When you don’t have to deal with network television standards and practices, the definition of “romance” can range fromsweet, chaste conversations to full-outsex scenes. But the perfect romance is, like real life, a mix of all genres — love can happen amid the most tumultuous circumstances or the most cliche of settings. Whether it’shigh schoolersexperiencing first love or thirtysomethings who have been around the block (and back), there are many ways to fall in love. The shows below are some of the best romances available to stream onNetflix, and they run the gamut between absolutely smutty trash and pure first love feelings.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest showsandmovies on Netflixas well as thebest romantic movieson the platform.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated August 2024 to include One Day.
‘One Day’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Based on the beloved novel byDavid Nicholls,One Dayfollows the romantic lives of Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) and Emma Morley (Ambika Mod). After meeting at a college graduation party in 1988, the pair spend the next day together, with the series following that exact date across several years in their rollercoaster lives. A gorgeous, immersive experience with a brilliantly nuanced touch of British history,One Dayis equal parts heartbreaking and warming. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Woodall and Mod in the starring roles, with their intricate chemistry some of the best of 2024. A doting homage to the original novel,One Dayis delightful. -Jake Hodges
Watch on Netflix
‘Bridgerton’ (2020 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 82% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Bridgerton
Set in the glamorous world of Regency London, the Bridgerton family maneuvers through the opulent and treacherous landscape of high society. Daphne Bridgerton, the family’s eldest daughter, enters the marriage market, sparking a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic Duke of Hastings.
Based on the hit regency romance book series fromJulia Quinnand adapted to television byChris Van Dusen,Bridgertonis produced by queen of dramaShonda Rhimes. With each season focusing on a different member of the Bridgerton family, the charming series joyfully embodies sweet and spicy romance with a clever narration fromJulie Andrews. After two seasons of biting wit, sizzling tension, and visual titillation, the exciting third season finally embarks on the highly anticipated story of the enigmatic Penelope Featherington, played beautifully byNicola Coughlan, as she is forced to confront her unrequited feelings for Colin (Luke Newton). Bursting with classic tropes, colorful costuming, and tugs on the heartstrings,Bridgertoncontinues to engage audiences and critics alike.
‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (2021)
IMDb: 8.4/10
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
A big-city dentist opens up a practice in a close-knit seaside village, home to a charming jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite in every way.
Set in a tranquil little village,Hometown Cha-Cha-Chafollows the beautiful and intelligent dentist Yoo Hye-jin (Shin Min-a) after she loses her job in Seoul. After accusing a superior of unethical business practices and blasting her name online, she is effectively shunned by the medical community. Unable to cut it in Seoul, she moves to a seaside village to open her own practice, where she meets jack-of-all-trades Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho). Sparks quickly fly between these two young, attractive people, though, of course, they are both quick to deny it. The series was developed by Studio Dragon and byKim Je-hyeonfortvN, with direction byYoo Je-wonand writing byShin Ha-eun.
A delightful slice-of-life Korean drama,Hometown Cha-Cha-Chais a wholesome story featuring a lovely town full of interesting characters. The series had extremely high viewership numbers when it aired in South Korea and has developed a dedicated international fan following since its debut on Netflix.Hometown Cha-Cha-Chawas also critically acclaimed and had a significant economic impact on the local tourism and retail industries, with fans flocking to the show’s filming locations and the products featured in the series seeing an uptick in sales.
‘Glamorous’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 47% | IMDb: 6.0/10
Jordan Nardino’sGlamorousis a ten-episode comedy-drama series rooted in the world of fashion. Madolyn Addison’s (Kim Cattrall) beauty company, the titularGlamorous, hires newbie Marco (Miss Benny), who uses their time as an intern to discover and evolve in their identity, bringing the business-driven Madolyn along with them.
Often drawing comparison toThe Devil Wears Pradadue to its plot and tone,Glamorousis flamboyant and unapologetic, injecting fun and style into every scene. The series is, at its heart, an energetic ode to those who don’t want to take life too seriously. Though critically panned and ultimately canceled after just one season,Glamorousdid make a mark on Netflix’s Top 10 lists and capture the attention of audiences worldwide.
‘Survival of the Thickest’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Survival of the Thickest
Michelle Buteau(Always Be My Maybe) stars inSurvival of the Thickest, an uproarious authentic comedy series based on Buteau’s book of the same name. Crafted with writer-producerDanielle Sanchez-Witzel(New Girl),Survival of the Thickestfollows Mavis (Buteau), a Black, plus-size fashion stylist forced to get her life back on track after a brutal breakup sets her back to square one. Besides its delightful lead,Survival of the Thickestalso features an incredible, hilarious, and diverse supporting cast, includingTone Bell,Tasha Smith(Empire), andLiza Treyger, along withGarcelle Beauvais
Launching off the simple premise and elevated by beautiful themes of body positivity and chosen family,Survival of the Thickestshines thanks to the performances of its aforementioned cast. The series received generally favorable reviews from critics and has proven to be popular with audiences as well.
