TV Based on Books
I’ve been hunting down information on the fall tv schedule recently (it’s almost time for new episodes!) and was curious about the adaptation of books (particularly YA and children’s) into television series. Here’s what I rounded up.
1. Gossip Girl is the most recent and popular example that came to mind. Based on the wildly popular and controversial book series by Cecily von Ziegesar, the tv version has garnered a following of its own. Despite not doing well ratings-wise, it’s covered widely in the media and its stars have become paparazzi darlings. Season 2 debuts Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 pm.
2. The CW has another new show debuting this fall, Privileged, which is based on the book How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean. It follows the story of Yale grad Megan Smith, who is hired to tutor a pair of Palm Beach heiresses. It’s not a YA book, but they’re targeting the show to teens by pairing it with the new 90210. Zoey Dean also writes the A-List books. It premieres Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 9 pm.
3. In 1990, a series based on the The Baby Sitter’s Club books by Ann Martin aired on HBO, Disney and Nickelodeon. Some of the episodes were based on plots from the books, but others are original stories. It’s pretty cheesy, but I can’t help getting the theme song stuck in my head. “Say hello to your friends, Babysitter’s Club! Say hello to the people who care!” The clip above features a young Zach Braff, one of the only people who appeared on the show to have any sort of film career.
4. From the same era as the BSC, Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley High books also enjoyed a stint as a TV series. Eighty-eight episodes aired in syndication in the mid-’90s featuring the drama-filled lives of the beautiful and popular Wakefield twins, Jessica and Elizabeth. Season 1 is out on DVD and season 3 is available for viewing on ABCFamily.com.
5. ABC and then CBS aired two seasons of Fudge, based on the books by Judy Blume. Though short-lived, TV Guide called it one of the best shows for children when it aired. Eve Plumb, famous for playing Jan Brady, starred as the mom in the series. Most of the episodes from season 1 are available to watch on Hulu.
6. Though not directly based on the Anne of Green Gables books by L.M. Montgomery, the series Road To Avonlea takes place in the same world and features many of the same characters. The show primarily follows the young Sara Stanley, a city girl transplanted to Avonlea to live with the relatives of her late mother, but it’s the lively cast of characters that truly round out the series. Its 91 episode run is highly regarded and featured many well-known actors including Christopher Lloyd, Sarah Polley and Stockard Channing. The series is available on DVD.
7. I came across this gem a few months ago: The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries! It aired in the late 1970s and the episodes alternated between featuring the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. The first two seasons (out of three) are available on DVD.
And more:
Wayside (based on the Wayside School books by Louis Sachar): Books, IMDB
Follow the Youth Services Corner RSS Feed
a important reading and glorious info. I will reread this web site.