10 Most Perfect Romance Shows of the Last 10 Years (original) (raw)

Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli in Off Campus

Image via Prime Video

Published Jun 7, 2026, 5:21 PM EDT

Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

We love love, and we love watching love unfold. Especially if you’re one of the few out there who don’t have love as they do on screen. Though romance television is nothing new, we seem to be thriving in a golden age of romance the last ten years. Why? Because networks and streamers know that we love love!

From college campuses to quaint little towns, to regency-era London to modern-day Paris, the stories we've fallen in love with have made our hearts sing. The titles on this list have drawn on beloved book series as well as crafted new narratives, but they share central themes revolving around romance. Though there are certainly shows featuring our favorite couples, the shows here must be love-centric. Let’s celebrate these happy couples and situations on these lovely programs.

10 'Off Campus' (2026–Present)

Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) in 'Off Campus' Season 1.

Image via Prime Video

This might be a bit of recency bias, but how could you not fall madly in love with the first season of Off Campus? The hit Prime Video series, inspired by Elle Kennedy's book series, follows the opposites-attract fake-romance pact between music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and hockey star Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli). A quid pro quo arrangement, the more the pair work on their personal objectives for one another, the more they realize it was them all along. An addictive eight-episode first season, Off Campus brings viewers back to college where young love blossoms through spicy romances, nostalgia-driven antics, and swoon-worthy gestures.

A modern dramadey that evokes a WB-era style of storytelling, Off Campus keeps love in the forefront as the characters grapple with personal and family sagas while maintaining a positive romance. Like other titles on this list, Off Campus is part of a larger series in which other couples appear. While Wellsy and Graham are the Season 1 story, the seeds of Allie Hayes (Mika Abdalla) and Dean Di Laurentis (Stephen Kalyn) have been planted, as has the recent announcement that Season 2 will focus on Allie and Dean. With rich emotional sincerity, exceptional chemistry, and stellar storytelling, Off Campus deserves to be your newest romantic obsession.

9 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' (2022–2025)

Conrad Fisher kisses Belly Conklin's hand in a car in the series finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty TSITP.

Image via Prime Video

If you're like me, you watched The Summer I Turned Pretty and wished all three parties within the infamous love triangle would move on from one another and find new love. But the truth is, then we wouldn't have been obsessed with our favorite three-season addiction. The coming-of-age drama by Jenny Han tells the story of Isabel "Belly" Conklin (Lola Tung) as she spends her summer at a beach house in Cousins Beach. At the center of a love triangle with two childhood friends who are brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalelgno), Belly navigates first love, first heartbreak, and everything that happens after. An unrelenting emotional rollercoaster, The Summer I Turned Pretty captures the messy complexities of growing up and how love, no matter how big or small, will always be at the center of finding yourself.

The series is an intimate exploration of intense yearning, intimate emotions, and the power of true love. Especially that very first one. A truly stunning cinematic series, The Summer I Turned Pretty made us all wish we could summer in New England, even with complicated romantic strings attached. The story is bigger than just the primary trio; it's a multigenerational examination of friendship, motherhood, loss, and grief. Music plays a major role in the storytelling, as the soundtrack, which features the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Rodrigo, and lots and lots of Taylor Swift, evokes the spirit of the moment. No matter whose team you are on, in the end, we're all team The Summer I Turned Pretty.

8 'Love, Victor' (2020–2022)

Michael Cimino as Victor and Anthony Keyvan as Rahim doing karaoke together in Love Victor Season 2

Image via Hulu

In 2018, the teen romance lovers fell in love with Love, Simon, a film inspired by the 2015 novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The success of the film gave the green light to expand that universe into a series, Love, Victor. Created by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, the series follows Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino), a teen from a half-Puerto Rican, half-Colombian-American family living in Atlanta. As the new student at Creekwood High School, Victor goes on a journey of self-discovery as he faces challenges at home and struggles with his sexual orientation. Feeling isolated and struggling to understand his own sexuality, Victor often finds himself comparing his experiences to the perfect, accepting life of Simon Spier (Nick Robinson). When things become overwhelming, Victor seeks out Simon for advice and mentorship. A tender look at queer love in the modern age, Love, Victor grounds common teen-drama tropes in an accessible coming-of-age saga.

