Compare It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1 vs Sterling Point

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Malcolm's choices are the main sticking point: critical viewers felt his behavior did not match the responsibilities of a pastor or attentive father.

3 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Character choices are praised for staying true to established personalities even when viewers might wish someone would behave differently.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Most viewers value the wholesome tone, limited profanity, restrained sexual content, and focus on family. Mature themes and a few moral objections mean it is not universally suitable for children.

21 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Reviewers focused on family suitability say the profanity, sex, alcohol, weed, and smoking outweigh the show’s sweeter family themes for younger audiences.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Profanity is minimal and generally viewed as refreshingly restrained, although faith-focused guides still note occasional swearing as a content caveat.

4 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Content-focused reviews strongly criticize the amount of harsh profanity, including very frequent use of the f-word.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The script is praised as carefully thought out, with layered characters and emotional moments that serve more than the central romance.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

A content-focused critic felt the mystery would be stronger with a tighter script that kept more attention on the central plot.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The finale is the clearest source of frustration, particularly Lori's romantic choice and the last-minute reversal of the hoped-for pairing.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The final episode is generally praised for strong emotional payoff and a satisfying stopping point, although some reviewers wanted more answers to lingering family questions.

6 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The premiere moves confidently for some viewers, but others felt it races through exposition and romance before the relationships have enough time to settle.

4 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Individual episodes can start unevenly: some reviewers found the opening stretch either too frantic to absorb or too slow to maintain momentum.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The pilot wins viewers over despite a noticeable explainer-heavy setup that sometimes feels like conventional premiere groundwork.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

Reaction coverage praised the construction of key episodes for delivering multiple strong scenes and satisfying emotional beats.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The opening episode is repeatedly described as charming, compelling, and an excellent start, even when its exposition feels compressed.

4 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The pilot has an effective shock hook, but several reviewers found its setup slower, messier, or harder to settle into than the stronger later episodes.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The series often avoids an easy romantic resolution and can surprise viewers, but familiar child arcs, predictable tropes, and one strongly negative response limit the praise.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Although the show uses familiar summer-romance and secret-family tropes, reviewers strongly value it as original IP and repeatedly say it makes those ingredients feel fresh.

12 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The middle episodes are the weakest stretch for pacing, with criticism that the season becomes low-key, uneven, and less compelling week to week.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Pacing is one of the clearest tradeoffs: some love the luxurious, unhurried rhythm, while others think the season stretches reveals, rushes side arcs, or becomes heavy in the back half.

13 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The unresolved ending clearly points toward another season, though its payoff depends on future episodes following through.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

At least one major family-secret reveal is singled out as exactly the kind of sharp, cut-to-black cliffhanger a teen drama needs.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The large ensemble is introduced clearly, while David's motives and parts of the marital history remain underexplained.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

The expanding family tree and layered secrets can become confusing even for viewers who ultimately understand how the relationships fit together.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Sex is discussed or implied without graphic depiction, and several viewers praise the restraint. More conservative responses still object to dating and intimacy outside marriage.

3 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Family-oriented reviewers find the teen sexual material too mature, while other critics specifically appreciate that the show can be sexy and sex-positive without feeling exploitative.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The intertwined family story is widely praised as heartfelt, relatable, and compelling, with strong balance between adults and children. Critics cite clichés, overcrowded issues, and disappointing late choices.

29 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

The family mystery and sister relationship drive a compelling season, though some reviewers think the show occasionally gets lost among too many plot threads.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Light banter, awkward family moments, and Foley's easy humor keep the grief-heavy story from becoming oppressive without turning it into a broad comedy.

6 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Humor is praised for feeling organic to the characters and for relieving heavier family drama without undercutting it, with Connor frequently serving as comic relief.

5 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The strongest responses call the dialogue realistic and human, especially around grief and family conflict. One critic found it too close to sentimental or unnatural.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Natural teen dialogue is one of the strongest areas of agreement, with praise for overlapping speech, filler words, humor, and current vernacular. A handful of critics found some lines stilted, cringey, or overly polished.

21 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

A major drunk-driving crash is criticized for vanishing without a police report or consequences, creating a conspicuous break in narrative follow-through.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

The loose, improvisational style occasionally creates plotting gaps; one reviewer specifically called out glaring plot holes.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The eight-episode order frustrates viewers in opposite ways: one critic thinks the middle is padded, while another believes the season is far too short.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Two reviewers argue eight episodes are not enough for everything the ensemble and family story are trying to develop, especially secondary arcs.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Unpredictable choices and unanswered relationship questions keep viewers wondering what will happen next, supporting continued interest without turning the show into a thriller.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The family mystery hooks many viewers and encourages continued watching, though one critic found the mysteries interesting without enough narrative pull.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The adults and children receive distinct emotional struggles that make most of the ensemble easy to invest in. Detractors found some children unlikable and wanted serious problems addressed more responsibly.

24 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Character growth is a major strength, especially Annie and Ramona learning from each other and building a family bond. A few side arcs feel incomplete or compressed.

17 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The changing relationships and twists keep the story lively and increase anticipation for another season.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

The family reveals are usually praised as surprising and well timed, with multiple reviewers saying they genuinely did not see key turns coming. A minority felt some late twists chased shock over payoff.

8 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Writing is repeatedly praised as beautiful, humane, and emotionally layered, with faith and family issues woven together naturally. A few critics call it sappy, shallow, or clichéd.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

The writing is repeatedly described as witty, heartfelt, sincere, natural, and emotionally nuanced, especially in its handling of young people and family relationships.

7 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Several viewers finished the season in two days or said they could not stop watching. Even a more critical response still watched the full run in hopes of a stronger payoff.

7 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Reviewers repeatedly describe the season as addictive, hard to switch off, and easy to finish in one sitting; several actually binged all eight episodes at once.

12 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The series balances grief, romance, parenting, and faith with warmth and meaningful stakes. Its quieter, earnest style can feel too sappy or subdued for viewers wanting sharper drama.

9 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The emotional drama can be thoughtful and layered, but its deliberately gentle approach sometimes makes major conflicts feel tamer than their setup suggests.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The cast is one of the clearest strengths, with customers repeatedly praising believable performances. A small minority found the acting poor or disliked specific casting choices.

21 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

The ensemble is one of the clearest strengths: performances are repeatedly called natural, soulful, elevated, and emotionally convincing. A few reviews found some early delivery stilted before the cast settled in.

17 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Conflict resolution is usually presented as compassionate and constructive, but the drunk-driving crash drew sharp criticism for lacking police consequences or meaningful intervention.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Adult and teen mistakes are often treated with compassion, but some reviewers felt parental oversight and consequences were too light, especially around major family decisions.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes generate natural, lived-in chemistry that anchors the series, while the wider ensemble often feels like a believable interconnected family.

14 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Chemistry is a standout, especially the evolving Annie-Ramona sister bond and the wider friend group. Reviewers consistently say the relationships feel lived-in rather than assembled around plot mechanics.

10 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Grief, faith, divorce, addiction, parenting, and second chances are explored with compassion and few easy answers. Some viewers found the sheer number of issues excessive.

25 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Reviewers consistently praise the show for treating grief, identity, adoption, class, parental wounds, sisterhood, and growing up with more depth than a romance-first YA drama.

18 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

It is widely seen as a welcome revival of warm multigenerational family drama, combining comfort-viewing appeal with contemporary emotional complications.

14 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Critics repeatedly say the series refreshes familiar YA ingredients with wit, empathy, maturity, and a stronger focus on family and identity than romance alone.

8 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Faith is usually praised as sincere, welcoming, and naturally woven into modern family life rather than preachy. A vocal minority rejects the inclusive Christian portrayal as inauthentic or overly progressive.

28 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Queer relationships and a diverse friend group are widely praised for feeling normalized, central, and non-tokenized. One faith-based source strongly objected to that same content, making this a clear values-dependent split.

11 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Grief, divorce, parenting, and faith usually feel messy, relatable, and emotionally honest. Negative responses question the pastoral behavior, consequences, and volume of issues packed into the story.

41 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Authentic conversation and emotionally recognizable teen behavior are recurring strengths. The biggest realism caveats are extreme parental absence, wealth-fueled freedom, and occasionally fairy-tale convenience.

15 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Demand for another season is exceptionally strong, with many viewers explicitly asking for Season 2 and some wanting several more seasons.

48 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Several reviewers explicitly want a second season, citing unresolved family threads and continued investment in the characters rather than a cliffhanger alone.

6 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Tearful, heartfelt moments are a defining strength, with grief and family scenes repeatedly described as moving, hopeful, and earned rather than manipulative.

27 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Grief, sisterhood, family revelations, and the finale land hard for many reviewers, several of whom describe crying, feeling gut-punched, or being unexpectedly moved.

14 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Brad Silberling's direction is singled out for helping the slice-of-life material feel polished, emotionally clear, and impactful.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

Direction is praised for intimacy, emotional observation, and a confident sense of place, with Megan Park’s work repeatedly highlighted for keeping heightened material grounded.

3 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The finale delivers an intense, tissue-worthy emotional experience, even though its romantic outcome divides the audience.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

The season finale is described as jaw-dropping and admirable, with its emotional revelations providing a strong late payoff.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The restrained presentation suits many families with teens, but grief, self-harm, addiction, divorce, and other mature themes make it a questionable choice for younger children.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Content-focused reviewers consider the series better suited to mature viewers than younger teens because of sex, substance use, and strong language.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Its warm, accessible style reaches beyond a strictly faith-based audience and resonates especially with families and viewers who have experienced grief or divorce.

14 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The show reaches beyond a narrow teen audience, with reviewers saying its nostalgic tone, layered characters, and mature emotional concerns can work for adults as well as YA fans.

5 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The younger cast often earns standout praise for warmth, realism, and emotional range, particularly Cary Christopher and Caleb Baumann. One hostile response disliked how the children were presented.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

Supporting players frequently steal scenes, with Missi Pyle and Bo Bragason receiving especially enthusiastic notices.

3 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes earn especially strong praise for vulnerability, warmth, and emotional clarity. One critic tired of Foley repeating the same tearful expression.

11 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The leads carry demanding emotional material effectively overall, especially Ella Rubin, though one reviewer needed a few episodes to warm to her heightened delivery.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The broad response is highly positive, with many calling it refreshing, comforting, and easy to enjoy. The harshest critics found it unrealistic, overstuffed, or not worth finishing.

65 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

The overall response is strongly positive: reviewers call it charming, fun, compelling, and easy to recommend even when acknowledging familiar tropes or structural flaws.

14 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The overall production is described as polished and well made, reinforcing the sense that this is a higher-quality entry in faith-oriented television.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The physical world is praised for helping sell the personalities and cottage-country atmosphere rather than feeling like a generic backdrop.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Clean imagery and thoughtful framing support the emotional tone, including a restrained apparition device that keeps Jenny's absence visually present.

3 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

The Canadian lakeside imagery is near-universally praised: warm cabins, green-and-blue scenery, sunsets, water, and forests make the show feel soothing and transportive.

13 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The interconnected households, church, school, and neighborhood feel fully formed quickly, making it easy to settle into the characters' shared lives.

3 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

Sterling Point itself is a major attraction, with reviewers responding to the no-signal island bubble, local routines, cottage culture, and lived-in sense of place.

9 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

The casting drew strong praise for matching fresh young performers with recognizable adults while keeping the ensemble believable and distinctive.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

The central sisters receive rich attention, but supporting characters do not always get equal space. Connor is the most repeated example, with Sully and Maple also singled out as deserving more development.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

Most reviewers enjoy spending time with the warm, messy ensemble, though a minority found the characters too frivolous or lacking enough charm to fully connect.

6 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The picture is described as clean, steady, and professionally filmed, with clear visuals that avoid the murky darkness common in some dramas.

2 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The girls' wrestling storyline may feel contemporary and inclusive to some viewers, but it was also criticized as propaganda.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

One reviewer specifically argues the season works better as an all-at-once binge than it would as a weekly release.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

Romance is mostly praised for yearning, warmth, and emotional maturity, especially because it does not overwhelm the family story. One reviewer calls the love triangle the weakest thread and wanted more development.

12 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

One review specifically praises how the music is placed to strengthen emotional beats without feeling manipulative.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

The quiet, reflective tone generally holds, but one reviewer felt the final revelations briefly tip into soap-opera energy.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The limited violence is generally appreciated, with only school wrestling and bullying flagged as mild concerns rather than dominant content.

3 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Strong critical notices reinforce the show's appeal beyond its enthusiastic customer audience.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Parents appreciated the way the show encourages conversations about difficult issues, and one older viewer found its parenting lessons personally revealing.

4 supporting reviews

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

Some viewers are already encouraging rewatches or expect the series to become an easy comfort/background rewatch.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Included Prime access makes the series feel like an excellent value and worthwhile use of time. Its initial add-on placement was harder to justify for less enthusiastic viewers.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Sterling Point

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It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

One reviewer felt the promotion leaned harder on the love-triangle angle than the show itself, whose central relationship is really the sister bond and family mystery.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

The soundtrack is a consistent highlight, described as perfect, iconic, carefully curated, and well matched to the show’s lakeside mood and emotional turns.

6 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

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Sterling Point

The sparse technology and ambient sounds of water and nature are praised for strengthening the island’s escapist, face-to-face atmosphere.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence