10 Romance Books That Deserve TV Show Adaptations After Netflix’s One Day

Following the success of Netflix’s One Day, based on the novel of the same name by David Nicholls, there are plenty of other modern-day romance books that should receive the TV adaptation treatment. The One Day miniseries follows the story of Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) and the complicated relationship they share, spanning 20 years. One Day was praised for its modern love story and how it approached pacing for such a storyline, luring in millions of viewers worldwide.

In recent years, it has become more common for TV channels and streaming services to broadcast shows that have been adapted from books. Plus, with both bigger budgets and stars being drawn into developing more TV, allowing for productions that could rival a Hollywood film, TV adaptations of books are now able to implement more details from the original source. There have been plenty of great and interesting new love stories being told in novel form, but there are some books that are deserving of being made into a TV series.

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10 Call It What You Want

By Alissa DeRogatis

Alissa DeRogatis’ debut novel, Call It What You Want, follows the story of hopeless romantic Sloane, whose mindset over romantic relationships is shattered after her parents’ divorce. While initially swearing off love, Sloane ends up developing a connection with Ethan, a closed-off man who struggles to commit to her, much to her dismay. A “situationship” is a concept that many can relate to, and how relationships in the present day can get even more complex with the implementation of labels, which could surely engage audiences if it were to be adapted for TV.

9 The Rachel Incident

By Caroline O’Donaghue

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donaghue follows the story of a bookstore employee who falls in love in more than one way. Developing a beautiful friendship with James, as well as feelings for her married Professor, Rachel sets off to try and seduce Dr. Fred with her new flatmate’s help. As any good story would expect to see, Rachel’s schemes don’t quite go to plan, leaving her and the town of Cork in chaos. The Rachel Incident uses brilliant humor to display the varying forms of relationships in the modern world, something that would translate well to TV.

8 Romantic Comedy

By Curtis Sittenfeld

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld does a great job of taking the tropes of romance novels and turning it on its head, in a hilarious yet heartwarming read. The story follows Sally, a writer for a late-night comedy show, who finds herself forming a spark with pop music sensation Noah Brewster. After mocking a male co-worker for dating a beautiful female celebrity, claiming that if the tables were turned, it’d be a different story for her, Sally is drawn in by Noah’s charm.

Romantic Comedy not only delves into the daydream of the hypotheticals of meeting a celebrity but also focuses on societal structures in the world and how love can rise above it all. Considering the success of shows such as 30 Rock, which also sees Tina Fey as a TV comedy writer who has little luck in love, Romantic Comedy could be an ideal candidate to be adapted. Plus, buying into the daydream of a regular person and a celebrity falling in love is something that would be a brilliant marketing ploy and something that would draw in audiences.

7 Starter For Ten

By David Nicholls

While David Nicholls is best known for One Day, he also has another great novel worthy of the TV experience, Starter for Ten. Set in the 1980s, Starter for Ten introduces working-class scholarship student Brian Jackson, who is ambitious to participate in the UK quiz show University Challenge. However, when he achieves this, he’s thrown for a loop when he falls for his teammate Alice. The love story between Alice and Oscar highlights their cultural and societal differences, and considering the recent popularity of Saltburn, this storyline could do well on TV, too.

6 One Last Stop

By Casey McQuiston

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a beautiful LGBTQ+ story that follows waitress August, who quickly develops a crush on Jane, a woman she spots on the subway of New York City. In a fascinating twist, August realizes that Jane’s unique 1970s punk-rocker appearance isn’t an aesthetic but, rather, that her new love is displaced in time. Conflicted between finally finding love and helping Jane, August’s heartwarming story is one that could easily be retold in a TV series.

5 Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out

By Ryan Love

Another brilliant LGBTQ+ story worthy of being made into a TV show is Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out by Ryan Love. The novel is split between the two titular characters, with 79-year-old Teddy and his 21-year-old grandson Arthur both coming to terms with their sexualities. While Teddy is ready to come out of the closet after decades, Arthur struggles with developing feelings for his coworker. Leaning on one another for support, Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out shows the importance of familial support for queer individuals and how the process of coming out can be very different for many.

4 Luster

By Raven Leilani

Luster by Raven Leilani introduces Edie, a character many can identify with. Finding her life becoming quite the grind, and in the depths of the toxic hook-up culture that she can’t seem to escape, Edie meets Eric. Entering a relationship with him, Edie struggles to deal with Eric’s open marriage and relationship with his adopted daughter, who is black like her. Spotlighting topics such as racial politics and the complex layers of long-term relationships, Luster could be great as a TV show by providing mainstream audiences with a story that differs from the typical love story.

3 Canadian Boyfriend

By Jenny Holiday

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday hilariously takes the trope of the imaginary partner in another country when teacher Aurora is suddenly faced with professional hockey player Mike after many years. Having met as teenagers, Aurora claimed to many that Mike was her Canadian boyfriend, unbeknownst to him, and years later finds herself becoming the nanny to Mike’s teenager, who is lashing out after the death of her mother. Conflicted with knowledge about his late wife, Mike struggles with trusting Aurora, especially after discovering her secret.

Canadian Boyfriend would be a great TV adaptation for many reasons. Canadian Boyfriend provides a storyline that many can relate to, especially with the concept of having a partner who mysteriously isn’t local, but it’d also do wonders regarding representation. The development of a grieving family, alongside Aurora’s blooming feelings, is something that would be sure to build lots of anticipation.

2 Girl Abroad

By Elle Kennedy

In Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy, determined nepo baby Abbey takes an opportunity to study abroad in London and to move away from her rock star father. Finding herself in a houseshare with several attractive men, it’s quickly established that no funny business can happen with any of them. However, in a twist, Abbey not only falls for one but two of her new friends, one of whom has a girlfriend. Trying to balance her growing feelings and her academic career leaves Abbey unsure of her future in London, and this coming-of-age tale could translate amazingly on the small screen.

1 Wallbanger

By Alice Clayton

Poor Caroline quickly hears all about her neighbor, Simon, and his sexual conquests after moving to San Francisco in Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. Choosing to stay away from dating for now, Caroline’s frustrations grow each night as she is forced to listen to Simon in bed with various women before she finally comes face to face with him. Filled with tension and brilliant and intelligent humor, Wallbanger shines a light on the gritty truth behind love at first sight and how it can get very complicated rather quickly, which could make an endearing and fascinating watch that would complement One Day.