Representation is the hero of this story. Victor goes on a swoon-worthy arc complete with classic love triangles, school dances, and Ferris wheel moments. Over the course of three seasons, Victor, along with his high-school friends, including Felix Westen (Anthony Turpel), Lake Meriwether (Bebe Wood), and Mia Brooks (Rachel Hilson), handles the ups and downs of young adulthood, first loves, and life-changing decisions for their futures. Of course, the romance begins with a girlfriend in Mia, before he finds Rahim (Anthony Keyvan), Nick (Nico Greetham), and, of course, Benji Campbell (George Sear). The series is like a warm hug, offering a wonderful place to turn to for those seeking solace on their journeys of self-discovery.

7 'Virgin River' (2019–Present)

Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson in 'Virgin River' Season 7.

Image via Netflix

For seven seasons thus far, Virgin River has been your cozy, comforting romantic watch that evokes the spirit of beloved shows like Gilmore Girls. And that’s not a bad thing at all. Created by Sue Tenney and based on Robyn Carr's book series, Virgin River centers on Melinda "Mel" Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a widowed big-city nurse who moves to a remote Northern California town for a fresh start, where she ends up falling for a local bar owner, Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), and confronting the complex drama of small-town life. Set in an idyllic and breathtaking community where everyone knows everybody, including their business and all, Virgin River is built around the pillar of romance that spreads beyond Mel and Jack to everyone seeking love and companionship.

Virgin River's heartwarming story, with a steady stream of mysteries, medical emergencies, and dangerous local conflicts, is a perfect example of television escapism. With a relaxing, soapy vibe, Virgin River is all about the compelling romance at its heart. But along the way, there’s also John "Preacher" Middleton (Colin Lawrence) and Paige Lassiter (Lexa Doig), Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny Cutler (Kai Bradbury), and Vernon "Doc" Mullins (Tim Matheson) and Hope McCrea (Annette O'Toole), among others. With romance serving as the emotional heartbeat of Virgin River, fans know, through the good times and bad, love will always somehow survive. And how could love not flourish with that cinematic backdrop that looks like a painting? Though it may not be the most hefty of shows, it’s like putting on a warm sweater and snuggling up with a cup of cocoa. With Season 8 in production, it's safe to say we simply can't get enough of Virgin River.

Collider Exclusive · The Sorting Hat Awaits Which Hogwarts House Are You? Gryffindor · Slytherin · Hufflepuff · Ravenclaw

Four houses. One destiny. The Sorting Hat has considered thousands of students — now it's your turn. Answer honestly and discover where you truly belong at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

🦁Gryffindor

🐍Slytherin

🦡Hufflepuff

🦅Ravenclaw

PLACE THE HAT →

What quality do you value most in yourself? Answer as honestly as you can — the Hat always knows.

ACourage — I act even when I'm afraid, because what's right matters more than what's safe. BAmbition — I know what I want and I have the drive and cunning to get there. CLoyalty — I show up for the people I love, no matter what it costs me. DWisdom — I think before I act and I'm always hungry to understand more.

NEXT QUESTION →

A friend is being treated unfairly. What do you do? How you protect others says everything about who you are.

AStep in immediately and confront whoever is responsible — I won't stand by. BWork out the best strategy to address it — a smart move beats a rash one. CBe by their side, support them, and help them through it however they need. DAnalyse what's actually happening and find the most reasoned, fair solution.

NEXT QUESTION →

What does success look like to you? What you're working toward defines who you're becoming.

