Bridgerton and the 13 best romantic shows to watch on Netflix right now
There are so many streaming services nowadays, but the one streamer you can always count on to offer great romantic content is Netflix. Netflix has a collection of romantic shows on its platform, ranging from heartwarming dramas to light-hearted comedies to deep and emotional dramas. Overall, the streamer has shows for every romantic mood.
In this article, we'll explore the best romantic shows on Netflix. These series are perfect for binge-watching and will leave you yearning for more. But wait! Prepare to experience an array of emotions while watching them. Some of the shows on our list will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Now, get comfortable, grab your snack and beverage of choice, and get ready to be swept off your feet with these captivating tales of romance.
Bridgerton (2020-)
Seasons: 3 and counting
If we're talking about the best romantic shows on Netflix, you better believe that Bridgerton is on the list. In fact, we'd even argue and say that the period drama is the streamer's best romantic show. There's a reason why it keeps coming back for more seasons. I'm just saying.
Bridgerton is based on the bestselling Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn. It's set in Regency-era London and follows the eight close-knit siblings of the prestigious Bridgerton family as they navigate London's high society in search of love. Each season centers around one of the siblings as they attempt to find love and happiness.
The first season followed the love story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, and viewers absolutely fell in love with this romantic pairing. Then, the following season, the eldest sibling, Anthony Bridgerton, embarked on his own journey to find love and found himself in a complicated love triangle with two sisters, Edwina and Kate Sharma.
The most recent season, Bridgerton season 3, shifted focus to Colin Bridgerton and his friendship turned relationship with Penelope Featherington. In the upcoming Bridgerton season 4, fans will finally see Benedict's love story play out with Sophie Baek, aka the Lady in Silver. Seasons 1 through 3 were great, so I have high hopes for the fourth season.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
Seasons: 1
If you think Bridgerton is an amazing romantic show, then you must watch its prequel spinoff series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. I've watched this show a ridiculous number of times because of how good it is, and I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that Netflix gives it another season.
This six-part series focuses on the early life of Queen Charlotte, her rise to power, and her love story with King George III. While it was interesting to learn how Queen Charlotte came to power, what made this show so great, at least for me, was its compelling love story between Queen Charlotte and King George III.
While their relationship starts as an arranged marriage, it turns into a relationship of genuine affection, and they share a deep emotional connection. Throughout the six episodes, viewers watched as their love for one another grew and their bond strengthened even while going through tough challenges together. The palpable chemistry between the leads, India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest, also made their characters' romantic journey all the more engaging. Due to their strong chemistry, fans couldn't even help but ship them together in real life.
Since Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a limited series, it most likely won't come back for a second installment. No worries, though. The first season tells a complete story, so a second season isn't really needed. If you haven't watched this heartfelt period drama, what are you waiting on?
Heartstopper (2022-)
Seasons: 2 and counting
Heartstopper is hands down one of the most cozy, heartfelt romantic shows I've ever watched. It's based on Alice Oseman's graphic novel series of the same name, and after watching the first two seasons that have already come out, I must say that this show did a great job at adapting the books. It feels like I'm reading the novels when watching the series. The main reason being that the Netflix adaptation stays faithful to the source material overall and easily captures the magic of the original graphic novels.
Heartstopper mainly centers around the blossoming romance between two teenage boys, Charlie and Nick, who start off as friends before something more unfolds between the two. It also focuses on their friend group and their relationships. What I enjoy the most about Heartstopper is that it tells the story of a sweet and gentle romance.
Sometimes, you don't want to watch a love story filled with drama and angst. You want to watch a love story unfold that's more uplifting and positive. That's how I would describe Charlie and Nick's relationship, and I can't wait to see their relationship evolve in the upcoming Heartstopper season 3, which is coming to Netflix on Oct. 3.
Emily in Paris (2020-)
Seasons: 4 and counting
Imagine landing your dream job in Paris and then being presented with several romantic prospects shortly after your arrival. That's what's going on with our girl Emily in Emily in Paris, but she soon discovers that juggling both her personal and professional life is not an easy task.
Four seasons of this rom-com have come out already, and viewers have watched Emily meet and date different men throughout the series. However, there's always one who seems to stick around, and that's Gabriel, Emily's charming neighbor and owner of a French restaurant.
The romantic tension and chemistry between Emily and Gabriel is palpable, and their will-they-won't-they dynamic will keep you invested. You might find yourself liking some of the other men Emily dates, but you'll soon find yourself like Emily, circling back to Gabriel. Could he be her soulmate? Who knows! A fifth season was recently announced, so we definitely haven't seen the last of Emily and her romantic journey.
XO, Kitty (2023-)
Seasons: 1 and counting
Oh, you enjoyed watching Heartstopper? Well, you should check out XO, Kitty next. It's another charming romantic teen show on Netflix that'll give you those same cozy vibes as Heartstopper. It's also a series that captures the sweetness and innocence of first love, something that most people can relate to.
XO, Kitty is a spinoff series of one of the best romantic film trilogies ever made, To All the Boys, and it follows 16-year-old teen girl, Kitty Song Covey, as she moves halfway across the world to attend KISS, a Korean boarding school in Seoul, South Korea. But there are two reasons for her move. One, her late mom attended KISS, and she hopes to learn more about her by attending the same school. Her other reason? To reunite with her long-distance boyfriend, Dae.
As Kitty navigates her new school life, she begins to grow and learn more about herself in the process. She also finds herself in several romantic entanglements, that by the end of the first season, you don't know which romantic interest to root for. We can't wait to see Kitty's story continue in the upcoming XO, Kitty season 2.
Here are nine more romantic shows we recommend checking out on Netflix:
- Virgin River (romantic drama series) - There are five seasons, with a sixth season in the works.
- Sweet Magnolias (romantic drama series) - There are three seasons, with a fourth season in the works.
- Firefly Lane (romantic drama series) - This show has two seasons.
- On My Block (teen romantic drama series) - This show has four seasons.
- Outlander (historical romantic drama series) There are six seasons on Netflix, with a seventh season on the way and an eighth and final season in the works.
- Ginny & Georgia (teen romantic drama series) - There are two seasons, with a third season in the works.
- My Life with the Walter Boys (teen romantic drama series) - There is one season with a second season in the works.
- Outer Banks (teen romantic drama series) - There are three seasons, and a fourth season is coming out soon.
- One Day (romantic drama series) - This show has only one season.