It’s been over a year since we last discussed Literary Inspired Webseries on the SparkPress blog. This under-appreciated genre adapts classic literature into a modern context. It often is told in a vlog-style format for added realism. This allows the audience to relate to the character(s), almost as if they’re a friend.

Here are a few more of our favorites, all of which are available on YouTube for free.

If you love Frankenstein by Mary Shelley…

watch Frankenstein MD

This adaptation of Mary Shelley’s most iconic work reimagines Dr. Victor Frankenstein as Victoria Frankenstein, a soon-to-be doctor making science vlogs with her friend Iggy—the modern interpretation of Igor. When Robert, their friend and cameraman, dies in a mountain climbing accident, his body is donated to the school for science. Victoria is determined to bring him back to life.

The series only covers the first part of the book, where Frankenstein brings the creature to life. There was a Kickstarter campaign for a second season, but it was unsuccessful.

If you like Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare…

watch Twelfth Grade (or Whatever)

When Sebastian Messing, a transgender boy, was denied admittance to West Balk School for Boys because he wasn’t a “real” boy, his sister Viola was incensed. She posed as a cis boy, Sam Messing, was admitted, and joined the football team. The plan was for her to reveal her gender at graduation as a ‘screw you’ to the transphobic administration. She soon develops a crush on her friend, captain, and roommate, Oren, who in turn is infatuated with Liv, the town recluse. When Oren sends Viola/Sam to woo Liv, she falls for Viola/Sam.

This adaption is told largely through Sam’s vlogs. Her camera is often borrowed by her friends at West Balk. Liv also has a channel; she’s agoraphobic and makes videos for her therapist. Additionally, Sebastian makes a couple videos. Sebastian’s videos don’t really move the plot forward, but they do contextualize the show.

If you like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens…

watch Dear Natalie

In this adaption of the classic Christmas tale, Ebenezer Scrooge is reimagined as Natalie, a college student and successful YouTuber. She’s been posting for ten years and hired her best friend Jess to film and edit the videos. Recently, she’s been seeing Jess more as an employee than friend and keeps strict deadlines—even on Christmas. She’s soon visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

This adaption is told partially through both Natalie’s and Jess’s vlogs and partially in a more traditional television format.

If you like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle…

watch My Dear Watson

While her parents are on a year-long trip, Janae Watson decides to get a roommate—Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock is able to deduce things about the people around her that other people cannot, and thus spends much of her time solving mysteries. Of course, Janae gets involved.

Janae makes vlogs for her parents to keep them in the loop while they’re on their trip. She also films the cases so Sherlock can look for clues later.

If you love Dracula by Bram Stoker…

watch Mina Murray’s Journal

This webseries adaption of one of the most iconic vampire stories of all time is told from the perspective of Mina Murray, who lives with her roommate Lucy. Mina was offered a work trip to Romania to hand-deliver some contracts to Count Dracula. She’s supposed to be staying in a hotel for just one night, but she ends up trapped at the Count’s home due to a storm.

The show is told through vlogs from Mina, Lucy, and their friend Jack.

If you love Little Women by Louisa May Alcott…

watch The March Family Letters

While their mother—affectionately called Marmee—is deployed, the March sisters begin to film videos for her. The project was thought up by Jo. One video a week from all of them talking about what’s going on and one video a week from one of them. Jo vlogs, Amy does tag videos, Beth sings, and Meg makes how-to videos.

The first season of this webseries ends while Beth is still in the hospital. There was a Kickstarter campaign for a second season, but it was unsuccessful.

If you love Emma by Jane Austen…

watch Emma Approved

Emma Woodhouse and one of her closest friends, Alex Knightly, have started a new business called Emma Approved. Emma dispenses advice, plans parties, and plays matchmaker, while Alex handles the business end. Inspired by their success so far, Emma installs cameras around the office to create a documentary to be released when she inevitably wins an award for Achievement in Lifestyle Excellence. Things start to get complicated when Annie, one of the clients, decides to call off her wedding.

The entire story is told through the videos shot in the office. Most are at Emma’s desk, but there are some at Alex’s, Harriet’s, and Jane’s. Despite finishing the storyline in the first season, the show got a short second season earlier this year.

If you enjoyed these series, make sure to check out our first post about LIW and this master list.