For as long as we can remember, stories of romances have captivated the audience better than any other. Their capacity to whisk us away to treacherous lands of passion and adventure is too charming to resist. And when it comes to drawing inspiration for these tales, several renowned authors have blessed uswith dreamy romancenovels, none more famous than Jane Austen, who brought swoon-worthy tales likePride and PrejudiceandSense and Sensibilityto life.
In the past couple of decades, however, a new format of adapting these romance novels into full-fledged TV series has sprung to life. With hours to immerse the audiences in sweeping vistas, dashing characters, intricate plot points, and satisfying conclusions, television is slowly proving itself to be the ideal medium for bringing romance novels to life.
In this list, we’ve rounded up the 15most binge-worthy TV seriesthat draw inspiration from popular books. From the dramatic historical saga ofThe Spanish Princessto the steamy courtships ofBridgerton, these TV series have given fans new ways to lose themselves in romance. So get ready to be swept away by 15 of fiction’s juiciest and most romantic love stories brought alive on screen.
15A Discovery Of Witches (2018)
A Discovery of Witches
In a world where witches, vampires, and demons live secretly among humans,A Discovery Of Witchesfollows Diana Bishop, a historian and witch, who gets her hands on a mysterious ancient manuscript, unaware of the fact that the book is much more than just old parchment bound together. When its power to unlock dark secrets throws Diana back into the fantastical world she tried to escape, she receives help from a centuries-old vampire, Matthew Clairmont.
A Compelling Blend Of History And Fantasy
A Discovery Of Witchesdraws inspiration fromthe very popular dark fantasy seriestheAll Souls Trilogy, written by the famed author Deborah Harkness. Much like the books, this show creates a sublime blend of multiple genres, with the epic love story between Diana and Matthew taking center stage. Props to the casting director for bringing together Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode in the main roles, because their chemistry is top-notch. Moreover, the rich production value brings an imagined world of witches and vampires and magic to stunning life.
Stream A Discovery Of Witches on Prime Video
14Sense And Sensibility (2008)
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen has a witty way of dissecting romance, and it’s felt over and over again in her works. One prime example isSense and Sensibility. The British adaptation of the tale sees the Dashwood sisters Elinor and Marianne, whose lives are turned upside down when their father passes away, leaving their financially unstable family heartbroken and clueless. Now it is up to the sisters to find eligible suitors in an ever-changing social landscape and have their family land back on their feet.
Escapist Jane Austen Adaptation
One thing about the 2008 version of this classic story is that it is gorgeously filmed against the backdrop of real locations of Berkshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire. From the vistas and the estates, down to the costumes, theaccuracy to the classic novelis extremely satisfying. The seven-episode miniseries is led by a pitch perfect cast including Hattie Morahan, Charity Wakefield, and Dan Stevens. They bring the jarring world of Dashwood sisters to life long-term fans and new viewers.
Stream Sense and Sensibility on Hulu
13Sweet Magnolias (2020 – Present)
Set in the small and beautiful town of Serenity, South Carolina,Sweet Magnoliaschronicles the lives of three childhood best friends, Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue. The three have been together for as long as memory serves them, and now they have children of their own. Life hasn’t been entirely generous to them, and across new chapters and old wounds, the friends navigate the twists and turns that come at them.
Related:The Ultimate Comfort Shows to Casually Watch Next
A Safe Haven Made of Friendship and Healing
Sweet Magnoliasis a delightful and escapist drama that fans couldn’t stop savoring at the time of its release. The three-part romance is based on Sherryl Woods’ beloved novels, which were also set in Serenity. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott and Heather Headley play the three resilient women with remarkable grace. Much like life, the show is sometimes sad, other times inspiring, and often funny. Which is why its feel-good vibe and hidden life lessons are so highly valued.
Stream Sweet Magnolias on Netflix
12The Spanish Princess (2019 – 2020)
Developed by Emma Frost and Matthew Graham for Starz,The Spanish Princessis an ambitious historical romance that follows Catherine of Aragon, who is promised to be married to Prince Authur.
Born in Spain, Catherine travels all the way to England and becomes Queen consort, but soon learns that the romantic correspondence she once received was actually written by Authur’s younger brother, Henry. Following her husband’s untimely death, the monarchy is thrown into chaos. Catherine soon finds her heart drawn to the bashful and arrogant Henry.
Passion and Politics Go Hand in Hand
Going back into an opulent past, during the late 15th century and early 16th century,The Spanish Princessreveals the stunning world of the Tudor court painted in Philippa Gregory’s novels. The series is a sequel to The White Queen and The White Princess, and its heart lies in capturing the steely resolve and dynamic strength of Catherine of Aragorn. Tales of ambition, backstabbing, torment, and lies are Gregory’s hallmarks. And the romance and intrigue built by this series is only brilliant.
Stream The Spanish Princess on Starz
11Jane Eyre (2006)
Orphaned as a young girl, Jane Eyre spends her days under the care of her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed. After years of neglect, when Jane finally comes of age, she is hired by the housekeeper of Thornfield Hall, who trains her to become the governess at Thornfield Hall. Soon, she meets her employer, the very charming Mr. Rochester. As their relationship blossoms, Jane discovers dark secrets about the Rochester family and its past.
