Pain. Everyone has experienced that heartbreaking feeling of finishing an episode of your favorite show and waiting anxiously for the “next episode” button to pop up, but to no avail. It’s over. 

Watching cast videos, scrolling through social media and rewatching episodes are all comforting feelings, but nothing will compare to your first watch. 

But we are here to help you with that heartbreak. If you took interest in any of the following T.V series, here are some book counterparts that you are sure to enjoy: 

Wednesday:

Netflix’s new show, “Wednesday,” has been an immense hit with a total of 752.5 million hours of watch time since its release on Nov. 23 2022. The show’s great casting, exciting plot and creative graphics have everyone one on the edge of their seats.

The “Goth Girl Series,” by Chris Riddell, is the perfect match for “Wednesday.” It’s an easy read and the art that goes with it is so detailed it can leave you awestruck or grimacing- depending on the monster it depicts. Not to mention the plot is just as mysterious as it is thrilling. 

Ada Goth, the main character of the book, encounters many allies and woes in her life and the adventures she plunges head-first into are filled with danger and reward. The wonderfully peculiar characters and decisions Ada picks show how intelligent and courageous she truly is and leaves the reader wanting more.

Vampire Diaries: 

The beloved “Vampire Diaries” series that had streamed on Netflix until recently has had an estimated three million views on its earlier episodes. The supernatural world of vampires’ thrilling plot twists, teen drama and deathly secrets has made this show loved by many.

Kirstin Cast and P.C Cast’s 12 book series, “The House of Night,” is written in a dark and poetic style. Similarly to the “Vampire Diaries,” the Casts’ series encapsulates the drama and troubles that come with fitting in a vampire world. 

Zoey Redbird must leave her home in Oklahoma to transfer to her new monster boarding school, The House of Night, as she navigates both the triumphs and tragedies of becoming a vampire.

Criminal Minds: 

“Criminal Minds,” is a crime solving TV series, following the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. It consists of 16 seasons, where high level FBI profilers track and anticipate the criminal’s next moves and find a way to track them down before any more conflict is caused. 

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” written by Holly Jackson, starts from a small town where a local murder investigation occurs. As the series of events that led up to the murder start going sideways, it leads determined minds to uncover the truth. 

The parallels of the show and book follow murder investigations, and reveal the truth of the murders real intentions. 

Never Have I Ever: 

Chart-topping series “Never Have I Ever” is about a first-generation Indian girl trying to navigate her way through all of high school’s problems: family, life, and love. 

“Born Confused,” written by Tanuja Desai Hidier, describes similar struggles experienced by the unique character, Dimple Lala. Similar to “Never Have I Ever,” Dimple tries to withstand her parents’ traditions, finding herself perplexed with her emotions regarding a boy.

Breaking Bad:

What show could possibly be comedic, thrilling, action pact, with deeply developed characters, without overdoing it? The answer is “Breaking Bad.” 

The gut-wrenching choices and heartbreak in “Where All Light Tends to Go,” by David Joy, bring the appeal of “Breaking Bad” to paper. The book’s plot has similar aspects to the show’s but then branches off to tell a story of lovers and the consequences of drugs. 

Whether you like the intoxicating drama that fills your lungs or disillusioned dreamers who can’t stop thinking of the what if… “Where All Lights Tend to Go” will be the highlight of your day and the cure to your “Breaking Bad” sadness.

Stranger Things:

The 1980’s theme show, “Stranger Things,” took the world by storm after its first season was released in 2016. Its nostalgia appealed to older generations and its funny characters were adored by all. People can’t seem to get enough of the Hawkin’s crew.

Craig Davidson’s, “The Saturday Night Ghost Club” has all the things that make “Stranger Things” so addicting. 1980s nostalgia, check. Paranormal events, check. Young teens navigating their way through a complicated world, check. 

The book follows young Jake Baker as he makes friends, deals with the supernatural and learns some of life’s hardest lessons. And although there are no demogorgons or impromptu visits to Russia, this book is sure to fill the “Stranger Things” sized hole in your heart. On top of being a great post-show trauma reliever, books have many other great benefits. So the next time you feel sad about a show ending, remember: don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened, and then pick up a book.