It seems like each week, there’s another show everyone is raving about. Our to-be-watched lists just keep growing and growing. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m not immune to peer pressure when it comes to TV. I want to be in the know, all the time. I’m even falling asleep with a show still playing in the background. It’s no surprise authors have turned to the TV-writing business too. Whether it’s to explore new genres or to make enough money to keep afloat (most authors don’t make nearly as much as people think), more and more of your favorite shows have a novelist in their writer’s room. As a book lover, I love that authors are branching out. So much talent, in so many places. If you’re a fan of sitcoms, sci-fi weirdness, and dramas alike, keep reading! Check out the list of TV shows below to find books by their author-writers to add to your TBR.
Schitt’s Creek
Whether you’re more an Alexis or a Stevie, Schitt’s Creek has something for everyone. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and it’s so quotable! If you’re walking around the house humming “A Little Bit Alexis” or saying “Ew, David” to every minor inconvenience, you’ve surely encountered Zoe Whittall’s writing. Hungry for more? Try her book, The Best Kind of People!
Westworld
If sci-fi is your jam, Westworld has undoubtedly been in your viewing history. This artificial intelligence western collision is always a surprise, with thought-provoking questions about humanity and emotion just under the surface. And they’ve got a novelist behind the scenes too!
Snowfall
Set in Los Angeles in the 1980s, Snowfall depicts the impact of the first crack epidemic on the city. While some characters capitalize on the financial potential, others get caught in the crossfire. Walter Mosley, an American novelist most known for his crime fiction, is a writer and an executive producer on the show.
Channel Zero
For all you horror fans out there, Channel Zero is sure to scratch that creepy itch. This Syfy anthology TV series is something new every time, each series based on popular creepypastas. Writer Nick Antosca is behind it all. He’s writer, showrunner, and executive producer all at the same time. Want more creepy in your life? Pick up one of his novels to keep the scares going!
The Deuce
HBO’s The Deuce is set in New York City in the 1970s and ’80s during the Golden Age of Porn, the legalization and rise of the porn market. The show portrays different aspects of the industry and time with corruption, drugs, and real estate all impact the emerging industry. Amongst the incredible writing team is Megan Abbott, five-time Edgar Award–winning novelist.
Grey’s Anatomy
Shonda Rhimes is practically a household name at this point. Shondaland, her production company, has produced shows like Grey’s Anatomy (Rhimes was head writer), Private Practice, How to Get Away with Murder, and Bridgerton amongst many others. She’s incredible! If you want to learn more about her or get a small sneak peak into behind the scenes of Grey’s, pick up her nonfiction book!
The Wire
The Wire tackles the drug scene in Baltimore from both a law enforcement and drug dealer dual perspective. It exposes the often-corrupt law enforcement system as it interacts directly with the people it is supposed to be protecting with power and race at the forefront. Many of the show’s writers have novels under their belts and Richard Price is no different.
The L Word
The L Word follows the loves of a group of gay women living in Los Angeles and A.M. Homes wrote for the second season. She also has written for Mr. Mercedes and USA’s Falling Water. She is also a novelist and memoirist!
Empire
Empire, set in New York City, revolves around the entertainment company, Empire Entertainment, the founder’s family, and the hip hop music scene. It was one of the most watched television Shows on Fox while it aired. Amongst its writing staff is Attica Locke who also wrote on When They See Us and the TV adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere.
Transparent
I hope you learned something new about the TV shows we know and love. If you want more content about the collision of books and TV, try this list of ten books that should be TV miniseries or this ranking eight of the best bookish TV shows!
