Overrated Romantic TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Romantic television programs often dominate cultural conversations and streaming charts through their focus on emotional connections and dramatic conflict. Many of these shows build massive fan bases that celebrate the central couples and their ongoing storylines. However, critical discussions often arise regarding the quality of writing and the use of repetitive tropes in popular series. This list examines several high profile romantic shows that some viewers believe receive more praise than their narratives deserve.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Elena Gilbert becomes entangled in a love triangle with two vampire brothers in the town of Mystic Falls. The series focuses on the supernatural dangers they face while navigating intense romantic feelings. It ran for eight seasons and gained a global following of dedicated fans. Critics often point to the repetitive nature of the relationship drama and the frequent use of predictable plot twists. This show is frequently cited as a prime example of the teen supernatural romance genre.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–PRESENT)

This medical drama explores the professional and personal lives of surgical residents and attendings in Seattle. Meredith Grey serves as the central figure who experiences numerous romantic entanglements throughout her career. The series is known for its high stakes emotional moments and frequent character departures. While it remains a staple of primetime television, some viewers feel the romantic subplots have become increasingly formulaic over time. The show continues to produce new seasons despite mixed reviews regarding its longevity.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Privileged teenagers on the Upper East Side of New York City deal with scandals and romance under the eye of an anonymous blogger. The series highlights the toxic dynamics and lavish lifestyles of its central cast. It became a cultural phenomenon for its fashion and provocative storylines. Many audiences now critique the show for its depiction of unhealthy relationships as aspirational. The final reveal of the blogger identity remains a point of contention for many fans.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–PRESENT)

An American marketing executive moves to France to provide a fresh perspective to a luxury firm. She navigates the challenges of her career while exploring various romantic interests in the city of light. The show is celebrated for its bright aesthetic and lighthearted tone. Critics often argue that the portrayal of French culture is stereotypical and the protagonist lacks significant growth. Despite these critiques, it remains one of the most watched romantic comedies on its platform.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–PRESENT)

Eight close knit siblings seek love and happiness in London high society during the Regency era. The series is based on popular novels and features a modernized take on historical romance. It is well known for its vibrant costumes and orchestral covers of contemporary pop songs. Some viewers believe the show relies too heavily on predictable romance tropes and lacks historical accuracy. Each season focuses on a different couple to maintain the interest of the audience.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Four friends in New York City navigate the complexities of dating and careers while maintaining their close bond. Carrie Bradshaw chronicles her romantic experiences in a weekly newspaper column. The series was revolutionary for its frank discussions about female sexuality and independence. Modern audiences sometimes find the characters to be self centered and the romantic ideals to be outdated. It spawned multiple films and a sequel series due to its initial success.

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)

A group of teenagers in a small coastal town deal with the transition into adulthood and the complications of love. The show is famous for its verbose dialogue and the iconic love triangle between the main leads. It served as a definitive teen drama for the late nineties and early thousands. Critics sometimes suggest the characters speak with an unrealistic level of maturity for their age. The emotional weight of the series remains a talking point for fans of nostalgic television.

‘One Tree Hill’ (2003–2012)

Half brothers Nathan and Lucas Scott compete on the basketball court and in their personal lives. The series follows their group of friends through high school and into their adult years. It features significant romantic drama involving cheerleader dynamics and artistic pursuits. Some viewers feel the show became overly melodramatic in its later seasons. The program is often remembered for its focus on character loyalty and emotional soundtracks.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Archie Andrews and his friends investigate dark mysteries in their seemingly quiet town. The series reimagines classic comic book characters in a moody and atmospheric setting. It heavily features romantic pairings that are frequently shuffled to create tension. Critics have often noted that the plot becomes increasingly surreal and difficult to follow as the seasons progress. The show maintained a vocal fan base despite its departures from reality.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

Four estranged friends reunite after their leader goes missing and they begin receiving messages from a mysterious figure. The narrative focuses on their secrets and the various romantic relationships they pursue while under threat. It is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and complex web of lies. Some viewers argue that the romantic pairings often involved questionable power dynamics. The series concluded after seven seasons of mystery and drama.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

A troubled youth is taken in by a wealthy family in Newport Beach and navigates a world of privilege and romance. The show captures the social dynamics of affluent teenagers and their parents. It was highly influential in the early two thousands for its music and pop culture references. Critics often mention that the quality declined rapidly after the first two seasons. The chemistry between the lead actors is frequently cited as a highlight of the series.

