Four years after the hit action-thriller movie Limitless, one of Bradley Cooper’s more successful movies, the concept has now been transformed into a TV show. Although the movie had a decent ending, the TV show serves as a sequel to the already completed movie. The TV show’s trailers look promising. However, it seems that the TV show will have the same plot with exciting new twists.

Beginning Sept. 22, three episodes have been released, every Tuesday at 10 p.m. PST. This crime drama TV series stars Jake McDorman, Jennifer Carpenter and Hill Harper. Cooper will also play a recurring role and will serve as executive producer on the TV series. The story centers on Brian Finch (played by McDorman), an unsuccessful musician who does not know what to do with his future at age 28. He suddenly is introduced to NZT-48, a miracle drug that allows him to access 100 percent of his brain. For approximately 12 hours, he becomes the smartest person in the world who can remember every detail in his life, allowing Finch to achieve impossible tasks.

This familiar cast delivers great performances, making the characters in the movie believable and enjoyable to watch. The setting is perfect for the plot, taking place in New York City where the main character can use his extreme knowledge in a vast area. Also, the effects used in the movie to portray the consumption of NZT is used perfectly in a way that complements the surroundings. These are the exact upsides that made the movie a success.

The thrilling plot used in the TV show feels monotonous due to the movie’s similar plot. As a result, some viewers were immediately bored and quickly dismissed the show. After the first episode, the TV show’s plot starts to deviate from the movie’s plot. Disappointedly, it takes the generic FBI route, and after the first episode, the TV show feels like a copy of NCIS. The only pleasurable moments to the TV show is Finch’s personal life and the mysteries of NZT.

Not only does the TV show take a generic route, but the audience expects more scenes with Bradley Cooper. Cooper only appears for about five minutes or less in each 45-minute episode. Moreover, NZT is only used for a couple of reasons, and notably only to solve crimes. The show’s directors leave out the best points of NZT such as the fighting, socializing and other enjoyable activities that made the show exciting. The show does demonstrate the uses and climax of NZT but less than the movie.

These all are elements that could have been an awesome sequel. However, creator Craig Sweeny loses the audience’s interest as soon as he drifts into the generic crime drama route. The TV show needs to stay consistent with the mysteries behind NZT. As of right now, the TV version does not surpass the movie and could be passed.