Top 10 Romance TV Series to Binge if You Love Chaos and Love-Hate Relationships
Oh, well I’m back again…Yeah, it’s Reaper! All you bastards are probably out there doing cute couple things for Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, I’m over here, stuck recommending romance series because misery loves company. Why am I doing this? Because my life is like The Truman Show, but without the happy ending. Anyway, let’s get into it before I die from secondhand PDA poisoning. Here’s a chaotic list of romance series, that will either make you believe in love or have you sobbing into your ramen.
1. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
Plot: Ted Mosby is on a long-ass quest to find “The One” and ends up narrating his entire life story to his kids (who honestly look like they’d rather be anywhere else). Along the way, we get iconic friendships, legendary catchphrases, and way too many failed relationships.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a masterclass in both romantic comedy and emotional sabotage. The chemistry between Ted, Robin, Barney, Marshall, and Lily is what dreams (and memes) are made of. And let’s not forget Barney’s playbook—it’s like a car crash you can’t look away from. You’ll love it even as Ted makes every wrong decision possible.
Ted is that friend who’s so desperate for love that he practically radiates desperation. If I had a nickel for every time he messed up a relationship, I’d be richer than Bezos.
2. The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
Plot: Danny Castellano, a grumpy but secretly soft OB-GYN, juggles an on-again, off-again romance with the chaotic hurricane that is Mindy Lahiri. Their workplace shenanigans turn into one of the most hilariously messed-up love stories on TV.
Why You’ll Love It: Danny is the king of brooding ‘bad boy with a soft center’ vibes. You’ll root for him and Mindy even though their relationship is an absolute mess—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Danny’s emotional constipation should be studied by scientists. If he opened up any slower, glaciers would move faster.
3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
Plot: Amidst the chaos of crime-solving in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, Jake Peralta—a man-child with a badge—juggles his job and romantic life. His relationship with Amy Santiago is a slow-burn that turns into an oddly perfect partnership.
Why You’ll Love It: Jake’s over-the-top antics meet Amy’s Type-A perfectionism for one of the cutest TV romances ever. Plus, watching Captain Holt’s deadpan reactions to their love story is pure gold.
Jake’s maturity level is somewhere between a toddler and a golden retriever. But somehow, he still manages to be lovable.
4. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
Plot: Leonard Hofstadter is your quintessential awkward nerd who somehow lands the dream girl next door, Penny. Their romance evolves amidst geek culture references, awkward encounters, and Sheldon’s neurotic meddling.
Why You’ll Love It: Leonard is proof that even the nerdiest of us can get the girl. Their relationship is full of ups and downs, and Sheldon’s constant interruptions make it even more hilarious. Also, bonus points for Penny’s complete disregard for all things nerdy.
Leonard’s puppy-dog eyes could power a city. If cringe were a sport, he’d have Olympic gold. But hey, we love a persistent king.
5. Man Seeking Woman (2015-2017)
Plot: Josh Greenberg’s love life is a surreal, absurdist nightmare. He faces everything from literal trolls to time-traveling exes on his quest for romance.
Why You’ll Love It: This show takes every dating nightmare and turns it into a literal plot point. Josh’s misadventures are so bizarre, you’ll feel better about your own disastrous dates. Also, the show’s dark humor is top-tier.
Josh, buddy, just stay single. Your love life is cursed. Watching him date is like watching someone play a horror video game without saving.
6. The End of the F*ing World (2017-2019)
Plot: James, a self-proclaimed psychopath, and Alyssa, the ultimate rebel, go on a road trip that spirals into chaos and unexpected romance.
Why You’ll Love It: James is awkwardly lovable, even when he’s trying way too hard to be dark and brooding. Their romance is unconventional and messy, but it works. It’s Bonnie and Clyde, but with more trauma and awkward silences.
James’s emotional range is like a potato. But at least he’s loyal—even if he’s terrible at expressing it.
7. Ted Lasso (2020-)
Plot: Ted Lasso, an American football coach with a heart of gold, takes over a British soccer team. Along the way, he bonds with everyone, including the gruff but lovable Roy Kent.
Why You’ll Love It: Roy is the ultimate grump with a heart of gold. Watching him soften up without losing his edge is satisfying AF. Ted’s relentless optimism makes it all the more heartwarming.
Roy Kent looks like he chews nails for breakfast. His scowl could probably scare off a lion. But we love him anyway.
8. Fleabag (2016-2019)
Plot: A woman (known only as Fleabag) navigates grief, family drama, and a very inappropriate romance with a hot priest.
Why You’ll Love It: The priest is everything. He’s awkward, conflicted, and so damn charming. Watching him struggle with his feelings is both painful and addictive.
If emotional repression were a sport, the priest would be the undisputed champion. Just admit you’re in love already!
9. Love (2016-2018)
Plot: Gus, a nerdy nice guy, and Mickey, a chaotic wild card, try to make their messy relationship work.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s painfully realistic and awkward in the best way. Gus’s romantic blunders will make you cringe, but you’ll also root for him. Mickey’s unpredictability keeps things spicy.
Gus is the king of cringe. Watching him flirt is like watching a car crash—you can’t look away.
10. Red Oaks (2014-2017)
Plot: David Meyers, a college student, works at a country club and navigates life and love in the 1980s.
Why You’ll Love It: David’s awkward but earnest attempts at romance are relatable AF. Plus, the ‘80s nostalgia makes it even better.
David is so clueless, it’s almost impressive. Watching him date is like watching a toddler try to walk.
Special Mention: Normal People (2020)
Plot: Marianne and Connell, two Irish teenagers, form an intense and complicated bond that follows them into adulthood.
Why It’s Special: It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully painful. Every glance and silence carries the weight of a thousand words. If you’re not crying by the end, you’re probably dead inside.
If you enjoy soul-crushing emotional rollercoasters, this one’s your jam. Warning: You might not recover.
Final Thoughts: Go Cry Somewhere Else, Couples
To all the couples out there? Screw you. While you’re out being all lovey-dovey, I’ll be here, binge-watching romance series and cursing every fictional couple that’s happier than me. And for the single folks? Watch these shows and suffer with me. Misery loves company, after all.
