this is another manga series which like kimi ni todoke got a newer drama adaptation. although I prefer the movie of ao haru ride from 2014, I did like seeing extra scenes from the manga in this version. BUT none of the live actions ever covered the actual retreat scene, which I guess doesn't matter too much for the romance, but it would've been nice to see that.
the anime only has 1 season and a few OVAs but otherwise it feels quite incomplete and only covers roughly 3/13 volumes of the manga, whereas this first season (eight 25min episodes) jumps through scenes all the way till about volume 6!! but fails to include some important plot points from the manga and thus rushes through the romance aspect. All this to say I do think the cast looks a bit more like the anime BUT I still still prefer the movie cast. the only actor I like in this is Kou. I'll keep my eye out when the second season airs next year though.

p.s. the kikuchi actor they chose looks too much like plastic! even the actor in the movie looks way better lol (nothing against the actor personally though, but I'm not a fan of kpop looking guys lol)