Overrated Romantic TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Romantic TV shows are incredibly popular, often sparking lots of discussion and topping streaming charts because of their focus on love and drama. These shows frequently gain devoted fans who follow the main couples and their stories closely. However, critics sometimes question the writing quality and overuse of familiar storylines in these hit series. This list takes a look at several well-known romantic shows that some viewers feel are overrated.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Elena Gilbert finds herself caught between two vampire brothers while living in the town of Mystic Falls. The show follows their struggles with both supernatural threats and complicated love lives. Running for eight seasons, it became incredibly popular with fans around the world. While beloved by many, critics sometimes noted the show’s tendency to repeat relationship storylines and rely on predictable surprises. It’s often considered a defining example of the teen supernatural romance genre.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–PRESENT)

This medical drama follows the careers and relationships of doctors working at a Seattle hospital. The story centers around Meredith Grey and her many romantic relationships. Known for its intense and emotional scenes, the show often says goodbye to characters. Although it’s still popular, some viewers think the love stories have become predictable. Despite receiving mixed reactions, the series continues to air new seasons.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

This show follows the dramatic lives of wealthy teenagers on New York City’s Upper East Side, all while an anonymous blogger exposes their secrets and scandals. It became popular for its over-the-top fashion and shocking plotlines, but is now often criticized for portraying damaging relationships as something to strive for. Fans still debate the identity of the blogger, which was finally revealed at the end of the series.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–PRESENT)

A marketing executive from the US takes a job in France, hoping to revitalize a luxury brand. The series follows her as she balances work with dating in Paris. It’s known for being visually appealing and generally cheerful, though some critics feel it relies too much on clichés about French culture and that the main character doesn’t change much throughout the story. Despite these criticisms, it’s still a very popular romantic comedy on its streaming service.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–PRESENT)

This series follows the lives of eight siblings as they navigate love and society in London during the Regency period. Inspired by beloved books, it offers a fresh, modern spin on historical romance. The show is famous for its beautiful costumes and unique soundtrack, featuring orchestral versions of popular songs. While many enjoy it, some viewers feel it leans too much on familiar romance storylines and isn’t always historically accurate. To keep things interesting, each season centers on a different romantic pairing.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

This show follows four friends living in New York City as they juggle their careers and love lives, all while supporting each other. Carrie Bradshaw famously writes about her dates in a newspaper column. It was groundbreaking for openly discussing women’s sexuality and independence. While some modern viewers find the characters a bit self-absorbed and the relationship goals unrealistic, the show was incredibly popular and led to several movies and a continuation series.

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)

This teen drama, set in a small seaside town, follows a group of young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up and falling in love. Known for its long, thoughtful conversations and a memorable love triangle, the show defined teen television in the late 90s and early 2000s. Some viewers feel the characters are unusually articulate for teenagers, but the series’ emotional impact continues to resonate with fans who remember it fondly.

‘One Tree Hill’ (2003–2012)

Nathan and Lucas Scott, who share the same father, are rivals both on the basketball court and in their everyday lives. The show tracks their friend group as they navigate high school and grow into adulthood, with plenty of romantic relationships, especially among the cheerleaders, and stories about pursuing creative passions. While some viewers found the later seasons a bit too dramatic, the series is best known for its emphasis on strong friendships and memorable music.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Okay, so I’m really into this show. It follows Archie and his friends as they stumble into some seriously dark stuff happening in their town – it’s way more than your typical small-town drama. What’s cool is how they took these classic comic characters and put them in this really moody, atmospheric world. There’s a lot of relationship drama, and honestly, they keep switching things up with the pairings just to keep you on edge. I’ve read reviews that say the plot gets pretty wild and hard to follow as it goes on, and yeah, I can see that. But even with all the craziness, it’s got a really dedicated fanbase – people are surprisingly invested, even when things get totally unrealistic!

