Romantics on demand: the 10 series that are a hit on Valentine's Day (and not only)

BarcelonaWhen looking back at the film listings of the last few months, romantic comedy is not the standout. The only recent exception would surely be Anyone but you, a return to the style of films that became popular in the 90s and that was a huge box office success (it has been available on Movistar Plus+ for months now). However, in general there are few other romantic comedy options if we want to enjoy it on the big screen. The reality is that this genre has become strong on platforms, where it is increasingly common to find series and films made directly for streaming of a romantic nature. Korea is one of the audiovisual markets most accustomed to this genre, but on the platforms we also find options from the United Kingdom, France, Australia or Italy.

Without being precisely one sex symbolAdam Brody has become an actor that many women sigh for. His title ofadorable man has only strengthened itself with Nobody wants this, the latest romantic comedy to hit Netflix. Following the genre's playbook, the series plays on the confrontation of opposites: Noah is a progressive and charming rabbi but with strong religious convictions, while Joanne (Kristen Bell) is agnostic and would not be voted the kindest person in the world. In addition, she airs all her emotional and sexual problems on the podcast she does with her sister. Is it possible for this relationship to bear fruit without either of them making a major life sacrifice?

Another British proposal and with a couple formed by a man and a woman who, in principle, have nothing to do with each other. Seamus (Johnny Flynn, seen in Lovesick) is a somewhat boastful English journalist who travels to Belfast to do a television show. There he meets by chance Janet (Roisin Gallagher), a supermarket worker who seems to have no desire to live, a woman with no words who quickly puts the presenter down. The connection between them is so strong that they consider having an affair, although they know they have nothing in common and that he has a partner, a very well-known and quite charming actress. The lovers It is an ideal series for those who miss Derry girls, as they have a fairly similar sense of humour, with constant contrast between the English and the Irish (its creator, David Ireland, wrote some of the comedy's episodes).

If we talk about romanticism and Spanish productions, there is one name that stands out: Elisabet Benavent, the Valencian author of romantic novels who is petant. Following an agreement with Netflix, their stories are making their way to the small screen. Of the adaptations that have been made so far, the most successful is A perfect story, starring Anna Castillo and Álvaro Mel. Here, the one who has few financial means is he, David, while she, Margot, is swimming in abundance. As is the norm in any good romantic story, they meet unexpectedly: she has just run away from her wedding and is rethinking her life. The miniseries has gossip built in: as a result of the filming, Castillo and Mel started a relationship that still lasts.

The crown jewel of romantic comedies on the platforms. Rose Matafeo, co-creator and star of the series, revealed herself as the savior of the genre with her first season, a title that she revalidated with the third and final season, which tries to escape the corsets of romantic comedy. In Starstruck We have two love stories for the price of one: the first has all the unreality of Notting Hill, while the latter is totally anchored in realism while remaining charming. If you only want to choose one series from the list, choose this one: it is British romantic comedy at its best.

In this case, rather than a romantic comedy, we should be talking about a romantic melodrama, a definition that will not surprise viewers who have read David Nicholls' book. If this is not the case, it is likely that they have seen the film adaptation made with Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess as protagonists and, therefore, they know that not everything is roses and roses in this love story that spans almost two decades. A slow-cooked love –one slow burn in the romantic jargon of the textbook. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus)They are Emma and Dexter, who meet on the night of their university graduation in Edinburgh. From that meeting, a romantic relationship will be woven between them, more platonic than earthly, which the series will review with one chapter for each year of acquaintance. A story of extremely romantic comings and goings of a couple who seem to be polar opposites. Warning to sailors, take several tissues for the final stretch of the series.

Irreverent, somewhat scatological, but also very tender. Colin of accounts, together with The newsreader, is one of the greatest exponents of current Australian television. A seemingly improbable love story between a final-year medical student and the owner of a brewery who meet after being involved in a car accident that ends with a badly injured dog. Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, a married couple in real life, have created and starred in this series that, among other things, talks about how the age difference can affect or not a relationship. The series currently has two seasons.

Sammy is a somewhat loudmouthed and crazy girl who is attracted to Will, a much calmer and more formal guy. Since she is not sure about things, she decides that she prefers to have a relationship with limited commitment: three weeks without strings attached and then "enough." Not everything is as simple as she thinks because she will soon begin to develop feelings for Will that are deeper than she expected. Will they be able to save their relationship when both have such different lifestyles? The first reef appears in the form of a six-year-old girl: Will's daughter.

Falling in love unleashes emotions and Adèle doesn't seem to be tested by this too much: every time she is near Arthur she has trouble breathing or she faints outright. She is a writer and broadcaster who has made a fortune thanks to a podcast in which she detailed the existential crisis she suffered after breaking up with her partner; he is a mathematician who studies the relationship between numbers and falling in love. After spending a first night together, Adèle begins to faint when she is near Arthur and the diagnosis seems clear: she suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome caused by the end of her previous relationship. One of the few examples of French romantic comedy in series format that we have on the platforms (the other would be Casual love, on Netflix).

Dani de la Orden says that romantic comedy is not his favourite genre, but throughout his career he has stumbled over the same stone on several occasions. The Barcelona-born actor has just released on AppleTV+ a love story with obstacles that seem more insurmountable than usual. Raúl (Joan Amargós) has just been diagnosed with heart cancer and must undergo an operation in which he could die. Meanwhile, Marta (Verónica Echegui) has just become pregnant and does not know who the father is. In favour of the series, a couple with chemistry and supporting actors (his friend, her sister) who give great comic moments.

Designed for a younger audience, but not only, HeartstopperIt is a rom com which is a song to embrace diversityWith two seasons already released, and a third in preparation, the production adapts Alice Oseman's graphic novels, which have as their central theme the love story between Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke), two teenagers in the midst of discovering their identity. At the same time, viewers also witness the love affairs of the different friends in their group. Beyond romanticism, you'll find mental health, awareness against bullying and many other social issues.