The Innovation of the TV Drama Nirvana in Fire in the Adaptation of Alternate Historical Novels

The popularity of costume dramas has driven the adaptation of historical novels, yet the historical fiction elements within these novels pose significant challenges for adapters. Many current TV dramas adapted from fictional works are set in specific historical periods to address the complexities of adapting fictional fiction. However, the TV series Nirvana in Fire has distinguished itself by preserving the alternate historical setting of its source material, while still being recognized as a high-quality costume drama by audiences. This paper examines the innovative adaptation strategies employed in Nirvana in Fire as a case study, focusing on its approach to adapting alternate historical novels.