Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, are the perfect genre for unwinding at the end of a long day. They blend humor, romance, and often a sprinkle of life’s harsh realities, giving audiences an opportunity to lose themselves in the excitement of new love, the awkwardness of mishaps, and the hilarity of misunderstandings. Here, we present a countdown of the top 10 romantic comedy series that will make your next binge-watch session unforgettable.
1. Friends (1994-2004)
"Could there be any other choice for our list's number one spot?" Friends remains one of the most iconic TV series of all time. With its setting in the heart of New York City, it follows the lives of six friends who share the highs and lows of life, love, and friendships. Among the many romantic relationships in the series, Ross and Rachel's on-again, off-again romance stood at the center of the show, captivating millions of viewers with every twist and turn.
Key Moments: From Rachel running away from her wedding to Ross’s famous “We were on a break!” argument, Friends is an emotional rollercoaster that captures the ups and downs of love.
Why Watch It: Beyond just Ross and Rachel, the show also explores the romances between Chandler and Monica, Joey's numerous love interests, and even Phoebe's quirky relationships. It’s a nostalgic must-watch with countless unforgettable moments.
2. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) stands as one of the most creative rom-com sitcoms. Told from the perspective of Ted Mosby explaining to his kids how he met their mother, the series takes viewers through romantic misadventures, heartbreaks, and joyous moments. Ted's relationships throughout the show, including his friends Barney and Robin's escapades, form the foundation of this series.
Key Moments: Barney’s legendary romantic tactics, the rollercoaster ride that is Ted and Robin’s relationship, and the incredibly emotional ending—all make HIMYM binge-worthy.
Why Watch It: HIMYM captures every emotion of love—from exhilarating new crushes to devastating heartbreaks—while delivering plenty of humor along the way.
3. The Office (U.S.) (2005-2013)
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly from The Office have solidified their place in TV couple history as one of the most relatable and beloved romantic duos. Their journey from being office best friends to becoming a married couple with kids kept viewers emotionally invested. The humor in the office, stemming from Michael Scott and other hilarious characters, only complements the beautiful moments of Jim and Pam's love story.
Key Moments: Jim’s romantic gestures—like his proposal in the rain at a gas station—and Pam’s heartfelt response to Jim’s love are unforgettable moments that make the series iconic.
Why Watch It: The Office is about more than just romance. It's a rollercoaster of laughter, awkward situations, and life’s true moments that tug at your heartstrings.
4. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
The Parks and Recreation mockumentary-style sitcom offers an abundance of humor, but it’s the romantic relationships that take center stage. Ben Wyatt and Leslie Knope’s love story is sweet, inspiring, and hilarious. Leslie’s quirky ambition and Ben’s nerdy, lovable demeanor create an unforgettable romantic partnership, while April and Andy add a fresh and carefree dynamic to the series.
Key Moments: Leslie and Ben’s proposal, Andy's spontaneous adventures, and their hilarious wedding ceremonies make these couples true fan favorites.
Why Watch It: The show blends comedy and romance perfectly while portraying honest, supportive, and genuinely loving relationships.
5. New Girl (2011-2018)
New Girl follows the quirky teacher Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who moves in with three single guys—Nick, Schmidt, and Winston—after a tough breakup. The chemistry between Jess and Nick keeps viewers hooked for seven seasons as they dance around their feelings, ultimately becoming one of TV’s favorite couples. The hilarity of Schmidt’s outrageous personality and the bromance between the roommates only add to the charm of this series.
Key Moments: Nick and Jess’s passionate first kiss, the wedding shenanigans, and Schmidt’s over-the-top grand gestures make New Girl a must-watch.
Why Watch It: With its quirky humor and lovable characters, New Girl delivers consistent laughs while providing audiences with genuine romance that blooms over time.
6. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
A rom-com with a musical twist, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is led by Rebecca Bunch, a lawyer who drops her entire life to chase after her summer camp sweetheart, Josh. But as the story progresses, Rebecca’s quest for love turns into a journey of self-discovery. The mix of outrageous humor, memorable songs, and honest depictions of love and relationships makes this show truly unique.
