The Flatshare

I really liked the acting and the story, the music not so much. Jessica and Anthony were quite natural and very good together. I couldnt stop watching cause I wanted to see when Leon would have got rid of his terrible girlfriend and Tiffany her abnoxious boyfriend. I really liked the Brighton scenery, reminded me of old times. Since I havent read the book I can be no expert but It was more like a romantic dramedy than a comedy, I think. With a different soundrack it would have been great! Ok, maybe 6 episodes were too many but then again 4 episodes wouldnt be enough! Dont miss it! You should definitely give it a go!

Watch this then read the book. The series is kind of watchable. I just finished the book and went straight to watch the series but this series just shares the idea that a man and woman share a bed night and day but nothing else is the same.

The best friend at work in the book is now a jealous work rival.

Leon's nice girlfriend is snoopy and jealous and interfering.

When Tiffany calls her best friend who is a male his flat mate is shown stopping him talking to her so they can kiss.

This series shows women to be mean and manipulative and back stabbing which is 100% opposite from the message in the book.

And tiff, mr prior, Justin and hollys character are someone new altogether.

The book is wonderful uplifting look at a woman who is an individual free spirit but has been made to feel small and useless through abuse but through all kinds of female support she sees she has been used badly and tries to move forward. The romance goes alongside the friendships. Here women are all against each other and only a man can save you!

I could go on describing how all the wonderful feminist values the book had have been pulverised in this series but really just read the book.

A very predictable storyline in terms of trajectory and ending but my wife and I both enjoyed it (especially my wife) and made for good viewing on a very rainy gloomy day (which we've had an awful lot of for so many weeks now) The lead characters were very likeable: the hero throughout and the heroine more and more as the series progressed. Some of the villains were very good too, especially Leon's girlfriend, who put in a deft performance. On the other hand, the heroine's ex-boyfriend was a bit hammy at times and close to over-acting although I get that they wanted to portray him as psychotic. His 'entrance' at the awards ceremony was hilarious.

As for locations - I think I spotted Exmouth Market - there weren't enough street scenes. A lot went on in small rooms and so the filming felt claustrophobic at times. I'd also criticise the music, which was pretty awful, cheesy, generally sub-par.

The subplot about Mr Prior and his lost love got a bit twee and very predictable. Surely the writer could have done a little better on that front?

I haven't read the book, as many others have so I didn't have anything to compare it to. I also didn't go into it having any expectations. I watched out of sheer boredom. I was pleasantly surprised, and ended up binge-watching it in one sitting.

It was light-hearted, which was much welcomed as life is all too serious enough. Although the plot was typical and predictable I loved the relatable and natural side of it. The main characters acting were great and their chemistry was believable. Although I already knew where the story was going it still didn't take away from the need to continue to watch in anticipation of the conclusion.

I think the story could have been concluded in less than 6 parts, however, I'm not complaining as it simply gave me more to watch! I would definitely recommend it.

I tried this and gave up half way through the first episode. Independently about 6 months later, I picked up the book and was hooked. I've now gone back and can see what is off with the series. The characters are simplified beyond recognition. The charm of the book is that as they reveal themselves to each other, they are revealed to you. Here there is nothing to reveal. Also the tone is completely different, hard and slightly unpleasant, drama for the sake of it. I don't really care about these people unlike those who inhabit the book. This is ok entertainment but not for me. The actors do a decent job with what they've got but to my view that is corrupted, shoddy material.