These television shows would make great chick lit books!

We, and by “we,” I mean my author/blogger friends and I, often discuss what books we could totally see turned into movies. I even cast all of my books as if the screenplay adoption is imminent. But I’ve never heard anyone discuss what movies/television shows they think would make really good books. Since there is a first time for everything and I like to be a trend-setter, I’ve decided to dedicate this blog post to those television shows I think would make really good chick lit and, in some cases, young adult books:

Veronica Mars – I watched this series when it was in first-run and I loved it. To me, it’s a cross between Nancy Drew and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Blonde, petite, and adorable, Veronica is intelligent, has a snarky personality, a wicked sense of humor, and doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her father is the former sheriff of Neptune, California and currently a private investigator. Veronica assists him on his cases and has her own clientele too—most often her fellow classmates. She also has a group of adorable male admirers and the love triangles are very well done. (Team Logan!) I would love to read a book (or series of books) with Veronica at the helm. I also think she’s a great role model for young women as she is wise beyond her years, strong-willed, not prone to peer pressure and just all around the coolest high school chick ever.

Drop Dead Diva –Aspiring model Deb dies in a car crash, but rather than stay in heaven she presses the “return” button and returns to earth just in time to inhabit the body of recently deceased Jane, a plus-sized attorney in a law firm where Deb’s ex-fiancé Grayson is a partner. Of course, Grayson has no idea that Jane is really Deb and Jane is forced to witness Grayson grieve Deb’s death and eventually move on. In my opinion, this series would make the ultimate chick lit book with a touch of paranormal. There is humor, romance, fashion, and even law-changing legal cases thrown in for good measure.

The New Girl – After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, quirky and “simply adorkable” late twenty-something Jess moves into a loft with three bachelors. Typical comedic moments ensue, along with relationship drama. Combine a cute, if not somewhat awkward and self-deprecating young woman with three handsome, single men under one roof and you have a recipe for a great chick lit book. I gave up on the television show when Jess’s quirkiness became a bit over-the-top, but I would absolutely be up for a stand-alone novel based on the television series.

The Mindy Project – The series follows thirty-something obstetrician/gynecologist Mindy as she tries to balance her personal and professional life, surrounded by quirky co-workers in a small medical practice in New York City. This series, in my opinion, embodies all that is beloved in chick lit—a multi-faceted main female character who, although professionally successful, struggles to get her personal life in order; hilarious dating disasters; an enigmatic and sexy hero who is always just slightly out of reach; well fleshed out secondary characters; and a seemingly revolving door of possible love interests to keep things interesting. I am addicted to watching this show on the small screen, but would love to read it on my Kindle too!

I certainly enjoy other television shows, but I don’t necessarily think they would transfer as well into a novel as well as the aforementioned. For example, I think a character-driven show would make for a better chick lit book than a plot-driven series where the story changes every week without much character development. I also limited my choices to those categorized as comedy, since humor is a key element in chick lit, and romance, since chick lit lovers in general love a happily ever after.

How do you feel about my choices? What television shows would you like to see made into books?

13 Comments

  1. Patricia Mann on June 30, 2014 at 1:12 am

    As always, you’ve made me think about something in a new way, Meredith, which I love! As I anxiously await the Starz television show based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling Outlander novel series, it would not have occurred to me to think about television shows I think would make good books. Your selections make perfect sense. The show I’m most into right now is Orange is the New Black, which is based on a book, so I keep thinking that after I watch all the episodes, I can pick up the memoir that the series is based on, so in that case, I’ll probably follow the order of this post. Love your trendsetting ideas! 🙂

    • Melissa A on June 30, 2014 at 11:09 am

      I love OITNB too! 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on June 30, 2014 at 11:09 am

      Glad you liked the post! We always hear about books being made into movies so I thought it would be fun to turn it around 🙂

  2. Melissa A on June 30, 2014 at 11:08 am

    Great post! I definitely agree with TMP, as you know. 😉 I haven’t seen the other shows. A few years ago, I would have said “Ugly Betty,” unless someone wants to continue it as a chick lit series. I would not complain about that at all!

    • meredithgschorr on June 30, 2014 at 11:10 am

      I could TOTALLY see “Ugly Betty” as a book. Nice one 🙂

  3. Mary Rowen on June 30, 2014 at 6:10 pm

    This is such an interesting idea, Meredith! One show I watch with my daughter is Switched at Birth, which is more YA than chick lit, but I guess it’s sort of YA chick lit. In recent seasons, it’s become sort of soapy, but I really liked the first season, which touched on a bunch of interesting themes. I think that season could be adapted into a really good book.

    • meredithgschorr on June 30, 2014 at 9:19 pm

      I’ve watched Switched at Birth a few times – I agree – it would make a very good YA novel! Thanks for commenting 🙂

  4. Cher B on June 30, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Great post, I love and agree with your choices! Good news- Veronica Mars IS a book series! The first in the series, The Thousand Dollar Tan Line was released earlier this year: enjoy!

    • meredithgschorr on June 30, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      Oh my gosh! I’m so excited about that. I will be downloading it. Love Veronica Mars! Did you see the movie?

  5. Beks on July 1, 2014 at 5:59 pm

    When I first heard about Drop Dead Diva, I thought it had been based on a novel. It’s Perfect Chick lit!
    And I’ve been casting my stories since I was nine. A girl can dream, right?

    • meredithgschorr on July 2, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      I’m glad we share the Drop Dead Diva love. It’s totally “perfect chick lit.” And, yes, a girl can dream 🙂

  6. Leighta on July 1, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    We have this TV show here in Australia called Offspring which I always thought was basically a chicklit on TV. Neurotic, awkward but capable and professional main character, check. Hot love interest, check (there’s been a few), zany family members, check. Cool friends, check. Drama and comedy. It’s my favourite show 🙂

    • meredithgschorr on July 2, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      Sounds fun! Too bad they don’t have in the U.S., although they might have it on Hulu Plus. I will look 🙂

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