‘Outlander’ (2014–PRESENT)

A military nurse from the nineteen forties is mysteriously transported back in time to eighteenth century Scotland. She falls in love with a highland warrior and becomes involved in historical conflicts. The series is praised for its production value and the chemistry between the protagonists. Some viewers find the graphic nature of the show and its pacing to be difficult to manage. It continues to adapt the long running book series for a dedicated global audience.

‘Normal People’ (2020)

Marianne and Connell navigate an on and off relationship from their school days in a small town to their time at university. The miniseries is based on the novel by Sally Rooney and focuses on the emotional intimacy between the leads. It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of young love and vulnerability. Some viewers believe the slow pace and repetitive misunderstandings make the story feel stretched. The performances of the lead actors were widely recognized during awards season.

‘Virgin River’ (2019–PRESENT)

A nurse practitioner moves to a remote town in Northern California to start a new life and find peace. She finds herself drawn to a local bar owner with a complicated past. The show is known for its scenic beauty and comforting romantic storylines. Critics often describe the plot as being similar to a soap opera with predictable developments. It has become a significant hit for viewers seeking low stakes emotional drama.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

The series follows the lives and romantic journeys of the Pearson family across several different time periods. It utilizes a non linear narrative to reveal how past events shape the present experiences of the characters. The show gained a reputation for its highly emotional storytelling and focus on family bonds. Some viewers feel the constant focus on tragedy and heartstrings became manipulative over time. It concluded its run after six seasons of exploring domestic life.

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

A teenage girl spends her summers at a beach house and finds herself in a love triangle with two brothers. The series explores themes of first love and the changing dynamics of childhood friendships. It is based on a popular book trilogy and targets a younger demographic. Some critics argue the show relies on tired cliches and lacks depth in its character motivations. The soundtrack and aesthetic are major selling points for the series.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–PRESENT)

A mother and daughter move to a New England town to seek a better life away from their past. The show blends elements of mystery with teen romance and family drama. It highlights the differences in perspective between the two central female characters. Critics have pointed out that the show attempts to cover too many genres at once. The romantic subplots for both characters are central to the ongoing narrative.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

A bookstore manager becomes obsessed with a customer and uses social media to insert himself into her life. The series subverts romantic tropes by showing them through the lens of a stalker. It explores the dark side of modern romance and the dangers of digital oversharing. Some viewers find the premise to be repetitive as the protagonist moves to new locations. The show has sparked many debates about the romanticization of toxic behavior.

‘Heartstopper’ (2022–PRESENT)

Two teenage boys discover that their friendship might be something more while navigating school and life. The series is celebrated for its wholesome and optimistic portrayal of young love. It is an adaptation of a popular graphic novel and maintains a similar visual style. Some critics believe the show is overly idealized and avoids the harsher realities of the teenage experience. It has been praised for its positive representation and charming lead performances.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Ted Mosby recounts the story of how he met his wife to his two children through a series of flashbacks. The show focuses on his group of friends and their various romantic misadventures in New York City. It is known for its unique structure and long running gags. Many fans were disappointed by the series finale and felt it undermined the character development of the preceding seasons. The romantic search for the titular mother remains the core of the show.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Six friends live and love in Manhattan while facing the challenges of their twenties and thirties. The series features several iconic romantic pairings that defined a generation of television. It remains one of the most popular sitcoms in the world due to its humor and relatability. Modern critics often highlight the lack of diversity and the dated nature of certain jokes. The romance between Ross and Rachel is one of the most famous storylines in television history.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

A high school teacher organizes a show choir and helps a diverse group of students find their voices. The series combines musical performances with high school romance and social commentary. It was a massive success during its initial seasons and produced numerous hit records. Some viewers feel the show suffered from inconsistent characterization and increasingly absurd plotlines. The romantic relationships between the students were a primary focus for the fan base.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Lorelai Gilmore raises her daughter Rory in the quirky town of Stars Hollow while managing her own romantic life. The show is famous for its fast paced dialogue and extensive pop culture references. It explores the relationships between the two women and the men who enter their lives. Critics sometimes argue that the main characters exhibit entitled behavior that goes unaddressed. The bond between mother and daughter remains the heart of the series.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope manages a crisis firm in Washington D.C. while engaging in a complicated affair with the President. The series is known for its fast paced plotting and high stakes political drama. It gained a large audience for its intense romantic tension and dramatic monologues. Some viewers believe the show became too far fetched in its later seasons. The central romance was a major driver of the show’s popularity on social media.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

A young woman moves to the Hamptons to take down the wealthy family that framed her father. She balances her quest for vengeance with complicated romantic feelings for her childhood friend and her targets. The show features a glamorous setting and frequent plot twists. Critics often feel the story lost its focus after the first season and became more like a typical soap opera. The romantic dynamics were often used to complicate the protagonist’s plans.

