Series versus serials

I have seen a trend lately in books series where book one doesn't really stand alone, rather it feels like part one of a larger story. It doens't have its own arc, or climax. Each story is a continuation of the last story. It seems more like a serial, book one stops the action with no resolution. Have you noticed this trend? Do you like it? Or do you prefer a series is where each book has it's own conflict that has to be solved by the end of the book and an overarching goal to be achieved by the end of the series? #askingforawriterfriend