Tender Tale Of Romance And Independence
InJane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë birthed one of English literature’s most progressive heroines of all time. And while the 2011 movie adaptation of the same story is famous enough, it is this adaptation that does her the most justice.
The four-episode series unfolds like a haunting dream; its every frame burning with intense drama, sublime writing, piercing social commentary, and breathtaking chemistry. Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens infuse their characters with subtle emotions combined with extreme devotion, turningJane Eyreinto a masterpiece.
Stream Jane Eyre on Hulu
10The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
Vampire Diaries
One of the most addictive supernatural TV shows,The Vampire Diariesfollows Elena Gilbert, a teenager trying to get over the recent deaths of her parents. She moves to her aunt’s house with her brother Jeremy, and on the first day of high school, she has an encounter with Stefan Salvatore. When Stefan’s brother Damon, the captivating bad boy, comes into the picture, Elena is caught in a love triangle — but that’s not all. The town of Mystic Falls harbors dark threats and secrets spanning centuries.
TV’s Most Beloved Supernatural Drama
Over eight epic seasons, this riveting supernatural drama became an explosive hit on television. Adapted from a series of books written by L.J. Smith, the show gave birth to a dedicated fandom for several reasons.
Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley pour their heart and soul into the vampire brothers vying for Nina Dobrev’s affections. Despite making sharp deviations from the book in terms of characterization,The Vampire Diariesis praised for itsmelodrama, plot twists, and steamy romance.
Stream The Vampire Diaries on Max
9Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Gossip Girl
WhenGossip Girlfirst premiered in 2007, its audience wasn’t large, but that did not diminish the show’s capacity to influence generations and culture for decades to come. Capturing the dysfunction of a bunch of rich Upper East Side teenages,Gossip Girlrevolves around two best friends, Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, as they navigate love, lies, betrayal, and scandals at their post private school. Meanwhile, an anonymous blogger is watching their every move, exposing their secrets as she pleases.
The Glamor And Glory Of The Upper East Side
Based on the juicy, gossip-filled novels written by Cecily von Ziegesar, The CW series defined coming-of-age for a generation and created an army of loyal fans wanting more of the glitz and glamor to be put to screen. Whether it was the sparkling performances by Blake Lively, Penn Badgely and Leighton Meester, or the slick, over-the-top aesthetics, the drama amplified everything, and endured as a fan-favorite.
Stream Gossip Girl on Max
8The Time Traveler’s Wife (2022)
Writer/director Steven Moffat, who is known for his behind-the-scenes work in the sci-fi masterpieceDoctor Who, lends his exceptional talents to turn Audrey Niffenegger’s 2003 novel into a brilliant television series.The Time Traveler’s Wifetells the magical love story of Henry DeTamble and his wife Clare Abshire.
The catch is, Henry has a rare genetic disorder which allows him to time travel involuntarily. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Clare falls deeply in love with him and together, they discover more fragments of their tragic fates.
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An Underrated Multi-Genre Gem
Weaving elements of science, fiction, fantasy, and romance into one profound and tightly-plotted series,The Time Traveler’s Wifeis an intimate and underrated gem. The show isgrounded in its captivating and unique conceptof time travel, as well as themes of free will and identity, which is something rarely seen in book-to-TV adaptations. Rose Leslie and Theo Jame light up the screen with their chemistry, showcasing the love that transcends time and eras and the mysteries their fragile stories pose.
Buy The Time Traveler’s Wife on Apple TV
7Pride And Prejudice (1995)
Joe Wright’s 2005 debut as a director cemented that Jane Austen adaptation as the best one out there, with fans still mesmerized by Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen’s chemistry. But many forget that the timeless tale was transformed into a miniseries a decade before, by Andrew Davies.
Telling the same story of a fidgety and eager Mrs. Bennet who wants to marry off her five daughters,Pride And Prejudiceintroduces us to Mr. Bingley and his proud friend, Mr. Darcy, as well as his romance with the eldest daughter Elizabeth.
Austen’s Wit Sparks to Sumptuous Life
The BBC production maintained the accuracy of Jane Austen’s magical world of games, love, manners, and marriage, and paired it with beautiful cinematography. From the enchanting soundtrack to the costumes, it won iconic status asthe most faithful adaptation. Effortlessly transporting you to 19th century England, the show featured Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as the feisty Elizabeth and arrogant Mr. Darcy (and Firth is many fans favorite Darcy), and was laced with a rich sense of humor.
Stream Pride And Prejudice on Hulu
6Normal People (2020)
Back in 2020, Sally Rooney’s thoughtful sophomore novel received television treatment thanks to Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald. The miniseries follows Marianne and Connell, two individuals who grew up alongside one another in a small Irish town only to bond as teenagers and be separated by differences in their social status. As they begin university and enter various paths in life, their past intimacy and current independent lifestyles play a push-and-pull with their hearts.
A Well Acted and Exquisitely Shot Modern Romance
Normal Peoplechronicles the formative years of Connell and Marianne’s lives, and they’re played exquisitely by breakout stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. They bring out the tenderness, confusion, vulnerability, desire, and nuance of their characters with quiet dedication.
Paul Mescal once shared in an interview that the kind of deep emotional and physical connection Connell and Marianne share is “a dragon that [he] might be chasing for a long time,” and that basically sums upNormal Peoplefor those who haven’t watched theremarkable limited seriesyet.
