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Books that inspired Emmy Award-winners and nominees
Read the books that led to your favorite Emmy winners and nominees, from “The Handmaid’s Tale” to “Killing Eve.”
Published on January 19, 2024
The Handmaid's Tale
Margaret AtwoodThe Hulu adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale” has long moved beyond the original novel’s content as it prepares for a sixth and final season (and a sequel series based on the follow-up novel, “The Testaments”). Yet it continues to capture our imaginations with its frighteningly relevant story (which showrunner Bruce Miller told Variety he’s “sorry about,” elaborating: “It is odd to be writing a show that seems to be a little ahead of what’s happening in the world.”). The show has consistently earned Emmy Awards and nominations year after year, including a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Elisabeth Moss) in 2023.
The Old Man
Thomas PerryA former intelligence officer, now 60 years old and living under the persona of “Dan Chase,” goes on the lam when his past transgressions catch up with him. Perry’s cat-and-mouse thriller inspired an FX series starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, which secured two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 2023 — Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Jeff Bridges) and Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour).
In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption
In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption
James KeeneJimmy Keene’s promising future goes up in smoke when he’s convicted of drug charges and sentenced to a decade in prison without parole. But then he’s given a unique opportunity: befriend an inmate named Larry Hall, secure a confession for multiple murders, and walk free. Based on a true story, “In With the Devil” inspired the Apple TV+ series “Black Bird,” which earned four nominations and two wins at the 2023 Emmys: Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Paul Walter Hauser).
Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders
K. Scot MacdonaldFounded by Steve Banerjee in the late 1970s, Chippendales became the first male exotic dance performance designed for women’s entertainment. But soon after, Chippendales’ enormous success led to a web of crime, including murder. The Hulu Original series adaptation, “Welcome to Chippendales,” scored five Emmy nominations in 2023, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Kumail Nanjiani).
Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs
John BloomIn 1980, a small Texas community was deeply disturbed by the ax murder of Betty Gore. The accused killer, Candy Montgomery — a friend and fellow church-goer — claimed self-defense in this true crime case that’s stranger and more horrifying than fiction. Bloom and Atkinson’s investigative book inspired the HBO miniseries, “Love & Death,” starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie in 2023.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane AustenActor and filmmaker Joel Kim Booster wrote and produced “Fire Island,” an Asian-led, queer romantic comedy based on Austen’s classic. The story follows Noah and his friends who, during a vacation on Fire Island, become entwined with a group of wealthy men, leading to drama, romance, and misunderstandings. The Hulu Original movie received two Emmy nominations in 2023: Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents a Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Marlon Bundo“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” won two Emmys in 2023: Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series and Outstanding Scripted Variety Series. In support of the LGBTQ community, Oliver and company created this children’s book about a gay bunny. It works well as both a cutting political commentary and adorable bedtime story.
Workin' It!: RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style
RuPaul“RuPaul's Drag Race” has earned 29 Emmy Awards and 63 nominations since it first aired in 2009. Wins in 2023 include Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program (RuPaul) and Outstanding Reality Competition Program. If you’re obsessed with the show, you can get your fix here. RuPaul shares his fabulous advice on how to show off your most stylish self.
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love
Jonathan Van NessGet a behind-the-scenes tour of Jonathan Van Ness’s life before he stole the show on “Queer Eye” (which has won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program every year since 2018, among many other nominations and awards). Van Ness has always been so “Over the Top,” but his life hasn’t always been so gorgeous because of it: While growing up gay in the Midwest, he endured ridicule and abuse. Now, of course, he’s an icon for fashion and compassion, especially toward yourself.
Naturally Tan: A Memoir
Tan FranceBefore becoming a member of the Fab Five on Netflix’s wildly popular “Queer Eye” series, France was a young Muslim boy from a South Asian family living in predominantly white South Yorkshire, England. This memoir, read by the author, is a compassionate, inspiring journey about overcoming racism, homophobia, and self-doubt to embrace his dreams of fashion design.
Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope
Karamo BrownKaramo Brown tells the uplifting story of how he overcame struggles with drugs and alcohol, abuse, racism, homophobia, and more to become the inspirational “Culture Expert” on Netflix’s beloved “Queer Eye.” Karamo’s commitment to strength through lifelong learning and self-reflection radiates throughout his inspiring memoir.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Issa RaeThe “Insecure” star shares all the real-life super-awkward moments she’s endured, the ones that shaped her into the master of uncomfortable social situations that need to be laughed off. Are you an awkward person in need of advice? Issa Rae’s here for you. “Insecure” has been nominated for several Emmys in recent years, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Issa Rae) in 2022.
I Know I Am, But What Are You?
Samantha BeeBefore Samantha Bee became the first female host of a late-night comedy show or a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” she stole cars. This candid memoir goes through Bee’s bizarre career from car thievery to comedy. Bee won the 2022 Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series Emmy for “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee Presents: Once Upon A Time In Late Night.”
The Plot Against America: A Novel
Philip RothIn our current political climate, with neo-Nazism on the rise in the United States, Philip Roth’s alternate history — where Charles Lindbergh was elected president in 1940 and anti-Semitism became accepted in America — is downright chilling. The HBO adaptation starring Winona Ryder was nominated for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie in 2020.
Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit
John E. Douglas“Mindhunter” is the true story of FBI agent John Douglas, one of the founders of criminal profiling. His interviews with killers are dark, disturbing, and somehow a little sad. The now-concluded Netflix series adaptation was nominated for the Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) Emmy in 2020, while actor Cameron Britton (who portrayed serial killer Edmund Kemper) was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018.
I Know This Much Is True: A Novel
Wally LambWally Lamb’s acclaimed novel (an Oprah’s Book Club pick, all the way back in 1998) became an HBO limited drama series in 2020. Mark Ruffalo served as executive producer and also played both Dominick and Thomas Birdsey, the twins at the heart of the story. Unsurprisingly, Ruffalo was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of both Birdseys.
Jim Henson's Beneath the Dark Crystal #1
Jim HensonNetflix’s “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance,” the prequel to Jim Henson’s iconic dark fantasy YA film, “The Dark Crystal,” won the Outstanding Children’s Program Emmy in 2020. The Gelfling are back on a quest to save their world from darkness and the evil Skeksis. In this sequel to the original, join the adventures of Thurma, a young Fireling, and Gelfling Kensho, as they battle to save the land of Thra.
Codename Villanelle: Killing Eve, Book 1
Luke Jennings“Killing Eve” garnered multiple Emmy nominations for every year of the show’s four-year run (2018-2022). In 2019, Jodie Comer won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in a surprising upset to her co-star, Sandra Oh. The novel “Codename Villanelle” inspired all the edge-of-your-seat spy action that Oh and Comer bring to life on TV.
Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women, and Money: 50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Kevin O'LearyDo you love Mr. Wonderful on “Shark Tank”? Do you want to get your finances in order? This no-nonsense guide from Kevin O’Leary will have you saving money and achieving financial stability in no time. “Shark Tank” won the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, and it was nominated for the same award in 2023.
You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success
Robert HerjavecIf you’d rather get some business and financial advice from a shark that doesn’t bite, this book from “Nice Shark” Robert Herjavec is for you. In these especially hard economic times, it’s important to learn how to sell yourself and your skills when new opportunities arise. All the hosts of “Shark Tank” were nominated for the Outstanding Host for a reality or Competition Program Emmy in 2022.