By: Megan Hastings

Media Production Editor

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 literary novel, Daisy Jones & The Six, was recently adapted into a miniseries that premiered on Amazon Prime on Mar. 3. The novel explores the deep music culture of Los Angeles in the 1970’s. The themes of partying and freedom present in the book translate into the miniseries, painting a picture of a talented, charismatic band trying to navigate the lifestyle of rock stars and their complicated relationships with one another. 

Reid’s novel is told from the point of view of each band member speaking in interviews for a fictional biography about the band. The multi-layered narration provides events chronologically, but from different perspectives, showcasing how complicated a seemingly simple story can be. The book starts with the upbringing of Daisy Jones, the daughter of a successful painter and model, in LA, where she is surrounded by the art and music scene. Teenager Daisy Jones grows up with hands-off parents who allow her to sneak out to meet rock stars in the middle of the night. Soon, the manager of a band called The Six enlists Daisy to sing a duet with lead singer Billy. When the duo debuts, they become a worldwide sensation, cementing Daisy’s spot in the band. However, tensions in the group rise as relationships become muddled, such as the one between Daisy, Billy, and Billy’s girlfriend, Camila. 

Despite the dramatic relationships in the book, Reid focuses much of the story on the emotional struggles the characters face. Billy’s addiction to drugs and alcohol, alongside Daisy’s desperation, is deeply woven into the band, their tours, and their songs, which adds to the compelling glamor of the rock n’ roll scene behind the book. The novel became a New York Times bestseller after its release. A year before the book’s release, Reese Witherspoon and her production company, Hello Sunshine, bought the rights for the show.

             The TV miniseries captures the same Fleetwood Mac energy that Reid’s original novel emulates. The sets are cleverly designed after real-life locations in Los Angeles, including the Sunset Strip and Laurel Canyon. The costume designs take clear inspiration from the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, 70s icon Stevie Nicks. While the original book touches on the relationships between all members, the miniseries focuses on the previously mentioned love triangle within the band between Daisy, Billy, and Camila. Their complicated relationship comes across as realistic and makes for a genuinely frustrating plot that will have you screaming at your screen in a good way. 

The authentic interactions between the characters can be attributed to the talented ensemble cast. Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis; Me Before You actor Sam Clafin; and musician Suki Waterhouse are only some of the new and seasoned actors who bring to life the story of a glamorous yet troubled group of musicians navigating the all-encompassing life of fame.