The Best Romantic Shows on Netflix Right Now

Creator: Kim Je-hyeon (tvN)

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi

Set in a tranquil little village, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha follows 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, and there she meets a 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. A delightful slice-of-life Korean drama, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is a wholesome story featuring a delightful town full of interesting characters. — Therese Lacson

Creator: Liz Gateley, Gary Auerbach, Adam DiVello

Cast: Jessica Smith, Lauren Conrad, Alex Hooser

Laguna Beach is a drama reality show that documents the lives of a group of students living in Orange County, California, and attending Laguna Beach High School together. The show’s mission statement is to show the real OC through the eyes of these young adults, and as you might imagine, those eyes were mostly looking for love. The high school drama of different cliques beefing is still in the forefront, but the biggest appeal is the love triangles and that relatable moment when a high school sweetheart is going off to college and the big decisions have to be made about what comes next. While definitely a product of its time, the show is quaint and nostalgic — like candy for the brain.

Creator: Michelle Buteau

Cast: Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, Marouane Zotti, Liza Treyger, Tasha Smith

Michelle Buteau (Always Be My Maybe) stars in Survival of the Thickest, an uproarious authentic comedy series based on Buteau’s book of the same name. Crafted with writer-producer Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (New Girl), Survival of the Thickest follows 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. Launching off the simple premise and elevated by beautiful themes of body positivity and chosen family, Survival of the Thickest shines due to an incredible, hilarious, and diverse cast, including Tone Bell, Tasha Smith (Empire), and Liza Treyger, along with Garcelle Beauvais. – Yael Tygiel

Creator: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Teresa Fernández-Valdés

Cast: Blanca Suárez, Ana Fernández, Nadia de Santiago, Yon González, Ana Polvorosa

Cable Girls is a Spanish period drama set in late 1920s Madrid and 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 pursuit of love in their own ways — but together, they overcome the worst parts of their lives, like an abusive father, poverty, and murder. 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. –Tauri Miller

Creator: Shonda Rhimes

Cast: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell

This limited series spin-off to the Netflix hit series Bridgerton is set before the events of the novels by Julia Quinn and features a whole cast of original characters. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story tells the story of the marriage 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. The show jumps back and forth between the present 1800s continuity of the main show and the past setting of the courtship timeline and expertly uses the timeshifts to heighten the drama in masterful ways. This six-episode run has all the steamy romance and delightful character moments you expect from a Bridgerton series and even maintains the tradition of retro renditions of modern songs.

Creator: Jenny Han

Cast: Anna Cathcart, Anthony Keyvan, Minyeong Choi, Jocelyn Shelfo

XO, Kitty continues the story of the Covey family from the hit romantic film trilogy To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Anna Cathcart reprises her role of little sister Kitty in a series that focuses on her teen years and the romances she encounters. Created by Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty), XO, Kitty takes the titular character on an unexpected international journey, moving her from the comforts of her home to be with her long-distance boyfriend. Co-starring Anthony Keyvan, Minyeong Choi, and Jocelyn Shelfo, XO, Kitty is a delightful addition to the To All The Boys universe. – Yael Tygiel

Creator: Dean Georgaris

Cast: Victor Rasuk, Nathalie Kelley, Dan Bucatinsky

Adapted from a successful Israeli series with the same name and plot, The Baker and the Beauty is an adorable, short-lived romantic drama. Featuring underrated actor Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal), The Baker and the Beauty stars Victor Rasuk (Reasonable Doubt) as Daniel, a blue-collar baker whose path miraculously crosses with international fashion superstar Noa (Nathalie Kelley). Adapted for American television by Dean Georgaris, The Baker and the Beauty provides soapy twists over the course of nine charming episodes, flowing through a river of cliches to build tension for the growing but tragically cut-short romance. – Yael Tygiel

Created by: Lauren Iungerich, Jamie Uyeshiro, Jamie Dooner, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft

Cast: Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Bryana Salaz, Tenzing Norgay Trainor

