They say true love always triumphs. But first, it must endure the many hardships and heartbreaks that come with it.Romance, as a genre, is universal for a reason. After all, who does not love a good story that leaves us with a roller coaster of emotions? FromJane Austen’s classicsto Hollywood’s never-ending stream of original tales, there’s something in the genre to satisfy all our taste buds.
Television, particularly, has proven the perfect medium to explore romance in all its messy glory. Long-running TVdramaslikeBridgertonandVirgin Riverhave shown that pairing breathtaking visuals with emotionally resonant plots makes for a binge-worthy romance. However, as tempting as it is tolose yourself in a rich and detailed romance, real life has a habit of getting in our way and leaving us with little time to indulge in our favorite shows.
Well, in moments where you’re craving a romantic fix but only have limited time to commit, you can turn to any of these short romance series on this list. Ranging from historical tales likeJane Eyreto contemporary queer romances likeFeel Good, each of these shows are short enough to binge in a day.
10Jane Eyre (2006)
Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel has several adaptations across film and TV. 2006’sJane Eyre, however, stands out in its style and storytelling. In it, a young Jane Eyre, orphaned and alone, finds work as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets her employer, Edward Rochester, a brooding man dealing with his own demons. As Jane and Mr. Rochester grow close, secrets from their past threaten to destroy their love before it burgeons.
Known Forever as the Great Romantic Tragedy
Retelling a haunting classic is no easy feat, butJane Eyredoes so beautifully. Sally Hawkins and Toby Stephens embody Jane and Mr. Rochester with simmering intensity. Their tender moments of intimacy and longing gazes from across the room amplify every scene. Director Susanna White strips the source material to its essence by focusing on the atmosphere of mystery, emotional layers, and timeless visuals.
9From Scratch (2022)
Moving on from the heartbreaking stuff to a more profound yet equally beautiful series, we haveFrom Scratch, a romantic miniseries that follows the real-life love story of Saro and Tembi Locke. The latter co-created the show with her sister, Attica. Zoe Saldaña stars as Amy, a young woman who goes against her parents’ wishes to take a break from law school andspend the summer exploring artin Florence, Italy. There she meets Lino, an Italian chef, who changes her life forever.
Emotionally Resonant With a Stunning Aesthetic To Match
The question thatFrom Scratchasks is – how long can a love survive the harsh realities of life it was never meant to withstand? Based on Locke’s own memoir, this underrated Netflix series has both a sweeping romance and a bittersweet reality. Saldaña is radiant as ever in her role of a woman determined to love fully. Eugenio Mastrandrea matches her in charm.
But like all love stories go, they must face certain tragedies and let themselves suffer. Overall,From Scratchis both real and reassuring in its romance.
8Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Bridgerton’ssuccess led Netflix to explore one of its character’s life before the events of the series through a prequel spin-off.Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyis set in the 1760s, and it follows young Queen Charlotte as she navigates her rise to prominence and her marriage to King George III. Though life in the royal court is far from what she expected, the Queen’s intelligence helps her forge a path and find common ground with George and his mental illness.
A Lavish and Tender Origin Story
Written and directed by Shonda Rhimes, this miniseries expands on the rich world ofBridgertonwith a measured and thoughtful gaze by offering interesting views on love, marriage, and feminine power.
Charlotte’s journey critiques the limiting expectations placed on women. At the same time, it explores the eventual freedom earned by Charlotte’s lady-in-waiting, Lady Danbury. India Ria Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest breathe majestic yet deeply human layers of chemistry into their characters and tap into the longing we all feel for love. As an added bonus, the period drama also features a delightful queer love story.
TV Shows With the Most Spin-Offs
Some shows have managed to strike gold multiple times, creating spin-offs that are just as successful - if not more so - than the original.
7Fellow Travelers (2023)
Fellow Travelers
There’s something so mesmerizing about period tales that you simply cannot look away. Add a forbidden romance trope to the story and what you get isFellow Travelers. Set in postwar 1950s Washington D.C., it follows Hawkins Fuller, a WWII veteran and official at the State Department, who takes a newly promoted staffer, Timothy Laughlin, under his wing. As the two navigate their growing affection amidst a treacherous political landscape and Cold War mysteries, the threat of being exposed looms overhead.
A Love That Rises Above the Cold War
A tale of love in the 1950s McCarthy era seems unusual to hear about, but with Ron Nyswaner’s expert writing and direction from multiple directors like Daniel Minahan, Uta Briesewitz, and more,Fellow Travelersbecomes an exceptional series.
At the story’s heart isa compelling intimacy sharedby Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, whose adoring gazes speak loudly of a love before its time. The retro setting paired with political friction act as a fabulous setting to reflect on how far we’ve come.
6Scenes From a Marriage (2021)
A delectable but devastating drama from the mind of Hagai Levi,Scenes From a Marriageis a remake of Ingmar Bergman’s Swedish miniseries of the same name. It follows Jonathan and Mira, a modern couple everyone believes is perfect. But behind closed doors, they are grappling with the complexities of a marriage strained to its limits.
Trading barbs and tears across the kitchen table, they lay every emotion bare and wonder when exactly their deep and loving connection turned into spite.