‘Cable Girls’ (2017 - 2020)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Cable Girls
Cable Girlsis a Spanish period drama set in late 1920s Madrid that follows four young women who operate the switchboards at a brand-new phone company. The four main heroines who drive this story each come from different backgrounds, approaching their budding careers and pursuits of love in their own unique ways. Together, they overcome the worst parts of their lives, like an abusive father, poverty, and murder. Created byRamón CamposandGema R. Neira, the series starsAna Fernández,Nadia de Santiago,Blanca Suárez, andMaggie Civantosas its four leads.
Cable Girlswas critically acclaimed during its run and received numerous awards, including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Scripted Television Series (Spanish-language) in 2018. The series has a sleek feel with stylized shots that give the whole show a unique old-timey feel, which is a wonderful contrast to the fleshed-out progressive women at the core of the story. Also, people kiss.
‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.4/10
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Betrothed against her will to King George, young Charlotte arrives in London on her wedding day and faces scrutiny from the monarch’s cunning mother.
A limited series spin-off to the Netflix hit seriesBridgerton,Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyis set before the events of the novels byJulia Quinnand features a whole cast of original characters. The story jumps back and forth between the present 1800s continuity of the main show and the past setting as it explores the backstory of the titular queen. The show tells the story of the courtship between a young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George III (Corey Mylchreest) and the way it reshapes the foundations of 1700s Britain moving forward.
Queen Charlotteexpertly uses its timeshifts to heighten the drama in masterful ways. This six-episode run has all the steamy romance and delightful character moments you expect from aBridgertonseries and even maintains the tradition of retro renditions of modern songs. The series debuted at number one on Netflix’s Top 10 charts in 91 different countries, going on to receive critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
‘XO, Kitty’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 6.5/10
XO, Kittycontinues the story of the Covey family from the hit romantic film trilogyTo All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.Anna Cathcartreprises her role of little sister Kitty, appearing alongsideAnthony Keyvan,Minyeong Choi, andJocelyn Shelfo. The series focuses on Kitty’s teen years and the romances she encounters. Created byJenny Han(who also wrote the originalTo All The Boysbooks and executive produced the Netflix adaptations),XO, Kittytakes the titular character on an unexpected international journey, moving her from the comforts of her home to be with her long-distance boyfriend.
With high viewership numbers and favorable reviews from critics,XO, Kittyis a delightful addition to theTo All The Boysuniverse. The show was a hit with fans of the film trilogy and has been renewed for a second season.
‘The Mindy Project’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.5/10
The Mindy Project
Created by and starring the hilariousMindy KalingofThe Officefame,The Mindy Projectis a refreshing rom-com about Mindy Lahiri – an OB/GYN in New York City. Throughout the show, Mindy attempts to balance her personal and professional life with sometimes disastrous and funny results. Besides Kaling, the series also featuresChris Messina,Ed Weeks, andIke Barinholtz.
The Mindy Projectconsistently received positive reviews across its six seasons and won multiple awards. Kaling, in particular, received high praise for her work on the show, both as an actor and as the series creator. The sitcom makes for an irresistibly charming and witty workplace comedy that perfectly captures Kaling’s specific brand of humor.
‘Friends from College’ (2017 - 2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 26% | IMDb: 6.9/10
Friends From College
Friends from Collegeis two short seasons of hilarity carefully crafted by co-creatorsFrancesca DelbancoandNicholas Stoller. With a stellar cast includingKeegan-Michael Key(Reboot),Fred Savage, andCobie Smulders(How I Met Your Mother), the series follows a group of Harvard alum classmates as they navigate adulthood, balance platonic and romantic relationships, and are forced to confront turning forty. In the vein ofFriends,Happy Endings, andNew Girl,Friends from Collegecontinues the trend of chosen family sitcoms, diving deep into the funny, awkward, and sometimes painful dynamics between these longtime friends.
Though the series performed poorly with critics,Friends from Collegeis a show that has a lot going for it — especially the performances by its ensemble cast, who manage to take a group of singularly dislikable characters and present them with humanity. With a relatable premise, plenty of star power, and a well-crafted plot,Friends from Collegehad all the ingredients necessary to dominate the comedy landscape; if only it wasn’t canceled so soon.
