The Flatshare

Usually book to tv series conversions are pretty poorly done but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I read the book about 6 months ago so it's been a while but the series seemed to incorporate all of the best elements that I did remember and kept the characters feeling 'real'. The relationships in the series were good, although I feel like it could have been a little longer (developed the brother storyline a bit more) as some parts were way more important in the book, but what they did choose to keep was really well done. All in all I would certainly recommend and will probably watch again in the future!

Though, this ground was already covered in the movie... the night we never met. Basically Tiffany needs a cheap flat and Leon needs money so they make an arrangement where Tiffany gets the apartment from 8 pm to 8 am and Leon from 8 am to 8 pm. Leon is a nurse who works at night. So, per the roommate agreement they never meet and only communicate by post it notes.. until hijinks ensue.

Frankly the series was too long. It came to its natural conclusion around episode 4 and you could tell they were dragging it out. The non picked love interests were total tropes that were a chore to watch because they were such horrible people. And finally I think this would have been better if they had Jonah Hauer-King as Leon. It is glaring that he is in this but only has a small insignificant part.

On the plus side thank you to the actor who does play Leon (Anthony Welsh) for creating a unique character -- a true introvert -- that is interesting and compelling. But I never necessarily got the feeling he had any feelings for Tiffany or anyone in the world. Even his concern about his brother seemed like stubbornness.

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.

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?

Absolutely loved this series, not too cheesy , you know what's going to happen from the start but , it's such a programme with really sad moments in it , happy moments, funny moments and 100% brilliant watch.

Really liked the unusual set out of the story with the flat share , I don't know if this happens in real life but , as soon as this series started , episode 1 had me hooked , such likeable characters and a great cast , all the actors were amazing and Tiffany and Leon , 2 absolutely great looking people , but sorry Justin , I know he was acting but what an absolute butt hole , great program.