Netflix’s new romantic drama show, One Day, has been impacting and breaking hearts through TikTok. Here are other amazing shows you can drag your friend to watch and cry with you.
TikTok users nationwide have been sobbing their eyes out after finishing Netflix’s newest TV show, One Day. Following the main protagonists, Emma Morseleye, played by Ambika Mod, and Dexter Mayhew, through their star-crossed lovers’ journey.
If you don’t already know, Netflix’s newest miniseries, One Day, follows the love story of Emma and Dex throughout their coming-of-age. It was love at first sight, but modern love stories aren’t without their complications. A trope often referred to as “Right Person, Wrong Time,” the show’s timeline follows their yearly encounters throughout a decade. A captivating and loving story turned tragedy has held viewers’ hearts since its release on February 8th.
Because of the show’s shortness, viewers have been hoping for a continuation of the series, which is likely not possible because of its ending (no spoilers!). For now, here are some personal recommendations to fill the ‘One Day’ void if you love the ‘Right Person, Wrong Time’ trope and want to have a good cry.
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s one-woman show turned TV show became a personal favorite back in 2020. Fleabag (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) takes us, the viewers, through her hectic life as she navigates through life after her best friend Boo’s recent passing. Fleabag breaks the fourth wall to talk with the audience as she handles awkward familial situations, random hookups, silent retreats, and falling in love with a priest. Yes, a priest!
Needless to say, the depth of Fleabag’s character and the unfolding of her story have been impactful to this day! It is a biannual experience, as one’s eyes can only cry so much. Plus, it’s a great show your friends have most likely not watched, and you can introduce them to becoming the go-to show recommender (but you didn’t hear it from me).
Watch on Amazon Prime today!
Normal people
A well-loved Hulu TV series, Normal People, focuses on Connell (played by Paul Mescal) and Marianne (played by Daisy Jones-Edgar) as they find their casual sex to be more than either would like to admit. Starting from their days in school, flowing into college, and the beginnings of their adult life, this couple goes through it all.
Discussing themes of mental illness, family guilt, miscommunication, and emotional abuse, the show tries to reflect on the struggles of relationships before arriving at a genuine point. This show stirs many emotions in its viewers, making it a must-watch for every girl in a situation.
The whole ‘Before’ trilogy
Now, these are films! I personally count them as a series because they have a continuous timeline in order. The show nowadays basically has film-length episodes, so . . .
Similar to One Day, these films peek into Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and CĂ©line’s (Julie Delpy) relationship over the course of 20 years. They began filming this trilogy in 1995, and it was finalized in 2013. Finding themselves by chance, the film follows the couple’s romantic ups and downs as they head towards the final destination of their relationship. These films, though not as heart-wrenching, still fit into the star-crossed lovers category.
Conversations with friends
Following the Sally Rooney train, after her popularity with Normal People, Rooney had the chance to produce another show based on one of her novels. Conversations with Friends follows the dynamic of two college students forming an unlikely connection with a married couple.
This one may sometimes be a hit-or-miss. To those who I’ve recommended it, 35% loved it, 35% did not, and 30% found it similar to Normal People in a good way. It is an enjoyable watch with a group of friends who love opinionating.
Modern Love
A packed show about love with a star-studded cast! Starring Anne Hatheway (The Devil Wears Prada), Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones), Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire), Tina Fey (Mean Girls), and the Priest from Fleabag, Andrew Scott.
Quick rundown. This show is based on a column in a newspaper called ‘Modern Love’ and discusses the different stories of friends, couples, and lovers. Delving into the intricacies of relationships and how they intertwine with the need for human connection. It’s the show you and your friends will talk about for years.
one day (2011)
Finalizing my recommendations with the original, we have the film the TV spin-off came from, One Day (2011). The film, based on the novel, stars Anne Hatheway as Emma and Jim Sturgess as Dexter.
TikTok users have been watching the film and reading the novel to fuel their newly found obsession. Though the debate about which one is better hasn’t flourished, I encourage personal judgment is best.
honorable mentions
- The Worst Person in the World (2021): Norwegian film on how the protagonist, Julie (played by Renate Reinsve), ends up having negative effects on her past relationships and her career.
- Past Lives (2023): Childhood best friends find each other again. Only one of them is already in a relationship but is taking the time to reconnect with her past.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): The female protagonist finds herself going through a ‘memory-erasing’ procedure to forget her ex. What she doesn’t know is that he goes through them, too.
- Scenes from a Marriage (2021): Similar to A Marriage Story, this TV series explores the complex process of a broken marriage.
I hope these shows help you find the joy in being in love rather than spilling tears. Gather up your friends and lean on each other as you all process the journey of exploring the ‘star-crossed’ lovers’ world.