Conversations with Friends viewers all say the same thing as they compare Sally Rooney’s new show to Normal People

NOW that Conversations with Friends has finally graced our screens, the natural comparison to Normal People has been speculated on social media.

Both books are created by author Sally Rooney and the creative team behind both TV adaptations have been essentially the same as well.

But for those uninitiated to the books, it may seem that they are connected in the story.

Ahead of the show’s production, Lenny Abrahamson told the : “We’ve described it as a kind of cousin to Normal People.

“It’s still within that sort of – you can feel Sally’s writing, obviously – and there are similarities in how I’ll approach this, although there are also differences.

“It’s also 12 half-hour episodes like Normal People, so there is some kind of continuity.”

Conversations with Friends explores the lives of two students as they form a complex connection with a married couple.

And the story unpicks big topics like sexuality, morality and politics.

The BBC series boasts a big ensemble cast with the likes of Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Jemima Kirke and Joe Alwyn.

With the bar set high for new drama, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the same level of success as Normal People.

Considering how both stories are filmed in Northern Ireland and from the same production team, the natural assumption would be that it is a direct sequel. 

Despite common misconceptions, Conversations With Friends is not a sequel to Normal People.

Fans of the 2020 hit will be disappointed to hear this, considering the outpouring of love for Sally’s original TV adaptation.

Taking to Twitter, one person questioned: “Two episodes into Conversations with Friends and thinking of Normal People. Are they linked?”

Also linking the two, another person said: “I wish I wasn’t comparing it Conversations with Friends to Normal People. Not on the same level, but still hooked.”

While a third added: “I really want to watch Conversations with Friends, but I just know it’s going to twist me up like Normal People did.”

Conversations With Friends is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.