‘Sweet Magnolias’ (2020–PRESENT)

Three lifelong friends in a small Southern town support each other through romance and career changes. The series highlights the importance of female friendship and community. It is based on a book series and targets audiences who enjoy heartwarming drama. Some critics find the show to be overly sentimental and lacking in genuine conflict. The romantic lives of the three women are the central focus of each episode.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

A socially awkward teenager starts an underground sex therapy clinic at his school to help his peers. The series explores a wide range of romantic and sexual topics with humor and heart. It has been praised for its diverse cast and honest approach to teenage issues. Some viewers felt the final season did not provide a satisfying resolution for the main romantic pairings. The show remains a significant part of the modern teenage drama landscape.

‘Sex/Life’ (2021–2023)

A suburban mother of two takes a fantasy charged trip down memory lane that sets her present in a collision course with her wild past. The series explores female desire and the complexities of marriage. it became famous for its provocative scenes and dramatic cliffhangers. Critics often argue that the show prioritizes shock value over meaningful character development. It gained a large viewership despite receiving mixed critical reviews.

‘90210’ (2008–2013)

This reboot follows a new group of teenagers living in the famous zip code of Beverly Hills. It focuses on their romantic relationships and the various scandals that occur in their wealthy community. The series attempted to capture the magic of the original show for a new generation. Some viewers felt it lacked the charm and impact of the nineteen nineties version. The show ran for five seasons and featured several cameos from original cast members.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

The lives of a group of women living on Wisteria Lane are explored after the mysterious suicide of a neighbor. The series blends mystery with comedy and romantic drama in a suburban setting. it was a massive ratings success and revitalized the careers of its lead actresses. Some critics believe the show eventually relied too much on outrageous plot devices to maintain interest. The romantic lives of the housewives were central to the show’s enduring appeal.

‘Everwood’ (2002–2006)

A world renowned neurosurgeon moves his children to a small town in Colorado after the death of his wife. The series focuses on the family’s adjustment and the romantic lives of the teenage characters. It is remembered for its emotional sincerity and exploration of grief. Some viewers find the pacing to be slow compared to modern dramas. The relationship between the protagonist’s son and a local girl is a major narrative thread.

‘Felicity’ (1998–2002)

A young woman follows her high school crush to a university in New York City and discovers herself along the way. The show is known for its quiet and introspective look at the college experience. It features a famous love triangle that divided fans for years. Critics sometimes point to the controversial character decisions in the later seasons as a weakness. The series helped establish the careers of its creators and lead star.

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

A teenager discovers she is pregnant and must navigate the consequences within her school and family. The show focuses on the various romantic relationships and moral dilemmas of a group of high school students. it was known for its heavy handed approach to social issues and repetitive dialogue. Some viewers found the acting and writing to be unintentionally comedic. Despite critical panning it was a major hit for its network.

‘Love, Victor’ (2020–2022)

A new student at Creekwood High School embarks on his own journey of self discovery and romance. The series is a spin off of the film ‘Love, Simon’ and deals with similar themes of identity. It explores the challenges of coming out and finding love in a modern high school setting. Some critics felt the show played it too safe and followed familiar teen drama beats. The romantic progression of the main character is the core of the series.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

An Indian American teenager navigates the ups and downs of high school life while dealing with the loss of her father. The show is known for its humor and the narration provided by John McEnroe. It features a central love triangle that is a major point of discussion for fans. Some viewers believe the protagonist’s behavior is often too frustrating to be sympathetic. The series has been praised for its representation and coming of age story.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

Three working class students enroll in an exclusive private school in Spain leading to a clash between classes and a murder. The series is famous for its high fashion and intense romantic and sexual relationships. It utilizes a flash forward structure to build mystery throughout each season. Critics often argue that the show focuses more on style and shock than on substance. The rotating cast has kept the series running for many seasons.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–PRESENT)

A group of high school students experiences the highs and lows of love and friendship while facing difficult circumstances. The series is noted for its visual flair and uncompromising look at modern adolescence. Romantic relationships are often portrayed as volatile and deeply connected to personal trauma. Some viewers feel the show is overly graphic and lacks a cohesive narrative direction. It has become a massive cultural talking point for its young cast.

