Streaming Sunday features TV series or movies adapted from books I’ve read, offered on at least one streaming service and I’ve watched.
The You TV series is based on the book series by Caroline Kepnes, a psychological thriller of the same name featuring the character Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager with obsessive behavior. There are three books to date and three seasons currently streaming on Netflix. It was renewed for a fourth season in October 2021.
I was mesmerized by the first book, You, as I struggled to come to terms with my own obsession with Joe and his diabolical behavior. He reminded me of a young Holden Caulfield (Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger) without the annoying qualities but much creepier. In fact, there are subtle connections included by the author. It’s a disturbing story but the kind you can’t look away from, both the plot and the character. Joe has an oddly seductive quality that’s undefinable but definitely there.
The TV series premiered on Lifetime in September 2018. However, the second second season was announced in July before the first air date when the author released the second book.
Season 1 is based on the first book, You, and stars Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail. I was anxious about the casting because Joe is such a unique character. I was stunned after watching the first episode for only five minutes, realizing Badgley was so utterly Joe Goldberg. I had to impatiently wait each week for the next episode but before the first season ended, it had already moved to Netflix. It’s most definitely a binge worthy series that I would have inhaled in one sitting if that option had been available.
The first season is amazingly close to the brilliant writing of the book, though there are some deviations. I halted after the first season until I could finish the second book, Hidden Bodies. The ending was a little different and I didn’t want to confuse the two. I listened to the second book and kicked myself that I hadn’t listened to the first. The narrator, Santino Fontana, is as perfectly matched with the book series as Badgley is for the TV series.
Season 2 is based on the second book and here is where the TV series takes big turns. So, since I had the third book in the queue to read, I decided to wait. I can’t comment on Season 3 but given its renewal for #4, I’m certain it’s continuing to live up to the first two.
This is a situation where I love the books and the TV series equally. It doesn’t matter that they follow slightly different paths because the quality of the writing is excellent for both and they stay so true to the main character. I strongly recommend reading at least the first book before watching the series. You really want to “get” Joe before watching him so you don’t miss all those subtleties that later become important. After that? Completely up to you, though both books I’ve read were winners, print and audio.
Blue Mood Café 
You’ve definitely intrigued me Jo, but it might be a bit too creepy for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it’s not scary creepy at all! Try one episode and you’ll see, Nicki💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you promise it’s not horror kind of creepy, I’m happy to give this one a go too. Will have to queue it up. I’ve never heard of it, and not seen it advertised on Netflix. But then, given how Netflix works, that’s no surprise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, positively guarantee it’s not horror creepy. Joe’s stalker-ish, obsessive behavior around Beck makes him creepy. And, the way it’s filmed makes it more on the clever/modern side of things.
I don’t do horror😬
LikeLike
I love this series! I’ve read the first 2 books and watched both seasons, but I haven’t gotten to season 3 or read the next book. Thanks for reminding me – time kind of ran away with me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have several shows I need to catch up on: You, Ozark, Barry and I’m in the middle of The Wire. I need more free time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know, I started to watch this when it first came out but I don’t know why I didn’t follow through with it. I’m caught up with my streaming, so I’ll have to start it again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe because I read the book I couldn’t look away. Keep going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will! I always stream stuff while I work on reviews and the blog in general and I’m at a point where I need something new. So I’m going back. I loved Penn Badgley in Gossip Girl, which is what attracted me to this show to begin with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I gave up after two episodes because Penn was confusing me. Too charming and too hot to be convincing as a creepy stalker and it was doing funny things to my head and … erm … other bits. 😳
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, give him time😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! I love this series. Season 3 was actually my favorite season so far so I’m curious to know your thoughts after you watch it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Amy💜 That’s such great news since I loved the first season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you are doing these. I sometimes may have read the book but pretty much never watched the tv series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne💜 I started watching streamed series long before the pandemic, regularly tracking book adaptations. It’s been fun!
LikeLike
I’m not familiar with the book or the streaming series but you had me at Penn Badgley. He was so good in Gossip Girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Suzanne, you’d love the book, too! I’d never seen Badgley before so if you are already a fan, you’ve got to see this.
LikeLike
I tried reading You, twice, but couldn’t get into the creepy vibe. Perhaps the series might work better for me. I am still working my way through Bosch though. Just starting season 3.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe this one won’t work for you. You’ll know from the first episode. But, no way would I detour from Bosch😏
LikeLiked by 1 person