ABeing remembered as someone who fought for what was right, whatever the odds. BAchieving the goals I set for myself — influence, status, and earned respect. CA life where the people I care about know I was there for them, always. DMastering my field, contributing something meaningful, and never stopping learning.

NEXT QUESTION →

What is your greatest fear? Fear is the most honest thing about a person.

ABeing a coward when it mattered — looking back and knowing I did nothing. BMediocrity — fading into obscurity without making my mark on the world. CLosing the people I love or letting them down when they needed me most. DIgnorance — being wrong and not knowing it, or never reaching my potential.

NEXT QUESTION →

The rules say no. Your gut says go. What do you do? Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice.

ABreak the rules — if it's the right thing to do, no rule should stop me. BFind a way to get what I want without getting caught. Rules are guidelines. CProbably follow the rules — but I'd find a way to help within them if I could. DThink it through carefully — is the rule unjust, or is my gut just impatient?

NEXT QUESTION →

What kind of friend are you? Who you are to the people you love is who you really are.

AThe protector — I will go to the ends of the earth for the people I care about. BThe strategist — I give sharp advice and I'm the one who figures out how to fix things. CThe constant — I'm always there, always reliable, and I never make it about me. DThe guide — I help people think things through and see perspectives they've missed.

NEXT QUESTION →

You look into the Mirror of Erised. What do you see? The mirror shows the deepest desire of your heart.

AYourself standing victorious, having faced the greatest challenge and won. BYourself at the height of your power — respected, successful, and in control. CYourself surrounded by everyone you love, whole and happy and together. DYourself with all the answers — every book read, every mystery solved.

NEXT QUESTION →

The Sorting Hat pauses. It whispers: "You could do well in any house. But what matters most to you — truly?" This is your tiebreaker. The Hat always listens.

ABravery. I want to be the kind of person who acts when others won't. BGreatness. I want to leave my mark and be more than ordinary. CBelonging. I want to be part of something good and never let my people down. DUnderstanding. I want to know the truth of things and keep growing forever.

REVEAL MY HOUSE →

The Sorting Hat Speaks Your House Has Been Chosen

After careful deliberation, the Sorting Hat has made its decision. This is the house your values, your instincts, and your particular way of being in the world were made for.

🦁 Gryffindor

You have nerve. Not the reckless kind, but the deep, quiet courage that shows up even when you're terrified — especially then.

Gryffindors don't act because they're fearless — they act because they understand that some things are worth being afraid for.
You stand up for people when it would be easier to look away.
You charge toward what's right even when the odds are terrible.
Harry, Hermione, Ron — the heroes of Hogwarts's greatest chapter — all called the tower with the scarlet and gold home. And now, so do you.

🐍 Slytherin

You are driven, sharp, and utterly clear-eyed about what you want and how to get there.

Slytherin has long been misunderstood — painted as the house of villains when it is, at its best, the house of those who refuse to accept limits placed on them by others.
You are resourceful, strategic, and you play the long game.
You know your worth. You protect your own fiercely.
The dungeon common room with its view of the Black Lake is yours — and the ambitions that will take you further than anyone expects are yours too.

🦡 Hufflepuff

You are the kind of person that makes the world genuinely better just by being in it.

Hufflepuff is not the "safe" house or the "leftover" house — it is the house of those with the greatest heart and the most unwavering integrity.
You show up. You work hard. You don't need glory or recognition — you do what's right because it's right.
Your loyalty never wavers, even when tested.
Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander — some of the wizarding world's finest. And now you join them.

🦅 Ravenclaw

Your mind is your greatest gift, and you've always known it.

Ravenclaws are the thinkers, the questioners, the ones who find a puzzle irresistible and a good book better company than most people.
Ravenclaw is not merely about intelligence — it's about the love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the rare courage to admit you don't know something yet.
You see the world with unusual clarity and depth.
Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, Rowena Ravenclaw herself — all extraordinary, all original. And so are you.

↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ

6 'Emily in Paris' (2020–Present)

Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) taking a selfie in 'Emily in Paris' Season 5.

