Bookish Netflix Originals Streaming in April 2019
Titles link directly to Netflix.
April 1
Ultraman
Based on the Ultraman manga series, the Netflix series serves as a continuation of the 1960s Japanese tokusatsu (a type of TV series). For more on manga, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Manga.
April 5
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 2
Based on comic The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, I am hoping that season 2 will leave behind the weird vaseline effect used to blur the backgrounds in season 1.
Our Planet
This is not based on a book, but it is a nature documentary for nonfiction lovers and everyone else. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough!
Roman Empire
I swear I didn’t intend to list a whole lot of nonfiction-ish titles that aren’t actually based on books, but this docu-series (which looks more like a drama) is narrated by Sean Bean and looks like just the sort of Julius Caesar trash my heart wants.
April 10
You vs. Wild
This kids’ reality science and nature series looks like an, er, pick-your-path style story, as the audience makes choices throughout (it is unclear to me how this will work).
April 12
The Silence
Starring Stanley Tucci, Miranda Otto, and YA Queen Kiernan Shipka, this horror thriller is based on The Silence by Tim Lebbon. (Content note: Shipka plays a Deaf character, but is herself hearing.)
Special
Written by and starring Ryan O’Connell and based on his book, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, this #ownvoices show is about a gay man with cerebral palsy, and it looks hella funny.
April 19
Brené Brown: The Call to Courage
This documentary is based on our post of Brené Brown Quotes. (No it isn’t, but that would really be something.)
April 22
Selection Day
This Indian series based on the novel Selection Day by Aravind Adiga is about two brothers who have been trained by their father to become the next great pair of cricket batsmen. YES GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR FAMILY SPORTS DRAMEDIES. The series appears to be dubbed in English over the original Hindi.
April 26
The Protector
This Turkish TV series is categorized as based on a book, but I haven’t been able to find any further information. If you know anything, please chime in!
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: season 2
Does it count as based on a book if there are comics based on the original TV series from the 1980s? I’m gonna say yes.
April 30
Baki: Part 2
The second season of this Japanese series based on the manga Baki is rounding out the month. (Please note: this series is very violent and is not for children.) Did I miss any bookish originals coming to Netflix this month? Check out the complete list here.
