Anyone else preferring Netflix over books lately?

[expectantsteelerfan]

I used to be able to say 'the book is always better.'  But lately, I've been enjoying Netflix and other streaming content way more than the books they are based on.  I thought Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Bridgerton, and most recently Firefly Lane were all more enjoyable to watch than read!

I don't know if it's because the wealth of streaming services and the pressure to produce a lot of content constantly has producers taking so-so books that had a good idea and making a show that is better than the book, or if maybe I'm just more in a mind-set to watch things than read them, or if I'm just a MUCH harsher critic of what I read than what I watch.

Curious if anyone else is feeling this way lately too?

[tacokick]

I have felt similarly about some shows! I do think that some books have a great idea but maybe the writing isn’t there or it needed to go in a different direction. These short series can really develop the more interesting parts. I think it’s partially true when it books by authors like Kristin Hannah who IMO are very uneven. They are easy to read but not they don’t always make the most sense!

[meowmaps]

I watched Bridgerton but didn’t read the books. Having seen the show, I’d probably just stick with that and not go back and read the books.

I just read A Good Marriage (really good) and I know that’s been optioned for TV. I think it would make for a great miniseries.

ETA: I read Behind Her Eyes, which is apparently on Netflix. I didn’t think the book was great so I don’t have an interest in the series either.

[travella]

Feb 25, 2021 15:49:36 GMT -5 meowmaps said:

I watched Bridgerton but didn’t read the books. Having seen the show, I’d probably just stick with that and not go back and read the books.

I just read A Good Marriage (really good) and I know that’s been optioned for TV. I think it would make for a great miniseries.

ETA: I read Behind Her Eyes, which is apparently on Netflix. I didn’t think the book was great so I don’t have an interest in the series either.

I watched Behind Her Eyes and I thought it was different and had an interesting ending. I liked it. I never read the book and don't really have any interest in reading it.

I haven't seen or read Bridgerton, but I've heard a lot about it. I may need to check that out.

[meowmaps]

Feb 25, 2021 16:18:51 GMT -5 travella said:

Feb 25, 2021 15:49:36 GMT -5 meowmaps said:

I watched Bridgerton but didn’t read the books. Having seen the show, I’d probably just stick with that and not go back and read the books.

I just read A Good Marriage (really good) and I know that’s been optioned for TV. I think it would make for a great miniseries.

ETA: I read Behind Her Eyes, which is apparently on Netflix. I didn’t think the book was great so I don’t have an interest in the series either.

I watched Behind Her Eyes and I thought it was different and had an interesting ending. I liked it. I never read the book and don't really have any interest in reading it.

I haven't seen or read Bridgerton, but I've heard a lot about it. I may need to check that out.

It’s steamy!

[aurora]

I haven't read or watched any of these, so I am commenting uninformed. But, there are certainly rare cases where the screen is better than the book! I think it's really hard with movies because they almost always must be shorter, but easier with series.

[tacokick]

The Queen’s Gambit was much better than the book too.

[ufcasey]

I read the book that Bridgerton is based on, and it has a VERY problematic scene. The Netflix version is a million times better and 'fixes' that scene and added some side characters/storylines that didn't exist which was also an improvement. If you're in the differences for that specific scene (there are spoilers!) check out the very end of my review on GR:
www.goodreads.com/review/show/3620284749

I watched The Queen's Gambit (loved), but haven't read the book. I read Firefly Lane (meh) but haven't watched the show. I watched a couple episodes of Virgin River (meh) but haven't read the book. I read You by Kepnes (love!) and watched the show (also love!) but haven't read or watched the follow-up to it because I heard both weren't as good. I can't think of any more off the top of my head.

[ssmjlm]

Behind Her Eyes should have never made it to publication or a show. It has so many issues in it.

I'm reading the first Bridgerton book now to see what the differences are.

I tried to start Virgin River, but had to DNF. The book was so bad and Mel was insufferable as a character (more than in the show!).

[wesleycrusher]

I put a pause on reading this year so far...I was not a TV show watcher at all but I'm taking a Mandarin class now so I've been watching a lot of Chinese TV.

[tacokick]

Oh, I couldn’t get into You the book at all (POV issue) but I enjoy the ridiculous show!