Abstract: Since the novel online drama was first adapted into a film and television drama in 2000, it has become an important source of TV drama scripts after years of exploration and innovation. In recent years, the adaptation of online novels in China is setting off a wave after wave. From "nirvana in fire" to the recently popular "Princess Xuanji", TV dramas adapted from popular online novels have unconsciously occupied half of the screen, adding new vitality to the filming of film and television dramas. Based on the audience's psychology, this paper analyzes the reasons for the popularity of online novels, and puts forward some suggestions on some problems existing in the adaptation of online novels and development strategies.