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

This series follows four friends who reconnect when their leader disappears, and they start getting strange messages. The story explores their hidden secrets and complicated love lives, all while they’re facing a looming danger. It’s known for being suspenseful and full of twists, though some viewers have pointed out that the relationships between characters sometimes felt unbalanced. After seven seasons of mystery and drama, the show came to an end.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

The series follows a young man with a difficult past who is welcomed into a rich family in Newport Beach, throwing him into a world of wealth, romance, and complex social circles. It realistically portrays the lives of privileged teenagers and their families, and became a cultural touchstone in the early 2000s thanks to its popular music and references. While initially praised, many critics feel the show’s quality dropped significantly after the first two seasons, though the strong connection between the main actors is often remembered as a standout feature.

‘Outlander’ (2014–PRESENT)

A nurse from World War II unexpectedly travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she finds love with a Scottish warrior and gets caught up in the area’s historical battles. The show is known for its high-quality production and the strong connection between the lead actors. While many enjoy it, some viewers find the show’s intense scenes and slow pace challenging. The series is still being made, continuing to bring a popular book series to life for fans around the world.

‘Normal People’ (2020)

Marianne and Connell’s complicated relationship unfolds over several years, starting in high school and continuing through college. Based on Sally Rooney’s novel, the series deeply explores the emotional connection between the two main characters. It was praised by critics for its honest and relatable depiction of young love and insecurity. However, some viewers felt the story moved slowly and that the characters’ frequent miscommunications dragged it out. The actors playing Marianne and Connell received a lot of recognition for their performances.

‘Virgin River’ (2019–PRESENT)

A nurse practitioner seeks a fresh start and tranquility by moving to a quiet town in Northern California. She soon becomes interested in the owner of a local bar, who has a troubled history. The show is popular for its beautiful scenery and heartwarming love stories, though some critics find the plot to be somewhat formulaic and predictable. It’s become a hit with viewers looking for gentle, feel-good entertainment.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

This show tells the story of the Pearson family, following their lives and love stories across different years. It jumps between time periods to show how past events affect what’s happening now. The series became known for being very emotional and for its strong focus on family. However, some viewers felt it relied too much on sad moments and emotional appeals as the show went on. After six seasons of exploring everyday family life, the show ended.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2022–PRESENT)

This series follows a teenage girl who spends her summers by the beach and becomes caught between two brothers, creating a complicated love triangle. It’s a story about the excitement of first love and how friendships evolve as you grow up. Adapted from a well-loved book series, the show is aimed at younger viewers. While some reviewers feel it falls into predictable patterns and doesn’t fully explore why characters do what they do, its music and overall look are definite highlights.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–PRESENT)

A mother and daughter start over in a New England town, hoping to escape their previous troubles. The series combines mystery, teen romance, and family issues, and focuses on how the mother and daughter see things differently. Some critics feel the show tries to do too much, juggling multiple genres. Romantic relationships are key to the story for both of them.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

Okay, so I just finished watching this series and it really messed with my head! It’s about a bookstore guy who gets totally fixated on a customer, and then starts basically… inserting himself into her life through social media. What’s wild is it looks like a romance at times, but it’s all shown from the stalker’s perspective, which is super unsettling. It really digs into how creepy things can get with modern dating and how easy it is to overshare online. Honestly, I found it a little repetitive at points – he kept moving around, trying different tactics – but it definitely got me thinking. A lot of people are debating whether the show accidentally makes this awful behavior seem romantic, and it’s a really important conversation to have.

