Is it ever worth reading the book after the TV series?

[FebruaryHailstones]

I've usually read the book first, then enjoy the film or tv version.

But I've recently enjoyed Slow Horses on Apple TV and Strike on BBC. Is it worth now reading the books? Or all a bit late?

Strike books are great, as are the TV programmes. Absolutely worth reading

i thought the strike books were loads better than the tv programme, although I did think the leads were really good casting.

Funnily enough, the Slow Horses books are one of very few that I've thought worth the effort, I've seen seasons 1&2, am now on book 3 on audible and thoroughly enjoying them.

I've read all the Strike books and love them but not that bothered about the TV series, I've only watched one of them.

Definitely read the Strike books although the descriptions of Strike will seem very odd if you are picturing what's his face (I think of the actor as Athos, can't remember his name!)

I read the Shetland books after watching the series and enjoyed them even though lots of things are different. Also read Daisy and the Six after seeing the series, and enjoyed it.

Yes. The book often adds context and background the TV show can't. Sharpe for example was good for that. Same for films.

I watched A Discovery of Witches before I read the book and I loved both!

Agree the Strike books are great, though I've not read the latest one yet.

I read the Bridgerton series after watching the show - prefered book 2 to series 2.

Also read the Lockwood and Co books after watching the series.

Slow Horses?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

I threw myself into them after Ep3 of S2 on TV - and actually the books help. I’d never have invented Gary Oldfield out of my own head, and he’s a joy to have in one’s reading brain.

Slow horses books are amazing!! Well worth the read!

I read the Witcher book series after watching the show - it was really interesting

Not a show but I saw the first Harry Potter before I read the books and I'm glad I didn't just not bother!

The books are almost always so much better. Now I when I watch a movie or show I actively consider if the premise itself makes it worth looking at the book

Yes!! Especially those two.

The Strike books are excellent and I consider the show to be like, diet-Strike - the books are so rich and full of detail and humour and they are just excellent!

I found the writing style of the Slow Horses books to take a little bit of time to get into but then i flew through them - the show is an excellent adaptation and a slightly different story in its own right, so you actually get two stories for one!

Spot on. Totally agree with this.

I clicked on this hoping it was about Slow Horses as I'm reading book 1 and hope to read them all before I start to watch the adaptation, which I've heard is brilliant.

If you like Strike on TV then the books will blow your mind!

I read the game of thrones books after the TV show. It was well worth it (apart from still waiting on the next book!) I really enjoyed the visual of the show so waited until it was done before I started any of the books.

I'm currently on book two of the Wool/Silo series. I've season Season 1 (Apple TV I think?) which is what prompted me to get the books. Seeing the series first didn't have any impact on my enjoyment of the books.

I'm pretty sure I saw Hunger Games (at least the first one) before reading the book series too - again, still thoroughly enjoyed the read!

I read The Queen's Gambit after seeing the show and loved it. It helps if the adaptation has stayed faithful to the book, I find it a bit jarring if there are massive differences.

This is great. I thought the response might be much more "no it's not worth it once you've been told what the characters "should" look like".

I'll start with Slow Horses I think!