur. In season two, evil brews across the land infiltrating every corner of Middle Earth as Sauron and the rings of power take hold.

Spook Street by Mick Herron

Season four of Slow Horses is streaming now on Apple TV+

Retired M15 officer David Cartwright is keeping deadly secrets. Unfortunately his dementia means those secrets are a liability. We're excited to watch the series adaptation of the fourth book in the Slough House series about Jackson Lamb and his team of misfits. The show, which features graphic violence, sexual content, and adult language, stars Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

Seasons one and two are available now on Hulu

This sexy thrilling novel follows the tumultuous relationship of Lucy and Stephen over eight years. The show, rated TV-MA, stars Grace Van Patten, Jackson White and Cat Missal. The first season, mainly set in 2007, charts the ups and downs of their initial connection. Season two picks up after their catastrophic break-up as they return to college and both try to make the other jealous.

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

Streaming now on Netflix

It's Nantucket wedding season and Amelia is about to marry into the wealthy Winbury family. But when the body of one of her bridesmaids is found in the harbor just hours before the ceremony, everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. The miniseries, starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, and Dakota Fanning, is rated TV-MA for adult language, sexual themes, and drug use.

The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale

In theaters now

Orphaned siblings Jack and Lula have seen their fair share of tragedy, losing their grandmother in an accident and their parents to smallpox. But more misfortune awaits them as they travel to their uncle’s farm. The rip-roaring adventure is equal parts True Grit and Stand By Me. The film, rated R for violence, sexual content, and adult language, stars Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis.

The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell'Antonia

Streaming now on Hallmark+

In a tiny Kansas town, rival family restaurants Mimi's and Frannie's have spent a century vying to serve up the best fried chicken in the state—and the legendary feud between the two families has lasted just as long. Now a reality TV restaurant competition adds fuel to the fryer (heh). The wholesome, lighthearted series stars Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, and Margo Martindale.

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

Available now on Prime Video

Caroline gets an—um—intimate introduction to her neighbor and his hyperactive dating life thanks to the paper-thin walls in her fantastic new San Francisco apartment. When she decides to confront her heard-but-never-seen neighbor, the sexual tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin. Both the film and the book are for mature audiences.

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

Streaming now on Netflix

Based on eight years of immersive research, this nonfiction page-turner follows the sex lives of—you guessed it—three women. Lina's failing marriage drives her into the arms of an ex-boyfriend. Sloane’s husband likes to watch her have sex with others. High school student Maggie has an alleged affair with her married teacher. The dramatized series stars Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise, and Betty Gilpin.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Streaming now on Netflix

The society in this dystopian novel values appearance above all else. Tally is about to turn sixteen, the age at which she can have the operation to turn her from an ugly into a pretty. As a pretty, she will gain access to a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun. But sometimes appearances aren't all they seem. The film adaptation, rated PG-13, stars Joey King.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

Brilliant Minds premieres on NBC Sept. 23

In this nonfiction account, the famed neurologist shares the stories of patients lost in the bizarre, apparently inescapable world of neurological disorders and his sometimes unconventional methods of treatment. These deeply human tales are studies of struggles against incredible adversity. The film adaptation dramatizing these true stories stars Zachary Quinto, Dorrett White, and Gray Powell.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Comes to theaters Sept. 27

In this heartwarming, illustrated middle-grade novel, a robot called Roz finds herself on a remote, wild island with no idea how she got there or what her purpose is. As she works to adapt to her surroundings, she befriends a variety of native animals. The gorgeous family-friendly Dreamworks adaptation (rated PG) features voicework from Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor.

Heartstopper, Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman

Season three of Heartstopper comes to Netflix Oct. 3

Charlie and Nick's relationship has been going really well, and Charlie thinks he's ready to say those three little words. Nick feels the same way, but he's stressed about coming out to his dad and the possibility that Charlie has an eating disorder. As a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick will learn what love really means. The adaptation of this delightful YA graphic novel series is rated TV-14.

Most Anticipated

Here are a few of the most exciting upcoming adaptations we've got on our radar.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper—The film based on this YA novel about a brilliant eleven-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy premiered earlier this year at Sundance and will be coming to Disney+ later this year.
• Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch by Gregory Maguire—The long-anticipated film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is slated for theater release in November.
• Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder—Amy Adams stars in the comedy horror film—coming to theaters in December—based on this inventive novel about a new mother who believes she's turning into a dog.
• Mickey7 by Edward Ashton—This sci-fi novel is being adapted into a film called Mickey 17 starring Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
• The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag—This sci-fi graphic novel about a teen girl on a cross-country mission with a robot will be a 2025 Netflix film starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.
• Trust by Hernan Diaz—The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, a brilliant literary puzzle, is being adapted into an upcoming HBO series starring Kate Winslet.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon