I like them both.
The show was good. But it didn’t feel in the same mood of Watchmen to me. I’m glad that you like it more. But to be fair, Doomsday Clock didn’t feel too Watcmeny either.
I’m not a purist or a die hard stubborn Watchmen/Moore fanatic. I like the graphic novel enough and Moore’s fictional narrative. But I disagree with some of his views on things and comics.
I haven’t read the before watchmen one shots.