Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Adapted from the book
While we’re all still distancing ourselves from others it can leave you longing for more social connections. One great way to explore the world and meet new friends (without ever really doing anything) is through reading.
Here are some wonderful movie-from-book adaptations that I think will keep you entertained as we continue to ride out this pandemic.
‘Hamilton’
What it’s about: Inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton.” The real life of one of America’s foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater with the original Broadway cast.
Why you should watch: Stellar music, great acting, wonderful play. This is a front row seat to one of the best Broadway shows to come along in the last 10 years. The best part is it won’t cost you a couple hundred dollars for a ticket.
Where to find it: Available on Disney+.
‘Artemis Fowl’
What it’s about: Artemis Fowl is a young criminal prodigy who hunts down a secret society of fairies to find his missing father.
Why you should watch: Magical beings and spy gadgets have finally been brought together and the result is fun. Just like “Harry Potter” and “Spy Kids” this is children going above and beyond in the name of adventure. It’s a sub genre that is well paved and worth watching.
Where to find it: Available on Disney+.
‘Greyhound’
What it’s about: Based on the novel “The Good Shepherd.” Early in World War II, an inexperienced U.S. Navy captain must lead an Allied convoy being stalked by a Nazi U-boat Wolfpack.
Why you should watch: Tom Hanks. Who doesn’t like Tom Hanks? He’s given us “Saving Private Ryan,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Castaway” and so many other blockbusters. He has such a good track record that you don’t need much more information then “staring Tom Hanks” to know it’s worth a gander.
Where to find it: Available on AppleTV+.
‘Catch 22’
What it’s about: Limited series adaptation of the classic Joseph Heller novel. The series follows Capt. John Yossarian and airmen in World War II.
Why you should watch: This book is considered one of the greatest novels of all time, so it’s no wonder it’s getting the Hollywood treatment again. Fun fact: the book is how we got the term “catch 22” and it was rejected 22 times by publishers. The limited series is fun and filled with many familiar faces as well as directed by George Clooney.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Hulu.
‘Love, Victor’
What it’s about: Victor is a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation.
Why you should watch: Set in the world of the novel “Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli and the film adaptation “Love, Simon.” Instead of Simon, who knows he’s gay, Victor doesn’t really know whether he is or not. It’s a wonderful show filled with a lot of heart.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Hulu.
‘Good Omens’
What it’s about: A tale of the bungling of Armageddon features an angel, a demon, an eleven-year-old Antichrist, and a doom-saying witch.
Why you should watch: Star-studded cast, stylized story telling and humor. This Neil Gaiman adaptation is sure to entertain you.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Amazon Prime.
‘The ABC Murders’
What it’s about: In 1933, retired detective Hercule Poirot is targeted by a taunting killer who sends letters signed “ABC,” which Poirot must decode in order to discover the identity of the murderer.
Why you should watch: Agatha Christie basically invented the murder mystery and Hercule Poirot is her most famous detective. Hercule is played by John Malkovich. Rupert Grint of Ron Weasley fame is also in it. This adaptation is deadly good fun.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Amazon Prime.
‘The Babysitters Club’
What it’s about: Based on the book series of the same name focusing on a group of young girls who start their own babysitting service.
Why you should watch: Relatable characters, real life situations, this classic series gets a bit of an update, but it’s still the Babysitters you grew up with. This is a great watch for the family.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Netflix.
‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society’
What it’s about: In the aftermath of World War II, a writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.
Why you should watch: Quirky, lovable characters and a love story written in the stars. This movie is filled with romance, the love of literature and potato peel pie. Yeah, it’s a thing.
Where to find it: Available on Netflix.
Steve Dassatti, special to GoColumbia
This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 2:26 PM with the headline "Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Adapted from the book."