British TV Shows Are Proof That Romcoms Never Left

Welcome to Flick & Lit, a column to celebrate and discuss media made for chicks

As a romcom lover, I always roll my eyes when people say that “romcoms are back.” I’m guilty of getting excited every time a new mid-budget romance lands in cinemas too, and I’ve probably said it myself. But the truth is, they never left; we’ve just been looking in the wrong place.

While Hollywood keeps trying to recapture the magic of the romcoms that defined the ‘90s and 2000s, television has quietly become the genre’s best home. The most memorable romances of the past few years haven’t been confined to the big screen. They’ve been unfolding over episodes, giving characters room to build genuine chemistry, deliver sharp, funny dialogue, and make us completely obsessed with whether they’ll end up together.

If anything, the best romcoms we’ve had recently have been TV shows—more specifically, British. They just haven’t always been recognised as romcoms or given the same attention, which then results in heartbreaking cancellations.

So, I am here to give them the love they deserve, and though we all love Off Campus and Heated Rivalry, here are other series from the 2010s onwards that deserve your binge-watching attention.

One of my favourite shows of all time, Lovesick follows Dylan, who discovered a sexually transmitted disease and must tell his former intimate partners. Even though his list is long enough for him to be a womaniser, the fact is that he’s just a bit of a lost romantic. Each episode is a flashback of one of those stories, while we also see his relationship with his friend Evie evolve.

This is probably one of the three shows I have ever rewatched—and writing this is seriously tempting me to go back to episode one. If you love witty British romcoms like Four Weddings and a Funeral, then you need to give it a go.

Already recommended this for my 20 Movies & Shows to Watch If You’re a Girl Panicking About Your 30s list as an underrated gem, especially compared to Fleabag, which was aired in the same year and created by the same Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Though the main romantic tension comes from Lulu and Anthony, two best friends with repressed feelings for each other, the show shows a chaotic group of friends living in a disused hospital as property guardians.

The bad part is that we only have six episodes; the good part is that you can watch all in one sitting.

This one is definitely a bit darker, but as a romcom-obsessed, it still hit the spot. Based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, The End of the F***ing World follows two misfit teenagers on a series of misadventures after they run away from home, who are also falling in love. On one side, we have James, who believes he is a psychopath, and on the other, it’s Alyssa, whose home life includes a terrible stepfather wanting her gone.

The show has two seasons and a conclusive ending, but I actually think it would still have been great with just season one.

Might not sound as British, since it stars the Canadian stand-up comedian Mae Martin, but Feel Good was produced in the UK by Channel 4. Plus, filming happened in both Manchester and London. This is a semi-autobiographical story, where a fictionalised version of Mae is recovering from addiction and falling for George, a teacher who usually dates men and hasn’t come out to her conservative family.

Ironically, the show is one of the less “feel good” picks on the list, as it explores trauma, codependency and other heavy themes, but still has plenty of funny romcom moments.

In this romcom, with a lot of com, Jessie hooks up after a New Year’s Eve party, just to find he is a big film star. This was my literal dream when I was single in London, but now I know what it would be like because Rose Matafeo—the show’s protagonist and creator—created something so real and dreamy at the same time. If anything, I wish I were this funny so I could have written it myself.

Expect three great seasons and, yes, a proper ending! It’s quite realistic for a romance, but still satisfying.

The Flatshare is based on the sensational book of the same name by Beth O’Leary, where recently single Tiffany starts sharing a flat (and the actual bed) with the nurse Leon. It’s a weird setup for a romance if you’re concerned about hygiene, but one of my favourite parts is seeing them communicating via sticky notes around the flat.

I adore the book, so I recommend reading it before streaming it if you’re one of those people (like me) who don’t like to read after watching the adaptation. Sadly, it did end up being cancelled, but because it’s based on the book, it doesn’t feel like an abrupt ending at all.

This Apple TV+ series stars Lovesick's Antonia Thomas and Craig Roberts, two best friends with insomnia who keep each other company with late-night calls. Unfortunately, it’s another case of cancellation after one season, which is a shame because it seems like not enough time people knew about it to give it a proper chance.

You can expect great British humour, as well as portrayals of loneliness, anxiety and a lot of confused romantic feelings. And don’t worry, you’ll still get a satisfying end, even if the story wasn’t meant to be completely over.

I can’t tell you how gutted I was to hear this brilliant show wasn’t coming back for a second season. Film Club, written and starring Aimee Lou Wood, shows Evie back in her family's house after a mental breakdown. Dealing with agoraphobia, she focuses on her elaborate film club with her best friend Noa, whilst they both clearly carry unspoken feelings for each other.

It’s a realistic portrayal of mental health struggles, as Aimee draws from her own journey in being diagnosed with ADHD and autistic traits. However, it still feels lighthearted and full of romantic and cinematic magic.

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Sincerely,
Renata 💋