‘Heartstopper’ (2022–PRESENT)

This series follows two teenage friends as they explore their feelings for each other while dealing with the ups and downs of school and growing up. It’s known for its sweet and hopeful take on first love. Based on a well-loved graphic novel, the show keeps a similar look and feel. While some reviewers think it presents an unrealistic view of teenage life, many have praised its positive messages and the actors’ delightful performances.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby tells his children the story of how he met their mother, using flashbacks to share the tale. The show centers around Ted and his friends navigating love and life in New York City. It’s known for its creative storytelling and running jokes. While popular, the series finale left some viewers feeling unsatisfied, as they believed it didn’t quite fit with the characters’ journeys. At its heart, the show is about Ted’s long journey to find the woman he’s meant to be with.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

This popular sitcom follows the lives of six friends navigating love and life in Manhattan during their twenties and thirties. It’s known for its funny and relatable moments, and helped define a generation with its memorable couples. While still widely enjoyed, some modern viewers and critics point out that the show lacks diversity and includes jokes that haven’t aged well. The on-again, off-again relationship between Ross and Rachel is particularly famous and remains a pop culture touchstone.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

A high school teacher starts a show choir, bringing together a group of students from different backgrounds and helping them discover their talents. The show features musical numbers alongside stories about teenage love and what it’s like to navigate high school life. It was incredibly popular when it first aired and led to several successful songs. However, some viewers felt later seasons weren’t as strong, with characters acting inconsistently and storylines becoming unrealistic. A major draw for fans was the romantic relationships between the students.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Gilmore Girls follows Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory as they navigate life and love in the charming town of Stars Hollow. Known for its quick wit and countless references to movies, music, and TV, the show centers on their close relationship and the men they meet. Some viewers have pointed out that Lorelai and Rory sometimes act privileged without facing consequences, but at its core, the series is a heartwarming story about the special bond between a mother and daughter.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope runs a crisis management firm in Washington D.C., all while having a secret and complicated relationship with the President. The show is famous for its quick-moving storylines and intense political drama, attracting viewers with its passionate romance and powerful speeches. While popular, some fans feel the later seasons became unrealistic. The central love story was a huge topic of conversation and helped drive the show’s success on social media.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

The series follows a young woman who heads to the Hamptons determined to avenge her father after he was wrongly accused of a crime. As she pursues her revenge, she finds herself caught in a love triangle with both a childhood friend and members of the family she’s after. While the show is visually stunning and full of unexpected turns, many critics believe it lost its way after the first season, becoming more focused on dramatic relationships than the original plot. These romantic entanglements often created obstacles for the main character’s mission.

‘Sweet Magnolias’ (2020–PRESENT)

This heartwarming drama follows three close-knit friends navigating life, love, and careers in a charming Southern town. The show beautifully portrays the power of female friendship and the importance of community. While some viewers find it a bit too sweet or lacking in dramatic tension, the series centers around the women’s romantic journeys and is based on a popular book series.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

This show centers on a shy high school student who secretly starts a sex therapy practice for his classmates. It tackles relatable issues of love, sex, and relationships with both humor and genuine emotion. Critics and viewers have applauded its diverse characters and realistic portrayal of teenage life, though some felt the show didn’t quite stick the landing with its main couples in the final season. Despite this, it’s considered an important and influential teen drama.

‘Sex/Life’ (2021–2023)

This series follows a mother of two who revisits her youthful adventures, causing her current life to clash with her more carefree past. The show delves into themes of female desire and the challenges within marriage, and quickly became known for its bold scenes and suspenseful endings. While popular with audiences, critics often felt it focused more on shocking moments than on developing its characters. Despite mixed reviews, the show attracted a large following.

‘90210’ (2008–2013)

This updated series centers around a fresh group of teenagers navigating love and drama in Beverly Hills. It aimed to recreate the appeal of the original show for modern audiences, but some viewers found it didn’t quite capture the same spark. The series lasted five seasons and included appearances by actors from the classic nineties show.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

This show follows the lives of women on Wisteria Lane after one of their neighbors unexpectedly takes her own life. It’s a mix of mystery, humor, and romance, all set in a typical suburban neighborhood. The series was hugely popular and helped boost the careers of its stars. While initially praised, some critics felt the show became overly dramatic later on, relying on unbelievable storylines. At its heart, the show’s success came from focusing on the personal relationships and love lives of the housewives.

