From romantic Jane Austen adaptations to fan-favorite shows like Chuck, to newer feel-good shows like Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, there’s something for everyone in this Romantic Binge List.
A romantic binge-watch list to lift our spirits is just what we need right now. Or, at the very least, an avenue to calm anxieties amid these dark times. While the entire world has changed, there is a possibility of escape and hope.
As for me, I found my escape in feel-good romantic dramas that just make you smile, laugh, and forget the empty streets outside your window.
So, if you’re like me, and want to escape the stressful news headlines for just a little while, here are my recommended romances to binge-watch right now.
Romances to Binge-Watch Right Now
(In No Particular Order)
#1: Chuck (2007-2012)
Spy romantic comedies are the best! Add in a dash of the adorable Zachary Levi as the sweet and hilarious Chuck, and this series will definitely help you to forget your troubles.
Truly, laughter is always the best medicine! Plus, did you watch that fun EW Chuck Table reread with the entire cast?
Where to Watch or Re-watch: Stream on Prime Video or buy on Digital and DVD.
#2: The Kindred Spirit Romantic Binge List
Fellow kindred spirits, is there anything better than disappearing into the optimistic world of L.M. Montgomery? For this binge-watch list, I would start with:
- The Anne of Green Gables Trilogy (1985 – 2000)
Kevin Sullivan’s adaptations are pure magic. The actors embody the spirit of these beloved characters. Furthermore, the peacefulness of the dialogue and scenery is breathtaking, while the dreamlike soundtrack surely soothes anxious minds.
Most importantly, the Anne and Gilbert romance is perfection. Sure, the third miniseries from Kevin Sullivan doesn’t follow the books. Nevertheless, Anne finds beauty and hope during the war. Moreover, the love story between Anne and Gilbert continues epically.
Where to Watch: Stream/buy the trilogy on Gazebo TV or buy on DVD/Blu-ray.
- Road to Avonlea (1990-1996)
Why not watch Avonlea during its 30th anniversary? The series is based on Montgomery’s Story Girl novels but also serves as a spinoff to Kevin Sullivan’s Anne of Green Gables series.
Furthermore, Marilla and Rachel even become main characters. Thankfully, this brilliant masterpiece of a show is just as good as the Anne movies. Oh, and delightful for the whole family. Of course, there’s romance as well! Anyone else ready for a reunion movie?
RELATED | INTERVIEW: KEVIN SULLIVAN TALKS THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘ROAD TO AVONLEA’
Where to Watch: Stream/buy the series on Gazebo TV or buy on DVD/Blu-ray.
- Anne with an E (2017-2020)
Honestly, I’ll be the first to admit: I had a hard time with the latest Anne of Green Gables adaptation at first. I’m not even sure I can say the first two seasons will lift your spirits.
In the beginning, the overall tone can be dark, and Anne has PTSD. However, season three changes most of that. Also, the series ending finishes on more optimistic terms with a lovely Anne and Gilbert happy ending. They really become adorable in season 3.
While the series isn’t Anne of the books, I appreciate the diversity and the contemporary storytelling for a modern audience. Will it be my favorite? No. But, it’s still worth binging, and I would love to see this feel-good period drama get another season.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. You can also buy on DVD.
#3: Romantic Period Drama Binge-Watch List
The Jane Austen adaptations are endless! And thank goodness for that. What better way to escape the present than to enter into the romantic and ironic world of Jane Austen?
First, I recommend checking out the new Emma available to buy digitally today! You can preorder to buy on DVD for May 19th. Can’t go to the movies anymore? The movie theaters are coming to our living rooms. I loved watching this rental when they first released it, and now you can buy the movie!
Where to Watch or Re-watch: Buy Emma here and check out where to watch all Jane Austen adaptations HERE.
Are you looking for a new romantic period drama? Be sure to check out our Period Drama Archives and time travel into a different era. (Preferably one not about the Bubonic Plague or the Spanish flu.)
We have several personalized reviews for amazing romantic period drama recommendations to add to your binge-watch list. And they’re all sorted by period! So, if you feel like watching a Victorian period drama, we have you covered!
#4: Romantic Time Travel Binge-Watch List
And speaking of time travel, what better escape than a fun time travel series? Overall, these three I find to be the most optimistic and romantic.
- Doctor Who (2005-)
Start with the 2005 reboot of the series and fall in love with the Doctor! While the faces change, the stories never cease to ignite the imagination. While unfortunately none of us have our own TARDIS, we can still travel with the Doctor through time and space with endless hours of entertainment.
Plus, there’s romance too. Whether you love the Doctor and Rose (like me) or appreciate the adorable love story between Amy and Rory, there’s something here for everyone. Doctor Who is and will always be fantastic!
Where to Watch or Re-watch: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and iTunes. You can also buy on DVD/Blu-ray (I like to own my own copies). On May 27, 2020, the new streaming service HBO Max will stream Doctor Who.
- DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (2016-)
Sure, the first season is somewhat terrible. But, trust me, this one is worth sticking around if you love to laugh and appreciate the ridiculous. Legends of Tomorrow gets so campy that at one point, they time travel to the set of Lord of the Rings to have John Noble pretend to be the voice of a villain actually voiced by John Noble.
RELATED | 21 TIME TRAVEL TV SHOWS YOU NEED TO BINGE-WATCH
Additionally, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer is infectious with his goodness and boyish optimism. And, yes, there’s romance too, including love for Ray with Routh’s real-life wife. (Although you’ll have to wait until season 3.)