Not an Easy Watch, But Worth Every Minute
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain are a sight to behold as the commanding leads, where each flinch is a heartbeat exposed. Levi makes sure to span the episodes across years to highlight the thought and comfort needed to dissect a relationship that was once so genuine. The scenes are also excruciatingly precise indelivering hard truths about marriageand two people not being perfect.
Scenes From a Marriagecaptures the calm before the storm, the storm itself, and how two people weather it in an unflinchingly honest way.
5Pride & Prejudice (1995)
Pride and Prejudice
BeforeKeira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen blew our minds awaywith their whirlwind romance in Joe Wright’s directorial debut, Jane Austen’s beloved novel was adapted into a British TV drama consisting of six episodes. In 1813 England, Mrs. Bennet cannot wait to marry her daughters off to eligible men. When the rich bachelor, Mr. Darcy enters their lives, there are severe contradictions between him and Elizabeth. Will their pride allow their prejudices to soften?
The Adaptation That Would Make Austen Proud
Far more than a tale of manners and budding romance, this exquisite BBC adaptation brings the scathing social commentary and biting satire of Austen’s works to life. Simon Langton stays faithful to the source material, and under his nimble gaze, the story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is as fresh as in the novel’s first reading. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth play the leads. Ehle is perfect as the lovably stubborn Lizzy caught between her heart and headstrong ways, while Firth is enigmatic as a man learning humility. Even 25 years later,Pride & Prejudiceremains a must-watch for fans of the genre.
4Feel Good (2020 – 2021)
InFeel Good, Mae Martin stars as a comedian self-navigating love and sobriety in contemporary Manchester. After meeting George, a reserved middle-class English woman, Mae ends up falling in love and they begin dating. However, their past of addiction and George’s reluctance to come out to her friends and family complicates their relationship.
Paints an Intimate Portrait With Just a Handful of Episodes
Co-created by Mae Martin and Joe Hampson,Feel Goodis a semi-autobiographical drama. It is told with candid bravery and subtle humor, which is Martin’s brand. Every episode gently dives into themes of sexuality, identity, addiction, and recovery in a way that’s seldom seen on screen. Charlotte Ritchie accompanies Martin by playing their girlfriend, and they’re both complex and messy, but relatable and empathetic.Feel Goodis feel-good for the most part, but it also packs an emotional wallop or two.
3One Day (2024)
You have seen the film before, and if you’re a hopeless romantic, you probably didn’t like the ending either. Netflix’sOne Daybrings back a beloved tale of ill-fated lovers, Emma and Dexter. The series spans decades in their lives, from their meet-cute on graduation day in 1988, to their close friendship as they support each other through every milestone – first jobs, relationships, travels, heartbreaks – and finally, to them confessing their feelings and planning a life together. Until their “one day” takes a wrong turn.
A Generation-Spanning Romance That Still Holds Up
Told episodically each year on July 15th, this simple yet poignant romance teases the viewers with a frustratingly beautiful will-they-won’t they and allows two endearing characters (and their relationship) to evolve credibly over time. Through laughter and tears, through silly jokes and dark nights, Emma and Dexter find a way to become who they’re meant to be. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall breathe a refreshing life into David Nicholls’ novel, making the series perfect to watch for anyone wistful for youth.
10 Best Shows Like Netflix’s One Day to Fill The Void
Netflix’s recent romantic drama, One Day, has struck a chord with fans. Here are 10 similar shows to fill the void left by Emma and Dexter’s story.
2Normal People (2020)
Normal People
Adapted from Sally Rooney’s 2018 novel of the same name,Normal Peoplespans the highs and lows of young love shared by Connell and Marianne, two Irish teens from different social backgrounds. Beginning with their final days in secondary school to their college years and beyond, the series explores their complex and untangling relationship.
A Romance With Heartbreaking Depth
Connell and Marianne are deeply unhappy people; one struggles with understanding his own desires and goals, the other seeks validation out of romantic relationships and has a hard time viewing herself as important. Together, they are doomed.
And yet, under Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald’s direction, and with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal at the helm, they emerge as lovers learning to love each other and themselves. Daisy and Paul deliver breathtakingly real performances, adding depth and tenderness to subtle gestures and mundane activities. Overall,Normal Peopleis a moving miniseries.
1Heartstopper (2022 – Present)
Heartstopper
A modest hit on Netflix since its release,Heartstopperis a coming-of-age series that primarily centers around Charlie Spring, an openly gay teenager who develops feelings for his classmate, Nick Nelson. Nick is a rugby player who’s still navigating his sexuality. When Charlie and Nick form a sweet friendship, they learn more about each other and their bond eventually blossoms into young love.
A Wholesome Embrace for Queer Love Stories
Adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel of the same name,Heartstopperdepicts queer youth with uncommon grace. The live-action version is filled to the brim with beauty, fond moments, and adorable character interaction. Particularly, Charlie and Nick’s transition from friends to boyfriends is immaculate. Joe Locke and Kit Connor lead a breakout ensemble that includes William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Tobie Donovan, Corinna Brown, and Kizzy Edgell. The show is as much aboutthe lead couple as it is about their friends, but the takeaway of it all is that love is love.