‘Everwood’ (2002–2006)

After his wife dies, a famous brain surgeon relocates his family to a quiet town in Colorado. The show follows the family as they adapt to their new life, and explores the love lives and challenges of his teenage children. It’s known for being genuinely moving and honestly portraying the experience of loss. While some viewers find it a bit slow-paced for today’s television, a central storyline revolves around the developing relationship between the surgeon’s son and a girl from the town.

‘Felicity’ (1998–2002)

This show follows a young woman as she goes to college in New York City, partly to be near someone she’s had a crush on since high school. Throughout her college years, she learns a lot about herself. The series is known for its realistic and thoughtful portrayal of college life, and it famously featured a love triangle that sparked a lot of debate among viewers. While some critics feel the show’s later seasons made questionable choices with certain characters, it was a breakthrough project for both its creators and the main actor, helping to launch their careers.

‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ (2008–2013)

The show centers on a teenage girl dealing with an unexpected pregnancy and the impact it has on her life at school and at home. It follows the romantic lives and ethical challenges faced by a group of high school students. While known for tackling serious issues in a somewhat blunt way and using similar lines of dialogue repeatedly, and despite being criticized for performances and writing that sometimes came across as humorous when not intended, the show was a significant success for the network.

‘Love, Victor’ (2020–2022)

This series follows a new student at Creekwood High as he navigates the ups and downs of finding himself and falling in love. As a spin-off of the movie ‘Love, Simon,’ it tackles similar themes of identity and the difficulties of coming out, all within the context of today’s high school experience. While some reviewers thought the show stuck a little too closely to typical teen drama tropes, the central focus is the main character’s romantic journey.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

This show follows an Indian American teen as she deals with the challenges of high school and the grief of losing her father. It’s funny and uniquely narrated by tennis legend John McEnroe. A key part of the story is a complicated love triangle that fans love to talk about. While some viewers find the main character hard to root for at times, the series is generally celebrated for its realistic portrayal of growing up and its diverse representation.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

This Spanish series follows three students from working-class backgrounds as they navigate an elite private school, creating tension and ultimately leading to a murder investigation. Known for its glamorous fashion and dramatic love lives, the show uses flashbacks and flash forwards to keep viewers guessing. While popular, some critics feel it prioritizes sensationalism and appearance over a meaningful storyline. A constantly changing cast has helped the series remain successful for many seasons.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–PRESENT)

This show follows a group of high school students navigating the challenges of love, friendship, and tough situations. It’s known for its stylish visuals and realistic, sometimes harsh, portrayal of teenage life. Relationships are often intense and linked to past hurts. While some find the show too intense or feel it lacks a clear story, it’s become a major topic of conversation, largely thanks to its young and relatable cast.

‘Firefly Lane’ (2021–2023)

This series follows two best friends over three decades as they navigate the challenges and successes of their careers and love lives. The story jumps between different time periods, revealing how their friendship has grown and changed. It’s a story about unwavering loyalty and how past decisions affect the present. Some viewers have found the frequent changes in time and appearance a bit confusing, but the series ultimately concludes with a satisfying resolution to the main storyline.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–PRESENT)

The beloved characters from ‘Sex and the City’ are back, now dealing with life and friendship in their fifties. This new series follows Carrie and her friends as they navigate love and relationships in modern New York City, all while keeping the stylish vibe of the original. However, some longtime fans feel the characters and their conversations aren’t quite as consistent with the show they remember, making it a frequent topic of debate.

