Love Netflix and HBO? You may not know that some of your favorite Emmy-nominated television series are based on books. Try reading these books first and compare them to the adaptation to see what all the hype is about!

Game of Thrones

This show is known for being based off the popular George R. Martin series and thus, it’s not surprising this show is nominated 22 times for 2018 alone. It has already won 38 Emmy’s and has been Emmy-nominated a total of 128 times in it’s run of seven years.

The Handmaid’s Tale

Now in it’s second season on Hulu, the dystopian tale based on Margaret Atwood’s novel is nominated for 20 Emmy’s this year and has won eight total.

Patrick Melrose

Benedict Cumberbatch is nominated for his lead role in the Showtime mini-series based off the semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose novels by Edward St. Aubyn.

The Sinner

With one complete season released, Jessica Biel is nominated for her role as Cora in Petra Hammesfahr’s thriller story The SinnerGive the book a read before new episodes are released in August!

Killing Eve

Sandra Oh is nominated for her role in this show based off the Luke Jenning’s thriller Codename Villanelle. The story follows Villanelle, an assassin who is now being hunted by MI5 agent Eve Polastri. It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves action-packed spy tales. Check out the book and compare it to the BBC hit!

Looming Tower

Lawrence Wright’s account of the events and critical information about al-Qaeda leading up to the attacks on 9/11 won him a Pulitzer Prize. Now, his story is being recognized for Jeff Daniel’s portrayal of FBI’s counter terrorism chief John O’Neill.   

The Alienist

Caleb Carr’s story follows a reporter and psychologist in the late 19th century who work to create a profile on a murderer who kills young boys. The show, which premiered this year, is now an Emmy-nominated limited series.

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury’s novel turned HBO movie is nominated for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie and for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes. If you are a fan of comparing books to their movie counterparts, we would suggest reading this classic novel first!  

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Have you read the unfortunate accounts of the Baudelaire children? The 13 book series by Lemony Snicket was adapted into a Netflix series starring Neil Patrick Harris as the infamous Count Olaf. This show was nominated for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes behind Game of Thrones and The Handmaid’s Tale in addition to a nomination for Outstanding Children’s Program.

Mind Hunter

The biography from FBI’s Special Agent John Douglas uncovers some of the stories surrounding the hunt for our nation’s most notorious killers. Now a Netflix series, this show has an actor nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Altered Carbon

The book by Richard Morgan follows Takeshi Kovacs, an Ex-U.N. envoy warrior in the 25th century “resleeved” to carry out the request of a wealthy and powerful figure for a reward. The Netflix adaptation is nominated for Outstanding Special Visual Effects.