Long-time fan of the Shanara book series, by author Terry Brooks. I'm always skeptical when a treasured book is turned into a movie or TV show, but I have to say, MTV has done a more than credible job, based on the two-hour series premier episode, "Chosen". This series actually starts out where book 2, "Elfstones of Shanara", begins, though it does make some references to the first book, "Sword of Shanara". I won't include any spoilers, though I will say there are some changes to the story line, though the original characters are all who, when, and generally where there were in the book. The cinematography is breathtaking, taking a page from "Force Awakens" in it's use of actual sets and make-up, in conjunction with CGI and the spectacular scenery of New Zealand. Acting is generally very good, as is the dialog. John Reyes Davies plays the Elven king, Eventine, and does a very decent job. Not your usual made-for-TV abomination, like some of the SiFi channel garbage of late. Very high production values, and a real commitment to the feel of the books. Check it out, if you're a fan of the books, or of the fantasy genre in general. Again, without giving too much away, the occasional remnants of "the old world" sprinkled throughout the scenery provides important glimpses and clues to the background of this fantasy universe without getting in the way of the current story.