Moreover, the Nate and Amaya romance is another favorite of mine, along with the entertaining duo Sara and Ava.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix and rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms. You can also watch part of the new season on the CW TV app.
- Timeless (2016-2018)
Timeless kept coming back for a reason. It’s a whole lot of fun with tons of romance to keep you entertained. Help save history with this wonderful crew of time travelers!
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu and rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
#5: CW Seed Paranormal Romance Binge-Watch List
If you’re looking for free streaming, then CW Seed is a phenomenal choice for supernatural escapism! From vampires to immortals, these are some of my personal favorites I suggest checking out.
(There are several other romantic shows on CW Seed to add to your watchlist as well. Other fun shows include The Tomorrow People, The Secret Circle, Ringer, Robin Hood, Primeval, and Hellcats.)
- Moonlight (2007)
I admit it. I’m obsessed with Moonlight. The Mick/Beth romance is pretty much the best paranormal romance to ever hit the small screen. Their chemistry is that good.
Plus, Alex O’Loughlin as Mick St. John was meant to play a vampire. Furthermore, Sophia Myles is phenomenal as Beth Turner, an intelligent and snarky female protagonist. Swoon away!
RELATED | MOONLIGHT (2007) 10TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW – THE MOST ROMANTIC VAMPIRE SERIES OF ALL TIME?
Where to Watch: Stream on CW Seed and buy digitally on iTunes and Vudu.
- Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
While only two short seasons thanks to that pesky writer’s strike, Pushing Daisies is meant for anyone who loves a good pun. Or the appreciation of the English language.
This adorable, over the top cute love story between Ned, the pie maker, and Chuck, his childhood sweetheart he brings back to life, is sweet and funny at the same time. Not to mention, the show itself is hysterical.
Where to Watch: Stream on CW Seed and buy digitally on various streaming services.
- Forever (2014)
Ioan Gruffudd as an immortal. Enough said.
Where to Watch: Stream on CW Seed and buy digitally on various streaming services.
#6: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015) and Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (2020)
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is back! Binge this hilarious, feminist mystery show set in 1920s Australia for pure fun and sensational costumes. Not to mention, an old-fashioned romance that sweeps you off your feet.
And to top it all off, you’re just in time to watch Miss Fisher’s return with a fan-funded movie that premiered last month! I promise you the latest movie is just what you need in your life right now. It is romantic escapism at its best!
RELATED | ‘MISS FISHER AND THE CRYPT OF TEARS’ REVIEW – A STYLISH ROMANTIC ADVENTURE
Where to Watch: Stream all three seasons and the new movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, on Acorn TV. You can also buy the first three seasons on DVD and pre-order the film on Blu-Ray (Released on June 30th).
#7: Ugly Betty (2006-2010)
Ugly Betty is pure optimism. Honestly, I don’t see how you can watch Ugly Betty without crying from laughter. It’s seriously one of the funniest shows of all time!
For those unfamiliar, the show follows Betty, a naïve and kind dreamer, who becomes the personal assistant to Daniel, the rich and spoiled editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. It’s also basically one long romantic comedy.
Where to Watch: Stream on ABC app for free or on Hulu. You can also rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
#8: Musical Escapism Binge-Watch List
- Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020-)
If you haven’t heard of this new NBC series, you are completely missing out! In this new show that’s now available in its entirety, computer coder Zoey begins to hear people’s innermost thoughts through music and dance. Whenever that happens, she has to help them.
In the meantime, she finds out her best friend loves her, her boss (played by Lauren Graham) is in a terrible marriage, and she can even hear her sick father’s innermost thoughts.
Overall, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist pulls at the hearts but in the best ways! Extra points for excellent dance numbers and even a N’SYNC song that makes a fun appearance!
Where to Watch: Stream on the NBC app for free (if working), Hulu, and YouTube Subscription. You can also rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
- Eli Stone (2008-2009)
Eli Stone is a romantic legal dramedy about Eli Stone, whose medical condition gives him visions to help people. He may even be a modern-day prophet who occasionally sees these visions through entertaining musical numbers, particularly related to George Michael.
Essentially, Eli Stone is both uplifting and fun. It’s an excellent combo for two seasons worth of outstanding entertainment. And did I mention it stars Jonny Lee Miller??
Where to Watch: Stream on ABC app for free. You can also rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
#9: Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)
Now, more than ever, we have plenty of time to return to the heartwarming, fast-talking world of Stars Hollow. Overall, there’s romance, there are fabulous mother-daughter relationships, and there’s a whole lot of snappy dialogue I’m sure you missed the first time around. What’s not to love?
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. You can also rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
#10: Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Recently, I re-watched all seven seasons of Once Upon A Time, and I liked it BETTER the second time around. Yes, even season seven despite the terrible chemistry between Henry and Ella.
Currently, there is a greater need for even more series full of true love, optimism, and redemption. For now, escape reality and enjoy the beauty of fairy tales and endless happy endings. You’re welcome.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. You can also rent/buy digitally on various streaming platforms.
Do you have your own romantic binge-watch list recommendations? Any feel-good shows or movies that lift your spirits? Sound off below…
Photo Credit: Moonlight (CBS), Once Upon a Time (ABC), Pushing Daisies (ABC), Chuck (ABC), Pride and Prejudice (Focus Features)
Thank you for this. I was just out of anything “good”. I see several that are “new to me”.
You’re welcome! We have enjoyed all of the movies/shows mentioned! 🙂 Enjoy!