So, apparently the reason ST: Picard is nothing like TNG is because Patrick Steward actually asked it to be darker and for Jean Luc Picard to be burdened by disappointments and regrets.
In fact, not only is ST Picard different from TNG by design, but Patrick Steward explicitly gave as a condition for his return that it shouldn't be anything like TNG.
Star Trek: Picard showrunner and writer Michael Chabon recently did an impromptu Q&A on his Instagram where he addressed a number of fan concerns regarding the newly released Star Trek show.
www.themix.net
In other words, Patrick Steward could've asked for a show more like TNG, but, instead, he wanted to basically replicate Logan, but with Star Trek. TBH, it seems a huge part this show is this bad is thanks to him.
He was more interested in ranting about current year issues than actually continuing the legacy of Star Trek.