The month of love brings with it feelings of happiness, loneliness, self-worth, friendship, and everything else under the sun. Because that’s what love is. Here are a few shows with themes of all types of love that you can turn to for your viewing pleasure!
Heartstopper:
When I think about a romantic show—a show that can get you right into that wholesome Valentine’s mood—Heartstopper is the one. The adorable characters and heartwarming story will tug at your heartstrings. You follow teens Nick and Charlie as they meet, become friends, and slowly fall in love. Heartstopper paints a genuine picture of the reality that teenagers face in this pivotal time in their lives. They go through all the firsts with love, not just romantic but familial love, the love between friends, and the love and acceptance you find within yourself.
Fleabag:
Fleabag is a show I’m surprised I haven’t talked about before because it might be one of the best things I’ve ever watched. It follows our unnamed main protagonist, comically referred to as Fleabag. Her lack of filter gets her into constant problems in any given situation as she tries to navigate life after tragedy. She hides her grief behind her dry humor and pushes others away, all while feeling lonelier and lonelier. Fleabag gives a very raw and honest portrayal of someone who’s lost, who doesn’t value themselves, and who needs help but can’t ask for it. We watch her heal, grow, and forgive herself for her past.
The Good Place:
The Good Place is another masterpiece by Michael Schur, the same man that brought us shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock. This show is one of the darker premises of Schur’s lighthearted sitcoms, but only because of all its talk of death and demons and eternal damnation… Other than that, it’s all about the friends we made along the way! If you’re looking for a good friendship-centered show that’s about becoming a better person for yourself and the people around you, then The Good Place is here for you.
Bojack Horseman:
I’m ending this list with Bojack Horseman, an animated sitcom about a depressed horse. With the central premise being about depression, the show takes the time to flesh out how much mental illness can affect your life as well as those around you. It takes you on a long journey with a very flawed main character who, oftentimes, makes you wonder if you’re even supposed to root for him. At the same time, it encourages you to look at yourself and your own life. It holds up a mirror to the viewer and asks, “What do you see?” while delivering a quietly gut-punching portrayal of the repercussions of a life lived with a lack of self-love and how to find it in the end.