If you've found yourself captivated by the charm of Nobody Wants This, with its delightful central chemistry and witty take on interfaith romance, you're not alone. Netflix has a hit on its hands, and it's clear we still crave those feel-good love stories, even if they're not confined to the Hallmark Channel. For those seeking more of that perfect blend of romance, comedy, and that tantalizing will-they-or-won't-they suspense, you've landed in the right place. We've curated a list of 15 shows like Nobody Wants This that are sure to capture your heart and keep you glued to the screen.
Fleabag: A Messy But Brilliant Romance
Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag is a masterclass in dark comedy and raw emotion. The titular character, a free-spirited and often angry young woman navigating London, shares her tumultuous romantic life directly with the audience through confessional asides. Her reluctant fall for a priest, an atheist falling for a man of faith, echoes the core conflict of Nobody Wants This, albeit with a considerably messier execution. Waller-Bridge's genius earned her multiple Emmys, solidifying its place as a must-watch.
Fleabag (2016 - 2019) is available on Prime Video.
Crash Landing on You: A Unique Cross-Border Love Story
This beloved Korean series offers a romance literally born from a mishap. Heiress Yoon Se-ri crash-lands in North Korea during a paragliding accident and is discovered by a compassionate captain in the North Korean Special Police Force. The undeniable chemistry between the leads, coupled with a sensitive portrayal of life across the border, made Crash Landing on You a global phenomenon. It's a testament to how love can blossom in the most unexpected circumstances.
Crash Landing on You (2019) is available on Netflix.
Catastrophe: Unconventional Love in the Face of Unexpected Challenges
What happens when a week-long fling results in an unplanned pregnancy? That's the premise for Catastrophe, a British sitcom that feels refreshingly real. Irish teacher Sharon and American ad exec Rob decide to make a go of it, navigating the chaos of impending parenthood and marriage with sharp, acerbic wit. While they can be delightfully nasty to each other and their friends, the show ultimately celebrates the messy joy of finding someone to face life's absurdities with (Horgan & Delaney, 2015-2019).
Catastrophe (2015 - 2019) is available on Prime Video.
Younger: A Bold Lie for a Second Chance at Love and Career
Liza Miller, a 40-something divorcée, reinvents herself as a 26-year-old to re-enter the publishing world. Younger brilliantly explores the comedic and dramatic fallout of her elaborate deception, particularly as it complicates her romantic life with a younger tattoo artist, Josh. The show expertly balances workplace hijinks with genuine emotional stakes, making it a perfect watch for anyone who loves a good will-they-or-won't-they dynamic.
Younger (2015 - 2021) is available on Netflix.
Normal People: A Deeply Felt Coming-of-Age Romance
While not strictly a comedy, Sally Rooney's Normal People offers an incredibly intimate and steamy portrayal of young love. Marianne, from a wealthy but troubled background, and Connell, the popular son of a housekeeper, navigate a complex, on-again, off-again relationship through university. The series is lauded for its intelligent writing, raw honesty about intimacy and vulnerability, and the palpable chemistry between Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal (Rooney, 2019).
Normal People (2020) is available on Hulu.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Healing Through Love and Mental Health
This South Korean gem delves into the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and warmth. It follows the slow-burn romance between Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver for his autistic brother, and a children's book author with antisocial personality disorder. Writer Jo Yong's personal experiences lend authenticity to the narrative, making it a poignant and often humorous exploration of healing and connection. It's a beautiful example of how understanding can lead to love.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) is available on Netflix.
The Lovers: A Spark Ignited by Cynicism
Janet, a cynical supermarket employee, and Seamus, a self-absorbed TV presenter, find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other in this British comedy. Their initial clashes and Janet's blunt honesty prick Seamus's considerable ego, sparking a prickly but undeniably passionate connection. The palpable chemistry between Roisin Gallagher and Johnny Flynn makes their unconventional romance utterly captivating.
The Lovers (2023) is available on Prime Video.
Sex Education: Navigating Sexuality with Humor and Positivity
Moving beyond mere representation, Sex Education champions sex positivity with humor and heart. Otis, an insecure teen whose mother is a renowned sex therapist, starts a secret sex advice clinic at school. The show tackles teen sexuality, relationships, and identity with refreshing frankness, featuring a standout will-they-or-won't-they dynamic between Otis and Maeve. It's a funny, charming, and remarkably insightful series.
Sex Education (2019 - 2023) is available on Netflix.