Spinning off from the Netflix hit series On My Block is a fresh story with a brand-new batch of teens. The new gang, led by the ever-hilarious Keyla Monterroso Mejia (Abbot Elementary), dips their toes into supernatural territory when they potentially unleash a deadly curse. But who has time to worry about that when your sister is trying to ruin you, your crush is finally paying attention, and you’re the only thing keeping your friend group together? In addition to being diverse and full of LGBTQ+ representation, the focus on family and close friendships is what makes Freeridge a standout series that uses these relationships, romantic and platonic, to keep the wild situations relatable and fun. – Tauri Miller

Created by: Mindy Kaling

Cast: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ed Weeks, Anna Camp

Created by and starring the hilarious Mindy Kaling of The Office fame, The Mindy Project is 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. Also featuring the quirky co-workers who work with her at her small practice, The Mindy Project makes for an irresistibly charming and witty workplace comedy. – Taylor Gates

Creators: Francesca Delbanco, Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Annie Parisse, Nat Faxon, Fred Savage

Friends from College is two short seasons of hilarity carefully crafted by co-creators Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller. With a stellar cast including Keegan-Michael Key (Reboot), Fred Savage, and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Friends from College was destined to be funny and could have dominated network television, but was canceled too soon. In the vein of Friends, Happy Endings, and New Girl, Friends from College continues the trend of chosen family sitcoms, following these Harvard alum classmates as they navigate adulthood, platonic and romantic relationships, and are forced to confront turning forty. – Yael Tygiel

Creator: Sarah Lampert

Cast: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Jennifer Robertson, Felix Mallard

Ginny and Georgia is a captivatingly messy teen drama about a dysfunctional mother and daughter where fifteen-year-old Ginny Miller is often more mature than her charmingly irresistible and dynamic mother Georgia. Created by Sarah Lampert, Ginny and Georgia merges teen angst, delightful humor, and a hint of mystery, as the first season slowly and deliberately uncovers Georgia’s secrets and dangerous past. Starring Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey (Batwoman) as the titular mother-daughter duo, the cast of supporting characters in Ginny and Georgia, including Schitt’s Creek alum Jennifer Robertson, are equally as layered and enthralling as the Miller family. – Yael Tygiel

Created by: Attica Locke, Tembi Locke

Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Danielle Deadwyler, Judith Scott

Based on creator Tembi Locke’s memoir of the same name, From Scratch is a gorgeous romance set against the equally gorgeous backdrop of Italy. The show follows Amy (Zoe Saldaña), a law student with a passion for art who falls in love with a chef named Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea). The two face obstacles, including familial pressure and other flames. From Scratch shows a passionate relationship over several years, and Saldaña and Mastrandrea have excellent chemistry. Have Postmates open while you watch, though, as the food scenes are sure to make you hungry. – Taylor Gates

Creators: Katharina Eyssen, Lena Stahl

Cast: Philip Froissant, Devrim Lingnau, Svenja Jung,

The Empress is a German romantic period drama about European royalty starring Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary and Devrim Lingnau as Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria, sister of his betrothed. Created by Katharina Eyssen and Lena Stahl, The Empress brings to the forefront the journey of a progressive young woman who rebels against the rigid society in which she lives, as well as the layered ruler whose decisions will shape European history. With a narrative deeply rooted in a story of love and politics, The Empress explores the spark that ignited, the dangerous path set forth, and the power struggles that these two families must confront. – Yael Tygiel

Created by: Stacy Rukeyser

Cast: Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos

If you’re looking for a steamy drama, look no further than Sex/Life. The series centers around Billie (Sarah Shahi), a suburban mom who’s growing bored in her marriage with her husband Cooper (Mike Vogel). When her ex Brad (Adam Demos) reenters the picture and tries to win her back, Billie’s past and present collide – with sometimes sexy, other times very messy results. This erotic melodrama is sure to please fans of 50 Shades of Grey and the like. – Taylor Gates

Creator: Maggie Friedman

Cast: Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, Ben Lawson, Beau Garrett

