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It Was A Book First

It Was A Book First
Book-To-Screen Adaptations
It Was A Book First
Off Campus
The Testaments
Heated Rivalry
Streaming Adaptations
Apple TV
Project Hail Mary
Emmys
The Handmaid's Tale
Booktok

It Was A Book First is a weekly podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations. Hosted by culture reporters and former colleagues Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg, IWABF dissects the TV and film adaptations everyone is talking about, what you'll be reading and watching next, and the business behind what actually makes it off the page.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes8Founded2 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsTV & Film

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Artwork for It Was A Book First

Latest Episodes

This week, It Was an Epic Poem First! Sophie and Rudi discuss one of the most anticipated adaptations of the year: “The Odyssey,” director Christopher Nolan’s take on Homer’s epic poem. The blockbuster adaptation of the ancient Greek work follows Ody... more

This week, Sophie and Rudi look at the streaming adaptation landscape through the lens of this year’s Emmy nominations, BookTok's role in the rise of streaming adaptations, and the process behind adapting a book with author, screenwriter, and LA Time... more

This week, Sophie and Rudi discuss one of 2026’s most surprising hits: “The Sheep Detectives,” Amazon MGM’s adaptation of Leonie Swann’s German murder mystery novel “Three Bags Full.” The family-friendly comedy, about a flock of sheep investigating t... more

On the fourth episode of It Was A Book First, the podcast about new book-to-screen adaptations, hosts Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg discuss “Off Campus,” Amazon Prime Video’s series adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s “The Deal,” the first book in her ... more

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Recent Guests

Gary Goldstein
Journalist, screenwriter, and author; LA Times contributor
LA Times
Episode: What the Emmys Tell Us About Book-to-Streaming Adaptations (with Gary Goldstein)

Hosts

Sophie Vershbow
Culture writer and book-to-screen analyst with bylines in Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Atlantic; covers literary adaptations, publishing history, and industry trends.
Rudi Greenberg
Entertainment journalist and book-to-screen analyst with experience covering film, television, and industry dynamics; known for discussions on casting, adaptation choices, and audience reception.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 47 ratings
  • Love this concept!

    It was fun to revisit one of my favorite movies of the year through a new lense. Will definitely keep listening!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mrg1389
    United Statesa month ago
  • Loving this podcast!

    Incredibly well researched, fun rapport

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CharlotteSM12
    United Statesa month ago
  • It’s the chemistry

    Sophie knows books and the publishing industry. Getting to know Rudy. The banter sounds great together. Hooked right away.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bdurlester
    United Statesa month ago
  • Ideally tailored for my interests!

    Brilliant! I love books and I love movies, and I love when someone makes a book into a movie - and I love discussing it! This podcast does all the things and is very chill to listen to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CatLon42
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • So excited for this pod!

    I’ve been following Sophie’s book recommendations for years and have yet to be steered in the wrong direction. Excited to hear more of her thoughts!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Powerspacer
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans enjoy the book-to-screen angle, appreciating practical takeaways for readers and viewers.
Listeners praise the hosts' rapport and deep industry knowledge, calling it well-researched and engaging.
The show is seen as a reliable source for understanding how adaptations are developed and marketed, with a candid, conversational vibe.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#179
United States/Arts/Books

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per EpisodeGender SkewLocation
InterestsProfessionsAge Range
Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About It Was A Book First

What is It Was A Book First about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on book-to-screen adaptations, with a focus on how novels morph into TV series and films, including casting decisions, tonal shifts, production context, and the business side of bringing pages to screens. Episodes typically dissect notable adaptations, compare source material to on-screen versions, and explore audience reception, industry incentives, and upcoming projects. The hosts' chemistry and industry savvy help listeners understand why certain adaptations land with readers, what changes are made for the screen, and what this means for future IP-driven storytelling. The format often blends close-reading of source material with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, making it engaging for readers, viewers, and decision-makers in... more

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Which podcasts are similar to It Was A Book First?

These podcasts share a similar audience with It Was A Book First:

1. Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
2. ICYMI
3. Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
5. Jam Session

How many episodes of It Was A Book First are there?

It Was A Book First launched 2 months ago and published 8 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on It Was A Book First?

Recent guests on It Was A Book First include:

1. Gary Goldstein

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