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The Netflixication of Classic Novels 📺

The Netflixication of Classic Novels 📺

PLUS: Seychelles and Marine Plastic Pollution, Calvinism and the Modern World, and What Do We Owe the Dead? ⚖️

April 01, 2025

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The Netflixication of Classic Novels 📺
PLUS: Seychelles and Marine Plastic Pollution, Calvinism and the Modern World, and What Do We Owe the Dead? ⚖️

ENGLISH

The Netflixication of Classic Novels 📺

Me trying to figure out what to watch on Netflix

When was the last time you watched something on Netflix? Probably pretty recently. When was the last time you heard someone talk about a new Netflix show? Maybe even more recently. It’s no secret that Netflix’s cult-like platform has significantly influenced the entertainment industry — and lately, their newest obsession seems to be adapting novels into series and films. On the surface, this venture appears to be a step forward: making literature more accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide. These adaptations have not only introduced classic and contemporary stories to new viewers but have also impacted book sales, cultural conversations, and the way stories are told on screen. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the world of bringing classic literature into the 21st century.

💡 Things to consider

Reviving Interest in Original Works: One notable effect of Netflix's adaptations is the resurgence in popularity of the original books. Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude experienced renewed interest following the announcement of its adaptation into a Spanish-language series. The series aims to honor the novel's rich narrative and complex characters, introducing magical realism to a new generation. Similarly, Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series saw a significant boost in sales after its adaptation, with The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me reaching The New York Times bestseller list.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Oversimplification of Complex Narratives: A major drawback often raised by fans of the original media is that books contain complex narratives, inner monologues, and intricate world-building that simply cannot be fully translated to the screen. As a result, adaptations may simplify deep themes, remove key plot points, or flatten characters. For example, Thirteen Reasons Why, based on Jay Asher’s novel, expanded the book’s premise into multiple seasons, which led to a more sensationalized and prolonged story. Critics argued that the show mishandled sensitive themes of mental health and suicide, accusing it of glorifying these issues rather than treating them with the care they required.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sneaker Shopping GIF by Complex

So simple :/

Reading Habits vs. Passive Consumption: This trend has undeniably increased book sales and renewed interest in certain titles, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between visual media and literature, with viewers often seeking out the original books after watching the series or films. However, while Netflix adaptations have reignited interest in reading, they have also contributed to a shift in how audiences consume stories. Instead of engaging deeply with a book’s language, themes, and the process of personal interpretation, some viewers opt for the “easier” choice of watching an adaptation. This can result in a surface-level understanding of a story rather than the richer engagement that comes from reading a novel.
With adaptations becoming more frequent, there is growing concern that some people may rely solely on film and television for their literary knowledge, bypassing the books altogether. This could contribute to a culture where visual storytelling replaces reading, potentially diminishing literary appreciation among younger generations.