If they called the series something else and did not attach to Anne Rice's novels of the Mayfair Witches, maybe it would be good as a stand alone. I have read the series, and there are so many gaps. I've only watched one episode and felt so totally confused. I felt like that first episode went back and forth in history, if you didn't know the story line, I honestly do not know how you could keep up. As far as the acting, I felt the actors did the best they could with what the writers gave them to work with. Being that I am no actor, I could only imagine how hard it would be if you knew the story vs playing the part.
I don't think I'll watch the rest of the series. So, if you read the novels, I do not suggest watching. If you haven't read the novels and you like gothic mysteries, you may like it.