Real Love? 10 Most True-to-Life Shows About Romantic Relationships
These projects are a testament to the many facets of love.
For what are people willing to sacrifice everything and risk their lives? For love, of course. Directors never get tired of exploring the nature of human relationships, which means that we will never run out of movies and TV series on this topic.
In this list, we have collected only those shows that convey the essence of romantic relationships in various forms as realistically as possible.
1. The Affair, 2014-2019
Where to Watch: Apple TV
University professor and writer Noah arrives in Montauk with his wife and children. The man is going through a midlife crisis that leads to an affair with a waitress at a local diner.
The Affair belongs to a rare genre – it is an honest and realistic melodrama. The show gives points of view from different sides of the conflict and sometimes turns into a real study of the psychology of betrayal. It's not the most fun thing to watch, but it makes you understand that relationships can sometimes turn into a cruel puzzle.
2. Togetherness, 2015-2016
Where to Watch: Max
Togetherness is a show by the Duplass brothers about a middle-aged couple who, in the midst of a relationship crisis, bring in two equally middle-aged and unhappy friends.
This decision backfires on the couple: an outside view reveals a pile of unresolved problems and grievances that it is not clear what to do with. The series speaks ironically but directly about the most important things – friendship, love and forgiveness, which not everyone is capable of.
3. Five Bedrooms, 2019-…
Where to Watch: Apple TV
A hilarious and touching Australian comedy in the spirit of Friends, but much more realistic and far from the light-hearted sitcom format. Five characters sit at the same table at a wedding and find an unexpected solution to their problems.
The show proves that the lives of seemingly ordinary people can be so intense that it can be an extremely exciting thing to watch. The characters are not afraid to show their emotions and vulnerability. There are no prejudices or false masks – only life as it is.
4. Normal People, 2020
Where to Watch: Hulu
The show tells the story of the relationship between two teenagers, Marianne and Connell, who met in high school and then studied together at a Dublin college. The characters experience feelings ranging from exhilarating intimacy to almost complete rejection.
The characters will influence each other, face betrayal and misunderstanding, and ultimately learn the lessons of their long-term relationship. The show presents the story of first love as a process that, despite the inevitability of its collapse, leaves an indelible mark on the lovers.
5. Catastrophe, 2015-2019
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Rob, an American on a business trip to England, meets Sharon, a schoolteacher, in a bar. At first, the two are sure that their brief romance will not lead to anything serious, and they are not planning a future life together. But soon Rob has to return to London: Sharon announces that she is pregnant.
The creators Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan based the characters on themselves, played the main roles and even gave the characters their own names. Perhaps this explains why the characters do not act like walking rom-com cliches, but like normal, living people.
6. Modern Love, 2019-2021
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The creators of the show decided to explore the topic of love from all possible angles. That is why they are talking about self-love, platonic love, family and romantic love. The plot was based on stories from the New York Times column of the same name, and the location was, of course, New York.
It is an anthology of different stories about love and relationships. Each episode is a separate story that lasts 30 minutes. The main characters indulge in memories, passions, reflections, and each of them will definitely draw their own conclusion in the finale.
7. Scenes from a Marriage, 2021
Where to Watch: Max
The mini-series is an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's 1973 project of the same name, which influenced the entire film industry and became one of the director's signature works. The project tells the story of a couple who divorce after 10 years of marriage.
Despite the abundance of difficulties, Mira and Jonathan continue to have tender feelings for each other. She is the main breadwinner in the family and does not want to have another child; he is a professor who devotes most of his time to their daughter. Despite the painful separation, the couple tries to sort out their feelings for each other and realize that the love between them is still alive.
8. Love Life, 2020-2021
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Each season of this show focused on completely different stories related to relationships and the search for love. The first season deserves special attention, where Anna Kendrick's character searches for the one who will make her happy.
Darby lives with friends in New York and, like many, is looking for love. A series of unsuccessful dates does not discourage her – she is sure that the right man will come along if she just keeps trying. Each new boyfriend gives Darby hope for a brighter future, but leaves her with nothing but experience. When she finally thinks she is ready for marriage, it turns out that desire alone is not enough.
9. State of the Union, 2019-2022
Where to Watch: Max
Londoners Tom and Louise have been married for 15 years and, like many couples, they are experiencing problems. Tom lost his job and was emotionally burnt out, and Louise decided to cheat. In order to save their relationship, they attend family therapy sessions, and before each doctor's appointment, they meet in a pub to prepare.
Each episode lasts only 10 minutes, giving Tom and Louise time to discuss their problems and even flirt. They drink and discuss topics that they will be talking about with a specialist, as well as trying to figure out what went wrong and why.
10. You Me Her, 2016-2020
_29171.webp)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
This is one of the few series on polyamory. In a light-hearted way You Me Her tells about the psychotherapeutic effect of a tripartite romantic union for all its participants.
Jack and Emma Trakarsky love each other dearly, but over time their relationship has lost its former passion. After unsuccessful family therapy, Jack, at his brother's suggestion, turns to charming escort Izzy, who immediately makes both husband and wife fall in love with her.