Image via Netflix

If you thought the lush landscapes of California were romantic, just wait until you see Paris. Thanks to Darren Star's low-stakes romance Emily in Paris, we can. The hit drama follows Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), an ambitious marketing executive from Chicago who unexpectedly lands her dream job in Paris. Sent to provide an "American point of view" to the venerable Paris office, Emily struggles to adjust to European work-life balance and social nuances until she embraces the stunning Parisian lifestyle. A cozy comfort binge-watch, Emily in Paris explores cultural clashes, lavish fashion, and complicated love triangles as she navigates her career, friendships, and life abroad. As the series progresses, her escapades expand beyond France, taking her to other breathtaking European destinations such as Rome, Venice, and the Greek islands. And yes, Emily in Paris has given us all false indications of what might happen should we pick up and go abroad ourselves. Only in Hollywood!

With a high-fashion aesthetic and escapist vibes, Emily in Paris is fearless fun with irresistible romance. Unlike some of the other shows on this list, Emily's roster of partners provides an honest glimpse of modern dating. It's not always going to be boy number one! Known for a complicated love life, she has been seen with the likes of Doug (Roe Hartampf), Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), Marcello (Eugenio Francschini), and Mathieu (Charles Martins). Who's the best? Don't make us choose, but for sure not Doug. Emily in Paris epitomizes an easy-to-digest series that is simply intoxicating. An aspirational series, Emily in Paris is meant to make you feel good, even if you'll never experience her dream life.

5 'Nobody Wants This' (2024–Present)

Adam Brody as Noah and Kristen Bell as Joanne kissing while embracing in Nobody Wants This Season 2

Image via Netflix

The title may be Nobody Wants This, but it's clear that the ratings say otherwise. Created by Erin Foster, Nobody Wants This tells the story of the unlikely relationship between Joanne Williams (Kristen Bell), an outspoken, agnostic sex podcaster, and Noah Roklov (Adam Brody), an unconventional, newly single rabbi. The newfound dynamic duo must navigate their wildly different lifestyles, personal baggage, and meddling families who are skeptical of their romance. Nobody Wants This puts a new spin on the odd couple dynamic while wildly reflecting the modern dating world. A story of family, faith, and maturing love, Nobody Wants This is a refreshing reflection on healthy romance today.

Charming, funny, and a joy to binge, Nobody Wants This is more plot-driven than it needs to be. Yet, with strong characters led by a wonderful ensemble of stars joining Bell and Brody — Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, Tovah Feldshuh, Sherry Cola — it's easy to get wrapped up in the fray. Nobody Wants This provides a fresh perspective on the intersection of romance and faith, namely, how it looks and feels different for everyone. Unlike many of the shows on this list, Nobody Wants This is a mature rom-com with adults in their 40s navigating love. With sharp banter, realistic plotlines, and lots of green flags in Noah, it's no surprise that Nobody Wants This has found its footing.

4 'Heated Rivalry' (2025–Present)

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov lying in bed together in Heated Rivalry Episode 5

Image via Crave

The tail end of 2025 was dominated by the surging success of a little gay hockey show called Heated Rivalry. Nearly halfway through 2026, the series still holds a stronghold in society and pop culture because we all fell in love with its fascinating romance. Based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series, the Jacob Tierney-created series tells the story of rival hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who engage in a secret long-term romantic relationship. Going from hookups to boyfriends, their romantic entanglement has undeniable chemistry, but the stakes they fight to be with one another provide a deep emotional tug. The perfect enemies-to-lovers pipeline, Heated Rivalry explores masculinity in sports through a queer lens while offering a couple you can rally behind.

