I thoroughly enjoyed two recent TV adaptations of beloved novels… but in the ultimate battle for dominance, do books or TV series come out on top?

Let’s find out.

Note: There will be spoilers!

Face-off #1:

I loved the novel My Lady Jane… so much that I recently decided to reread via audiobook. And the timing was perfect, because I finished right before the TV adaptation dropped on Prime Video. But which one is better — book or TV?

My Lady Jane
Book by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows, published 2016
Prime Video series, released June 2024

Thoughts: The book is such a funny, quirky read that any adaptation would face a steep climb to match it in tone and content. And yet, the Prime Video version comes pretty close! The production itself is rather awesome — the humor and silliness are abundant, and although I’m tempted to say that some of the acting is over the top (looking at you, Mary!), I’m not sure that there is such a thing as over-the-top when it comes to this story.

The misses for me in terms of the adaptation relate to the basics of the story. Ethians (shapeshifters) are more prevalent in the book, and while there are those who want to see them all destroyed, they’re still a recognized part of society. The adaptation changes up the roles of certain characters — Dudley’s family gets a redemption arc and isn’t as terrible as in the book, and Jane’s mother is pretty fabulous in her awfulness. Jane’s fate edges closer to the real Jane Grey’s, which was interesting to see. Overall, the adaptation is hugely entertaining, but as someone who read the book, I questioned why certain key characters didn’t learn of their Ethian natures as well, which really changes the tone of some scenes and plot elements.

Verdict: The book for the win… but definitely check out the show for its cheekiness, excellent cast, and sheer lunacy.

Face-off #2:

I read Romancing Mister Bridgerton a few years ago already — after watching season 1 of the Netflix series, I ended up bingeing all eight Bridgerton books, one after another. And now that season 3 has aired and I’ve done a book reread via audio, it’s time to compare!

Bridgerton, season 3
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, published 2002
Netflix series, new season released May/June 2024

Thoughts: Season 3 was excellent in many ways, and Nicola Coughlan is sheer perfection as Penelope. I love that the Netflix series expands the focus to include other storylines and characters. And yet, certain aspects of the Penelope and Colin romance irked me — and my audiobook reread reminded me that these problem points are handled differently in the book. In the TV series, Colin discovers Penelope’s secret identify only after they’ve become engaged and slept together. He’s furious, their wedding is tense, and he sleeps on the couch on what should be their wedding night. As for Penelope, she comes across as tearful and ashamed when confronted with her alter ego, and seems inconsistent about whether she’s proud of her work. Too often, she seems like she’s practically abasing herself in front of Colin to earn his forgiveness.

I was happy to be reminded that in the book, the truth is already out before Colin and Penelope become intimate. Yes, he’s upset with her — but that’s out of worry. The burning anger is missing, and Colin’s concern is mainly about Penelope being ruined and cast out of society. They are together, in love, and happy when they marry, and while Whistledown remains a source of tension, we learn that this is due to Colin’s jealousy: He admires Penelope’s talent and accomplishments, and is frustrated that he doesn’t have a purpose of his own.

Likewise, I appreciate the passing of time in the book. In Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Penelope is 28 years old, and has been Whistledown for over a decade. She’s mostly embraced her spinster status, and is happy enough spending time with best friend Eloise and the youngest Bridgerton, Hyacinth, now out in society and very, very sassy. Book Penelope is confident in her choices and proud of the success she’s had in her career, even if she can’t tell anyone about it. It’s nice seeing her as more mature and less tentative.

I do like the conclusion on the Netflix series a bit better. Penelope keeps writing the Society Papers, but under her own name. I’d thought the book wrapped with Penelope permanently giving up writing, but the reread reminded me that we leave Penelope working on a novel. (I don’t recall whether we learn that she’s become a published author in later books… but I’m guessing the answer is yes!)

Verdict: The book for the win! But watch the TV series for the production values, the side plots, the great chemistry, and the overall vibe. (Not to mention the costumes and wigs!)