WHEN DONE RIGHT, there are few things more irresistible than good rom-com. Unfortunately good romcoms are few and far between these days, meaning aficionados need to get their fix elsewhere.
If you’re a fiend for When Harry Met Sally, here are some TV shows that might just be right up your alley.
Lovesick (Netflix)
This Glasgow-set sitcom originally aired on Channel 4 as Scrotal Recall before being acquired by Netflix and renamed Lovesick. It follows a young man who is diagnosed with chlamydia and sets about informing his former sexual partners. Think of it as My Name Is Earl, but with STDs.
It’s endlessly charming, it’s funny and there’s a compelling will they/won’t they relationship at the centre of it.
Get into it.
Insecure (Sky Atlantic)
Created by Issa Rae, Insecure follows a twentysomething named Issa as she navigates relationships, friendships and workplace turmoil. It’s sassy, it’s sexy, it’s real and it’s guaranteed to inspire debates about whether you’re #TeamIssa or #TeamLawrence. Think of it as Sex and the City for the Tinder generation.
Catastrophe (4OD)
If you haven’t watched Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney’s two-hander yet, you need to take a long, hard look at yourself. You know the story by now: a couple fall pregnant after a very, very brief fling and decide to give it a go. The result? A darkly hilarious and painfully realistic show about the realities of marriage and parenthood.
Modern Family it ain’t.
Master of None (Netflix)
The first season of Aziz Ansari’s Emmy-winning sitcom followed a thirtysomething living in New York. The second season is basically an arthouse romance played out over ten episodes and follows Ansari’s character as he falls in love with a female friend, who just so happens to be engaged to someone else.
It’s a little sad, a lot funny and achingly romantic in places.
Laura Snapes / Twitter
Laura Snapes / Twitter / Twitter
You’re The Worst
What happens when two unapologetically horrible people find each other? That’s precisely what You’re The Worst explores. Don’t let that put you off, though! You’re The Worst is actually a very funny, astute look at relationships, mental health and more.
It even manages to make the self-involved characters at the centre seem warm and likable, which is no mean feat.
Chewing Gum (4OD)
Michaela Coel’s BAFTA-winning E4 series follows a religious twentysomething named Tracey who desperately wants to lose her virginity. Anchored by Coel’s hysterical performance, Chewing Gum is a very funny, feisty sitcom with a feminist heart. As addictive and refreshing as its namesake.
Please Like Me
This quirky Aussie comedy follows a young gay man named Josh as he explores his sexuality for the first time, while dealing with his dysfunctional family and friends. The show ended abruptly last year after four seasons, but hey, that just means there’s loads for you to get stuck into.