Based on the novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, Firefly Lane spans several decades, following friends Tully and Kate as they meet as teens into adulthood. The two have a plethora of differences – Tully was raised by a drug-addicted mother and is now a popular TV host; Kate is a single mother trying to get back into the workforce – but have remained close throughout the years. However, that’s not to say there isn’t a fair amount of challenges and drama, especially stemming from old flames and new relationships alike. Firefly Lane is comforting and warm, with an interesting edge that sets it apart. – Taylor Gates

Creators: Lisa Ambjörn, Lars Beckung, Camilla Holter

Cast: Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gårdinger

Young Royals is a perfectly blended queer young adult drama following an adolescent prince who is learning what it means to represent both his family and his people as he attends a prestigious boarding school for high-status teens. Starring Edvin Ryding as Prince Wilhelm, Young Royals provides Ryding an opportunity to show off his range with a character who must present both strength and vulnerability in nearly every scene. Adding to the angst and drama is the blossoming romance between Prince Wilhelm and Simon, played by Omar Rudberg. The first season of Young Royals is oozing with tension and excitement, ideal for viewers who enjoy high school dramas. – Yael Tygiel

Developed by: Sue Tenney

Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Jenny Cooper

Virgin River centers on Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a midwife and nurse practitioner who moves to the small Northern California town of Virgin River, looking for a fresh start. However, she quickly finds that things aren’t quite as simple as she was expecting: her house is falling apart, the local doctor doesn’t trust her, and she’s still haunted by a disasterous past relationship. But as time goes on, Mel slowly begins to carve out a space for herself in the community and may even open herself up to the idea of love again. Virgin River is a quiet, feel-good watch that’s perfect if you need something soft and sweet to lift your spirits. – Taylor Gates

Creator: V. E. Schwab

Based on the short story by: V.E. Schwab

Cast: Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis, Aubin Wise, Elizabeth Mitchell

Vampires never get old… and neither do their stories. In Savannah, Georgia, monsters are public knowledge, and staying secret is vastly important, especially for the powerful Fairmont family. But as strange things start to occur, secrets are spilled out into the world, causing monster hunters to arrive. Netflix’s First Kill follows the forbidden and blossoming lesbian love story between legacy vampire Juliette Fairmont (Sarah Catherine Hook) and hunter Calliope “Cal” Burns (Imani Lewis). As their feelings for one another grow, so does the complex nature of their relationship and the two opposing forces their families represent. Can there be a happy ending in this story? – Jay Snow

Creator: Alice Oseman

Cast: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Stories about young love and queer joy are such a delight, and Heartstopper is a wonderful entrant in the romance genre. Based on the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name by show creator Alice Oseman, the show follows Charlie (Joe Locke) as he meets, befriends, and falls in love with his new classmate Nick (Kit Connor). But how does Nick feel about Charlie, and how will this new burgeoning relationship—platonic or not—affect Charlie’s friendships? The show captures the tone and elements of the webcomic, giving it a stylistic feel that’s dreamy yet embodies the very real and confusing feelings of discovering one’s identity as a teenager. The cast and characters are diverse and represent a wide spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities. Heartstopper can be a little intense at times, with tense emotional arcs for several characters, but this show will make you wistful for those heartstopper moments in your life and sweep you off your feet from the very first episode. – Monita Mohan

Creator: Laurie Nunn

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey

Netflix’s hit comedy Sex Education proves that a straightforward premise is sometimes enough when you have compelling characters and an incredible cast. Following the lives of the students, staff, and parents of the fictional Moordale Secondary School as they contend with various personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy, Sex Education is full of laughter but can also bring you to tears in an instant with some fantastic character moments. While seasons one and three were enjoyable, the show found the perfect balance in its second season. It proved that sometimes expanding outside the main character can bring a lot to a show, especially with the episode that the fans have dubbed the “Breakfast Club” episode. Fun and full of jokes, Sex Education doesn’t take itself too seriously, leaning into the silly premise of a teenager giving Sex Ed advice to other teens and hitting it out of the park. – Arianne Binette