The highly anticipated Netflix show, “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” became available for streaming on Jan. 13. With high expectations from viewers, the remake proved to be just as interesting yet more entertaining than its predecessors.

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” was first a book written by Lemony Snicket, then a movie in 2004 and later a video game. Having high box office numbers and an easy-to-follow plot, the franchise developed a cult following over the years.

The show, as well as its predecessors, describe the plight of the Baudelaire children, whose rich parents mysteriously disappear in a house fire. From there, they are taken to Count Olaf’s (Neil Patrick Harris) house, but that excursion is short lived as his intentions to take the Baudelaires’ trust funds and kill them once the oldest, Violet (Malina Weissman), comes of age, are made public. After that, the children move from one caregiver to the next as each one is killed by a disguised Olaf.

Netflix’s version of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” goes beyond the plot line of the original movie and book. While keeping the elements that made the movie and book big hits, such as the characters and videography, it also highlights the parents, who are presumably killed in the fire, as they send clues to the different caregivers in attempt to bring their children to safety so they can live happily ever after.

The executives take a risk with the tone of the series by emphasizing humor, but it is generally well-received. Lemony Snicket (Patrick Warburton) offers comic relief as he narrates the Baudelaires’ eventful journey through Francis Underwood-esque (“House of Cards”) asides. However, it can be seen as unnecessary and aggravating at times. Some of the jokes are overly blunt and draw focus away from the story.

While “A Series of Unfortunate Events” has a few minor problems, it is an interesting show that builds on the original storyline while keeping it engaging for viewers who have read the book or watched the movie. First-time watchers and those who grew up with the franchise alike will enjoy the timeless plot and characters as well as the new additions to the storyline and tongue-and-cheek humour.