I never read the books. I loved the original Stand mini-series that they made in the 80's. It was corny but so was every other Stephen King movie in the 80's. It normally bothers me when these woke casting agents change the hair color, race, or other characteristics of the characters, but I've enjoyed many of the new characters. This review may change as I'm only the 3 episodes in, but so far, I've found it entertaining.