‘XO, Kitty’ (2023–PRESENT)

This new series follows a young woman who works as a matchmaker. She travels to Seoul hoping to reconnect with her boyfriend and discover more about her mother’s past. As a spin-off of the popular ‘To All the Boys’ movies, the show explores the challenges of dating someone who lives far away. It’s a cheerful and lighthearted story full of familiar romantic themes. While some reviewers find it predictable and geared towards teens, the series beautifully captures the experience of growing up and becoming an adult.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

This new version of the classic soap opera centers on the opulent Carrington family and their ongoing conflicts. Expect plenty of romance, betrayals, and over-the-top displays of wealth. While it updates the characters and stories from the original 1980s series, some viewers have found the frequent plot twists and changing cast members difficult to follow. The show primarily highlights the glamorous lives and scandalous love affairs of its main characters.

‘A Million Little Things’ (2018–2023)

After a friend unexpectedly passes away, a close-knit group in Boston is inspired to make the most of their lives. The series follows their emotional journeys as they cope with loss and deal with challenges in love and their personal lives. It’s similar to other heartfelt family dramas that focus on the power of relationships. However, some reviewers feel the show leans too heavily on sad events to move the story forward. The friendships and romantic connections between the characters are central to the plot.

‘Love Island’ (2015–PRESENT)

This reality TV show features single people living together in a villa. To stay in the competition, they need to pair up with someone. The series follows the ups and downs of their relationships, all while being filmed. It’s become incredibly popular around the world, with versions made in many countries. While the show is entertaining, many critics note that the couples rarely stay together after filming ends. The drama and viewer votes are essential to the show’s popularity.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–PRESENT)

The show features a single person dating multiple potential partners, with contestants eliminated throughout the season. Famous for its dramatic rose ceremonies and glamorous destinations, it’s been a major force in reality dating television for over twenty years. While some criticize its predictable format and the couples’ limited lasting relationships, it remains popular with viewers and generates a lot of online buzz.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–PRESENT)

This reality TV show features a woman choosing from a group of men who are competing for her affection. Like the original series, it centers around dates and dramatic eliminations, with a strong emphasis on the men vying for her attention. Some critics believe the show creates unrealistic ideas about romance, but it continues to be a popular fixture on television.

‘Love is Blind’ (2020–PRESENT)

People are now dating and even getting engaged without ever meeting in person, and this show explores whether a strong emotional connection can develop without physical attraction. The series follows these couples as they finally meet and plan their weddings, often with a lot of drama. While some think the concept is silly or that the participants are just seeking attention, the show has become incredibly popular for the streaming service that airs it.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–PRESENT)

As a total cinema devotee, I’ve always been fascinated by this reality show concept. Basically, they fly a bunch of gorgeous singles to some amazing tropical location, but with a huge catch – no physical contact allowed! The idea is to force them to really connect on an emotional level and build genuine relationships. There’s a big cash prize on the line, but every time someone breaks the rules, the prize money goes down. Honestly, a lot of critics think it’s all a bit shallow and that nobody really grows as a person on the show. Still, it’s undeniably popular – it’s just easy, fun viewing with plenty of drama and, let’s be real, a very attractive cast.

‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019–2023)

The new series of ‘The L Word’ blends familiar faces with a fresh group of characters as they explore love and life in Los Angeles. Like the original, it focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and their relationships, but with more modern stories and a wider range of characters. While some viewers missed the strong storytelling of the first series, romantic connections remain at the heart of the show.

‘Chesapeake Shores’ (2016–2022)

This drama follows a successful woman who returns to her roots, rekindling relationships with her family and an old love. Set in a picturesque seaside town, the show explores the bonds of family and the difficulties of juggling a demanding career with personal life. While some viewers find it a bit too sweet and lacking conflict, it was a major hit for the network and ran for six seasons.

‘Heartland’ (2007–PRESENT)

This long-running series follows a family running a ranch in Alberta, navigating everyday life and love. Over many seasons, the show has explored the characters’ development and their strong ties to the land, building a dedicated fanbase around the world. However, some viewers feel the storylines have become predictable and slow-paced after so many years, as romantic relationships remain a central theme.

Share which romantic shows you feel are overrated in the comments.

2026-01-07 02:54