Key Moments: From comedic musical numbers like "The Sexy Getting Ready Song" to heartfelt admissions about love and happiness, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is delightfully unpredictable.
Why Watch It: The show’s satirical take on romantic tropes and exploration of modern relationships make it stand out in the rom-com genre.
7. Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
Jane the Virgin is a rom-com wrapped in a telenovela-style narrative, complete with dramatic twists and turns, surprise plotlines, and a swoon-worthy love triangle. The love story between Jane and Michael vs. Jane and Rafael keeps audiences guessing throughout. Jane’s growth from an aspiring writer to a self-confident mother and professional adds depth to the series.
Key Moments: Jane's heartfelt relationships with both Michael and Rafael, the complex family dynamics, and the unpredictable telenovela-like twists make this series a binge-worthy pick.
Why Watch It: It’s the perfect blend of dramatic storytelling and comedy, while tackling deeper themes of love, loyalty, and family.
8. Younger (2015-2021)
Younger follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old single mom who pretends to be in her 20s to land a job in publishing. As she juggles her career, relationships, and the challenges of keeping her secret, her love life takes intriguing turns. The will-they-won’t-they romance between Liza and Josh, as well as her connection with Charles, makes the series a romantic rollercoaster.
Key Moments: Liza and Josh’s adventurous beginnings, Charles discovering Liza’s secret, and the romantic tension that defines their relationships.
Why Watch It: Younger is a funny, fresh take on starting over, balancing humor with romantic misadventures, and showing how love can thrive against all odds.
9. Emily in Paris (2020-Present)
The chic fashion, dreamy Parisian locations, and sizzling chemistry make Emily in Paris the perfect rom-com for viewers wanting an escapist binge. Emily, played by Lily Collins, moves to Paris for work and is swept up in the excitement of French culture, career obstacles, and, of course, romance. Her relationships with characters like Gabriel and Alfie keep things spicy.
Key Moments: Emily’s rooftop kiss with Gabriel, her fashion-forward escapades, and the love triangles with Paris as the backdrop.
Why Watch It: If you’re into romance, Paris, and high fashion, Emily in Paris is an entertaining watch packed with humor and drama.
10. Lovesick (2014-2018)
Lovesick (originally titled Scrotal Recall) is a British rom-com series that follows Dylan, who, after being diagnosed with an STD, must contact all his previous romantic partners. What begins as an awkward task leads to a journey of reliving old relationships and the realization of what love means. Dylan’s love for his best friend Evie slowly unfolds, making viewers root for the pair to find happiness.
Key Moments: Dylan and Evie’s almost-romances, the flashbacks to awkward breakups, and the ultimate realization of their feelings.
Why Watch It: The refreshing storyline, authentic character development, and witty humor make Lovesick a deeply engaging show with a uniquely romantic twist.
FAQs:
What are the best romantic comedy series of all time? The best rom-com series include Friends, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, New Girl, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Emily in Paris.
Why is Friends such a popular romantic comedy? Friends combines humor, strong friendships, and engaging romantic storylines like Ross and Rachel's, making it timelessly popular.
Which romantic comedy series is best for self-discovery themes? Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin explore love while focusing on self-discovery and personal growth.
What makes The Office a great romantic comedy? The Office is great because of the romantic journey of Jim and Pam, the humor brought by Michael Scott, and the emotional office dynamics.
Which romantic comedies feature love triangles? Shows like Jane the Virgin, New Girl, and Younger are known for their intriguing love triangles.
Is Emily in Paris worth watching for romance lovers? Yes, it’s a fun romantic comedy with stylish visuals, picturesque Parisian backdrops, and romantic escapades.
Are there any musical romantic comedy TV shows? Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a rom-com musical that uses humor and music to depict love and relationships.
Which rom-com shows feature mature relationships? Younger and Parks and Recreation explore mature relationships, balancing career ambitions and love lives.
Is Parks and Recreation romantic? While mainly a comedy, Parks and Recreation features charming romances like Ben and Leslie and Andy and April.
What’s unique about Lovesick as a romantic comedy? Lovesick stands out for its creative premise, where contacting old partners turns into a journey of realizing true love.
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