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From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material

written by Ava Raxa
From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material
Image credit: Showtime, Prime Video, BBC Three, HBO, CBS, Netflix

Finally we can be sure the series is better!

The lasting confrontation of the book lovers and the cinephiles doesn’t seem to come to a conclusion. However, some series based on the novels and on the games are known for objectively better elaboration of the source’s events and character development.

Here are 7 TV titles which surpass the material they were adapted from.

  1. The Boys ( 2019 – …)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 1

The live-action adaptation of Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s superhero comic book series appears to be more relevant and worth a try as it adds a razor-sharp social commentary to the initial plot, also improving the development of the main characters.

  1. Dexter ( 2006-2013)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 2

Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, this crime series is more recognized by its creative screenwriting decisions, including the more intricate description of the serial killer’s personal life and ways of performing the crimes.

  1. Normal People (2020)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 3

This psychological drama, based on Sally Rooney’s best-seller, added even more emotional power and meanings. This was much due to Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal ’s believable performances, presenting us a complicated, but relatable story of love.

  1. Big Little Lies (2017 – …)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 4

Adapted from Liane Moriarty’s novel, HBO’s dramedy show expanded the storylines and gave some necessary backstories to the main characters that were missing in the book source. Thus, the first two seasons came out much more elaborate and interesting.

  1. The Leftovers (2014 – 2017)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 5

The TV adaptation of Tom Perotta’s supernatural novel stands out because of its deeper philosophical aspect, which isn’t much present among the main focuses of the book. It definitely solidifies the better and more lasting impression the series creates.

  1. The Last Of Us ( 2023-...)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 6

Being quite a faithful adaptation of the popular video game and even recreating some scenes from it shot-for-shot, the post-apocalyptic drama, nevertheless, departs from its source in a way, emphasizing the never-ending power of love as its main leitmotif more.

  1. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

From Dexter to The Last of Us: 7 Shows That Outshined the Source Material - image 7

The coming-of-age miniseries presents a richer story than Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel of the same name, as it explores Anya Taylor-Joy’s heroine development in much a thorough way through the show’s immersive visual storytelling and better writing.