Heated Rivalry is a perfect mix of sport and romance. While the action on the ice dictates their relationship, it's how things heat up off the ice that pulls the audience in. The series builds just enough external stakes to make Shane and Ilya's long-spanning secret feel warranted. Though only six episodes in its premiere season, there is no time wasted. And if that means an entire episode is spent on another couple—Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.)—it's done so for thelarger narrative. We wouldn't be exclaiming that we're "coming to the cottage" had Skip not kissed on center ice! With groundbreaking queer representation in an important story, Heated Rivalry ensures the romance unfolds in true passion, desire, belonging, and acceptance.

3 'Heartstopper' (2022–Present)

Kit Connor as Nick and Joe Locke as Charlie with a dog in the park in Heartstopper S3E7.

Image via Netflix

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community during high school has often been depicted as harrowing. Or those characters are pushed aside as best friends in supporting roles. Then Alice Oseman's beloved Heartstopper came around, and those narratives were squashed to tell a truly endearing story of young love. The coming-of-age teen drama follows Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a gentle and openly gay high school student, and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), a popular rugby player. They slowly find that the more time they spend together, the more their bond is something much deeper than friendship. A genuine romance series that wears its heart on its sleeve, Heartstopper has been a beacon of hope for viewers seeking representation and visibility.

Heartstopper is a delightful story because it champions joy and celebrates emotional safety. Though there are personal woes that bog down certain characters, trauma is not used as drama as some queer media tend to feature. Perhaps the most profound part of the series is how Heartstopper normalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and romances. Plus, the power of supportive friendship is at the forefront. Though Charlie and Nick are the central players, their friend group, including Tao Xu (William Gao), Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney), Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan), Tara Jones (Corinna Brown), and Darcy Olsson (Kizzy Edgell), help to color in the story and serve as beacons in their own right. Heartstopper is a visually pleasant modern romance that the next generation deserves.

2 'Love on the Spectrum' (2022–Present)

Dani and Adan during a date on 'Love on the Spectrum' Season 3.

Image via Netflix

Reality television dating shows don't often turn up on celebrated romance lists because they've been weighted down by preconceived notions. Then, Love on the Spectrum arrived, and everything changed. By far the most wholesome dating show on television, Love on the Spectrum follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the unpredictable world of dating, romance, and relationships. Originating as an Australian series before coming to America, the highly successful show has captured the joy these individuals experience, while also documenting the challenges they face.

Through four seasons, fans have been gifted a rare glimpse into the full experience of many of their individuals. Some of the main cast, including Dani Bowman, James Jones, and Abbey Romeo, have been with the program from the start, where they've found love, and in some instances, lost it. But their openness to letting the cameras document that journey has given viewers something to champion. Rather than manufactured drama, Love on the Spectrum showcases genuine human connection, vulnerability, and emotional resilience. In addition to celebrating love, Love on the Spectrum has served as a brilliant educational tool by breaking down stigmas and misconceptions. If you haven't tuned in yet, be prepared: tissues are required!

1 'Bridgerton' (2020–Present)

There is simply no other television program that is more romantic than that of Bridgerton. It's literally why we tune in! The regency romance created by Chris Van Dusen is based on the book series by Julia Quinn. The series follows the close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family as they navigate London's competitive marriage market. As gossip pervades the air thanks to an anonymous newsletter penned by Lady Whistledown, the siblings in the spotlight face the trials and tribulations of finding and falling in love. Bridgerton has charmed audiences thanks to its lavish period-drama production, infusion of pop music, and a desire for scandalous secrets and passionate romance.

With each season centered on a specific Bridgerton sibling, the series continues to expand just as love in the story grows. And with each growing season, the world-building gets even grander. It's a spectacular setting for an addictive and unique tale. By blending period thrills with modern storytelling and inclusion, Bridgerton emerges as escapism at its finest. The main cast bring their characters to life, with fans now having enough runway to pick their favorite couples. And no, the fandom cannot agree. From our first foray with the ravishing Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), to the _Romeo and Juliet-_esque romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), each narrative is uniquely its own, but equally addictive. At this point, dethroning Bridgerton as the ultimate romance series seems an impossible feat.