Heated Rivalry: Enemies to Lovers on the Ice
For those who enjoy a high-stakes, enemies-to-lovers trope, Heated Rivalry delivers. Professional ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, fierce competitors on the ice, find their animosity blurring into a passionate, clandestine relationship off it. This upcoming series promises plenty of tension and undeniable chemistry, exploring the complexities of forbidden attraction in the cutthroat world of professional sports.
Beyond the Expected: More Shows Like 'Nobody Wants This'
The world of television offers a wealth of romantic comedies and dramas that capture the magic of connection, often with a unique twist. If you're still searching for that perfect blend of humor, heart, and compelling characters, consider these additional gems that offer similar vibes to Nobody Wants This.
The End of the F***ing World: A Dark Road Trip Romance
This pitch-black romantic comedy follows James, a teenager who believes he's a psychopath, and Alyssa, a rebellious classmate. Their planned escape turns into an accidental road trip across England, filled with unexpected twists and a burgeoning, albeit unconventional, connection. It's a wild ride that proves even the darkest characters can find love in surprising ways.
The End of the F***ing World (2017 - 2019) is available on Netflix.
The Good Place: Finding Soulmates in the Afterlife
While primarily a philosophical comedy, The Good Place features a central romance between Eleanor and Chidi that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Mistakenly sent to the afterlife, they must pretend to be soulmates, only for their fake affection to blossom into something genuinely real. It's a delightful exploration of ethics, friendship, and the possibility of finding love against all odds.
The Good Place (2016 - 2020) is available on Peacock, Prime Video, and Hulu.
Emily in Paris: A Fish-Out-of-Water Rom-Com
Darren Star's vibrant creation, Emily in Paris, follows an American marketing executive who lands a dream job in Paris. Despite language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, Emily navigates her new life, career, and a complicated romance with her neighbor Gabriel. It's a stylish, fun romp filled with Parisian charm and plenty of romantic entanglements.
Emily in Paris (2020 - ) is available on Netflix.
Modern Love: Anthology of Real-Life Romance
Inspired by the New York Times column, Modern Love is an anthology series that explores the myriad facets of love in New York City. Each episode tells a unique story, featuring a star-studded cast and delving into themes from dating app dilemmas to enduring relationships. Its grounded, relatable narratives offer a different, yet equally compelling, perspective on romance.
Modern Love (2019 - 2021) is available on Prime Video.
Heartstopper: A Tender Queer Teen Love Story
This heartwarming series offers an affirming portrayal of a high school romance within the LGBTQ+ community. Heartstopper balances the joys and anxieties of young love with a gentle, optimistic tone. Kit Connor and Joe Locke deliver incredibly moving performances as Charlie and Nick navigate their feelings, making it a must-watch for its sincerity and charm.
Heartstopper (2022 - ) is available on Netflix.
With Love: Celebrating Love Across the Holidays
Creator Gloria Calderón Kellett brings us With Love, a series that follows the romantic journeys of four distinct couples over the course of a year, with each episode centered around a holiday. The Diaz family provides a warm, familial backdrop as Lily and Jorge navigate their own love lives. It's an efficient and sweet exploration of modern relationships, perfect for binge-watching.
With Love (2021 - 2023) is available on Prime Video.
New Recommendation: The Mindy Project - Quirky Romance from a Comedic Genius
Mindy Kaling stars as Mindy Lahiri, a brilliant but romantically challenged OB/GYN in New York City. The Mindy Project offers a hilarious and often cringe-worthy look at modern dating through Mindy's eyes. With its sharp writing, pop culture references, and a fantastic ensemble cast, it's a show that perfectly balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuinely touching romantic moments, making it a fantastic addition to any list of shows like Nobody Wants This.
New Recommendation: Russian Doll - Existential Comedy and Unexpected Connection
Nadia Vulvokov finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving her 36th birthday party over and over. This darkly comedic and existential series, starring Natasha Lyonne, explores themes of mortality, connection, and self-discovery. As Nadia navigates the surreal circumstances of her predicament, she forms an unexpected bond with Alan Zaveri, another person caught in the loop. It's a mind-bending, yet ultimately hopeful, exploration of finding meaning and connection amidst chaos.
Awkward - High School Romance and Self-Discovery
Jenna Hamilton's journey through high school is anything but smooth, especially when a misunderstanding leads everyone to believe she's been sending herself sexually suggestive emails. Awkward captures the cringeworthy, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking realities of teenage life and romance. Jenna's quest for love and self-acceptance, amidst social hierarchies and embarrassing moments, makes for a relatable and entertaining watch, especially for those who enjoy shows with relatable leads navigating complex relationships.
