Just to be clear, this is for teens, so if you are much older and not getting it or seeing clear similarities between the books and the show it's because 1) you are not their target audience and 2) it's 2019 so of course they have to move with the times and introduce sex, technology, etc. I loved Vampire Diaries, even The Originals was ok. Their DC universe works too. In general CW get it right for their teen audience, but the fact of the matter is that this is disorganised, lacking in storyline, unbelievable, weak characters etc - nothing actually to do with it being Nancy Drew. It is just a badly written and acted series, for teens and woke adults alike. There is so much talent out there, why not find some original content rather than butchering a well respected and loved brand.