‘Firefly Lane’ (2021–2023)

Two best friends support each other through thirty years of ups and downs in their careers and romantic lives. The story is told through multiple timelines showing the evolution of their bond. It explores the themes of loyalty and the impact of past choices on the present. Critics sometimes find the makeup and timeline shifts to be distracting from the emotional core. The series concluded with a final season that resolved the central conflict.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–PRESENT)

The characters from ‘Sex and the City’ return to navigate life and friendship in their fifties. This sequel series explores the updated romantic lives of Carrie and her friends in New York City. It attempts to address modern social issues while maintaining the fashion and flair of the original series. Many fans find the character changes and dialogue to be inconsistent with the predecessor. The show continues to be a major topic of discussion among long time viewers.

‘XO, Kitty’ (2023–PRESENT)

A young matchmaker moves to Seoul to connect with her long distance boyfriend and learn more about her mother. This spin off of the ‘To All the Boys’ film franchise focuses on the complications of international romance. It features a bright and energetic tone with many romantic tropes. Some critics believe the show is too predictable and aimed solely at a younger audience. The series highlights the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

This reboot of the classic soap opera follows the lives of the wealthy Carrington family and their rivals. The series is filled with dramatic romantic betrayals and extravagant displays of wealth. it features a modern update to the characters and storylines of the nineteen eighties original. Some viewers find the constant shifts in plot and cast members to be confusing. The show focused heavily on the glamorous lifestyle and romantic scandals of its leads.

‘A Million Little Things’ (2018–2023)

A group of friends in Boston is motivated to live fuller lives after the unexpected death of a member of their circle. The series explores the romantic and personal struggles they face as they navigate grief. It is often compared to other emotional family dramas for its focus on close bonds. Some critics believe the show relies too much on tragedy to drive the plot. The romantic relationships between the friends are a primary narrative element.

‘Love Island’ (2015–PRESENT)

Singles live in a villa and must couple up to avoid being eliminated from the competition. This reality series focuses on the forming and breaking of romantic connections under constant surveillance. It has become a global phenomenon with many international versions. Critics often point out that the relationships formed on the show rarely last in the real world. The drama and public voting are key components of the show’s success.

‘The Bachelor’ (2002–PRESENT)

A single man chooses from a pool of romantic interests through a series of dates and eliminations. The show is known for its dramatic rose ceremonies and exotic travel locations. It has defined the reality dating genre for over two decades. Many viewers critique the show for its formulaic structure and lack of long term success for the couples. It continues to draw significant ratings and social media engagement.

‘The Bachelorette’ (2003–PRESENT)

A single woman looks for her future husband among a group of male contestants in this spin off series. It follows the same format as its predecessor with a focus on romantic dates and emotional exits. The show often highlights the competition between the men for the lead’s attention. Critics suggest that the pressure of the show often leads to unrealistic romantic expectations. It remains a staple of reality television programming.

‘Love is Blind’ (2020–PRESENT)

Singles try to find a partner and fall in love without ever seeing each other face to face. The experiment tests whether emotional connection can overcome physical attraction. It features high stakes drama as the couples meet in person and prepare for their weddings. Some viewers find the premise to be a bit ridiculous and the participants to be looking for fame. The series has become a major hit for its streaming platform.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ (2020–PRESENT)

Attractive singles are placed in a tropical paradise but are forbidden from engaging in any physical intimacy. The goal is to encourage the contestants to form deeper emotional and romantic bonds. It features a large cash prize that decreases whenever the rules are broken. Critics often argue that the show is superficial and the character growth is minimal. It remains popular for its lighthearted drama and attractive cast.

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

Original characters from ‘The L Word’ are joined by a new generation of individuals navigating love and life in Los Angeles. The series continues the tradition of exploring the romantic lives of the LGBTQ community. It features modern storylines and a more diverse cast than the original series. Some fans felt the show lacked the narrative focus and impact of the first iteration. The romantic dynamics remain a central part of the show’s identity.

‘Chesapeake Shores’ (2016–2022)

A high powered career woman returns to her hometown and reconnects with her family and a former flame. The series is a multi generational drama set in a beautiful coastal town. It focuses on the importance of family and the challenges of balancing love and career. Some critics find the show to be too wholesome and lacking in genuine tension. It was a significant success for its network and concluded after six seasons.

‘Heartland’ (2007–PRESENT)

A family in Alberta manages a ranch while dealing with the challenges of life and various romantic interests. The show highlights the growth of the characters over many years and their connection to the land. It has produced a vast number of episodes and maintains a loyal international audience. Some viewers find the storytelling to be a bit slow and repetitive after so many seasons. The romantic relationships between the characters are a steady focus of the series.

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