TV series · 1978 · ITV
Is The Famous Five based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. The Famous Five is based on the book series The Famous Five by Enid Blyton (1942).
The TV series premiered in 1978 on ITV.
The book series behind The Famous Five
The Famous Five
Book series by Enid Blyton · first published 1942 · children's and young adult literature
Series of children's novels written by Enid Blyton.
The Famous Five: books in order
- Five on a Treasure Island (1942)
- Five Go Adventuring Again (1943)
- Five Run Away Together (1944)
- Five Go to Smuggler's Top (1945)
- Five Go Off in a Caravan (1946)
- Five on Kirrin Island Again (1947)
- Five Go Off to Camp (1910)
- Five Get Into Trouble (1949)
- Five Fall Into Adventure (1950)
- Five on a Hike Together (1951)
- Five Have a Wonderful Time (1952)
- Five Go Down to the Sea (1953)
- Five Go to Mystery Moor (1953)
- Five Have Plenty of Fun (1955)
- Five on a Secret Trail (1956)
- Five Go to Billycock Hill (1957)
- Five Get into a Fix (1958)
- Five on Finniston Farm (1960)
- Five Go to Demon's Rocks (1961)
- Five Have a Mystery to Solve (1962)
- Five Are Together Again (1963)
Other adaptations of The Famous Five
- Famous 5: On the Case (TV, 2008)
- Famous Five (film, 2012)
Common questions
Is The Famous Five based on a book?
Yes. The Famous Five is based on the book series The Famous Five by Enid Blyton (1942).
Who wrote the book The Famous Five is based on?
The Famous Five was written by Enid Blyton and first published in 1942.
Should I read the book before watching?
Start with Five on a Treasure Island, book 1 of The Famous Five. If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read it before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the TV series.
More screen adaptations of Enid Blyton's books
- The Magic Faraway Tree (film, 2026)