In the world of entertainment, adaptations have become increasingly popular, bringing beloved books, movies, and real-life events to the screen in fresh and innovative ways. While some web series stay true to their source material and enhance the original story, others take creative liberties that either improve or dilute the essence of the narrative. But how do these adaptations compare to their originals? Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most talked-about web series adaptations and determine which did it better.
1. The Witcher (Netflix) – Book vs. Series
Original Source: The Witcher book series by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Adaptation: Netflix’s The Witcher brings the fantastical world of Geralt of Rivia to life, drawing inspiration from both the books and the popular video game series. While the series captures the dark, medieval setting and complex characters, it has also made changes to timelines and story arcs that have left some book fans frustrated. Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt has been widely praised, but does the show’s nonlinear storytelling work as effectively as Sapkowski’s original prose?
Verdict: While the series does an excellent job of making the story accessible to a wider audience, the books provide a richer and more coherent experience, especially in terms of character development and world-building.
2. 13 Reasons Why (Netflix) – Book vs. Series
Original Source: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Adaptation: This adaptation expands significantly on Jay Asher’s novel, adding multiple seasons beyond the book’s original narrative. While the book focused on the impact of Hannah Baker’s suicide through her recorded tapes, the series explores the aftermath in greater detail, tackling controversial topics like bullying, sexual assault, and mental health.
Verdict: The first season of the series stays true to the novel’s emotional impact but its later seasons received mixed reviews for stretching the narrative unnecessarily. Fans of concise storytelling may prefer the book, while those looking for an extended discussion of these themes may appreciate the series.
3. You (Netflix) – Book vs. Series
Original Source: You by Caroline Kepnes
The Adaptation: This psychological thriller follows Joe Goldberg, a charming yet dangerous stalker. The Netflix series follows the book closely in its first season but later deviates significantly in terms of character arcs and story progression.
Verdict: While the book provides a more disturbing and intimate look into Joe’s thoughts, the series adds depth to supporting characters and develops storylines beyond the book’s scope, making it a more layered adaptation.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) – Book vs. Series
Original Source: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Adaptation: While the first season of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale closely follows the novel, later seasons expand beyond the book’s storyline, exploring resistance movements and political upheavals in Gilead.
Verdict: The book remains a classic, but the series successfully builds on Atwood’s themes, making it a powerful adaptation that provides more insight into the dystopian world she created.
5. Chernobyl (HBO) – Real-Life Event vs. Series
Original Source: Historical events from the Chernobyl disaster
The Adaptation: HBO’s Chernobyl is a dramatized retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster, bringing a deeply human perspective to the tragedy. While the series takes some creative liberties, it largely stays true to historical facts, making it one of the most accurate dramatizations of real-life events.
Verdict: Since this adaptation is based on history rather than fiction, it successfully brings awareness to the real events and their consequences in a visually compelling way.
Final Thoughts
While adaptations can sometimes disappoint fans of the original material, they also have the potential to elevate a story, making it more relevant to modern audiences. Some web series succeed by staying faithful to the source, while others thrive by reinterpreting the material in fresh ways. Whether you prefer the original or the adaptation often depends on what aspects of the story matter most to you—faithfulness, expansion, or reinvention.