It has been ten years since Lemony Snicket published the last ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ book. Netflix released a television series adaption based on the adventures of Klaus, Violet and Sunny Baudelaire. The all-star cast includes Neil Patrick Harris (Count Olaf), Patrick Warburton (Lemony Snicket) and Cobie Smulders (Mother), and introduces Malina Weissman (Violet) and Louis Hynes (Klaus) into the limelight. The series is full of exciting, intricate sets and provides a refreshing, yet familiar spin to Snicket’s 13 books.

The series begins with a house fire and death of the Baudelaire parents leaving Klaus, Violet and Sunny orphans. Count Olaf (Harris) schemes an oblivious banker to place the orphans into his care hoping to gain the fortune the parents left behind for the children. What follows after can only be described as a series of very complex, unfortunate events. One can’t help but remember the memories of reading the book series for the first time or the 2004 movie starring Jim Carrey.

While the acting is superb and the sets give off a distinct humorous, yet gloomy aura, it’s important to remember the original books were meant for tweens and early teenagers, so some of the plot elements are predictable and at times expected. While many were doubting Harris could portray a correct, true Count Olaf, Harris gave an outstanding performance— featuring elements that make Olaf a comic relief, but a believable villain who creepily keeps trying to kidnap the children. There were also quite a few musical numbers throughout the series showcasing Harris’ showmanship talents.

I overall would recommend the series for both who are fans of the original books or who have never read any of them at all. Despite being able to predict most of what will happen, there was some unexpected twists that made you want to keep watching.  With exciting musical numbers, spectacular sets and inspired acting, a watch of this series would be worth your time.