Best Romantic Comedy TV Shows Under 35 minutes To Watch

If you were to pull up a list of the best sitcoms of all time, you wouldn’t have to scroll long before you found at least one romantic comedy TV show. Ever since television’s inception, we’ve watched countless love stories unfold before our eyes. From iconic first kisses to breakups we still can’t get over to over-the-top wedding ceremonies, we’ve seen it all.

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To celebrate this beloved genre, we’ve put together a robust collection of the best romantic comedy TV shows from over the years and how you can watch them, either on top streaming services or as a digital purchase.

Fleabag (2016 – 2019)

One of the most celebrated projects by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag, the TV adaptation of her one-woman play, became an influential romantic comedy upon its 2016 release. Waller-Bridge’s lead character, known simply as Fleabag, navigates a series of poor decisions and an unconventional romance with a priest, played by Andrew Scott. Her journey is both hilarious and heartbreaking, making Fleabag one of TV’s most unforgettable characters.

How to Watch: Stream Fleabag on Prime Video.

Mad About You (1992 – 1999)

Paul and Jamie Buchman, played by Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt, could very well be one of TV’s best couples. Their relationship, marked by ups, downs, and everything in between, made Mad About You a must-watch. This show masterfully blended humor, romance, and everyday struggles into 30-minute episodes that left viewers both laughing and crying.

How to Watch: Buy Mad About You on Amazon.

How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014)

How I Met Your Mother features a group of friends who navigate love, life, and heartbreak in New York City. While some characters were less likable, their flaws added to the show’s charm. Over its nine seasons, the show gave us memorable moments, heart-wrenching breakups, and surprising plot twists.

How to Watch: Stream How I Met Your Mother on Hulu.

Emily In Paris (2020 – Present)

Would Emily in Paris be as engaging without its romantic subplots? Probably not. Lily Collins stars as Emily Cooper, whose love affairs with characters like Gabriel and Alfie bring extra excitement to this binge-worthy Netflix series. Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, Emily’s adventures in love and work make for a delightful watch.

How to Watch: Stream Emily in Paris on Netflix.

Will & Grace (1998 – 2006; 2017 – 2020)

Will & Grace is a groundbreaking series featuring LGBTQ+ characters who have left a lasting impact. Eric McCormack and Debra Messing’s titular characters share a deep, platonic love, but the show is filled with romance, dating, and marriage plots that keep it lively and heartwarming.

How to Watch: Stream Will & Grace and its revival on Hulu.

Catastrophe (2015 – 2019)

Catastrophe is a standout romantic comedy series created by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, who also star as Sharon and Rob Norris. The show explores their whirlwind relationship, which begins with a one-night stand and quickly evolves into marriage and parenthood. It’s raw, honest, and incredibly funny.

How to Watch: Stream Catastrophe on Prime Video.

Sex and the City (1999 – 2004)

One of the shows that helped put HBO on the map, Sex and the City masterfully balanced romance, friendship, comedy, and drama. Following the lives of four New Yorkers, the show dives deep into their romantic escapades and personal growth, all narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw.

How to Watch: Stream Sex and the City on Max.

Never Have I Ever (2020 – 2023)

Whether you’re Team Ben or Team Paxton, Never Have I Ever is a compelling watch. Created by Mindy Kaling, this coming-of-age comedy follows high school student Devi Vishwakumar as she navigates teenage life, love, and loss. It’s a heartfelt and humorous journey through four seasons.

How to Watch: Stream Never Have I Ever on Netflix.

Friends (1994 – 2004)

Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms ever created, featuring timeless romances like Ross and Rachel and Monica and Chandler. Its humor, unforgettable moments, and enduring love stories have made it a favorite for generations of viewers.

How to Watch: Stream Friends on Max.

Insecure (2016 – 2021)

Issa Rae’s Insecure became a cultural phenomenon, offering a nuanced portrayal of modern relationships and the black experience. Through the lens of Issa Dee and her friends, the show explores love, career ambitions, and personal growth, all with a sharp comedic edge.

How to Watch: Stream Insecure on Max.

New Girl (2011 – 2018)

Zooey Deschanel stars in New Girl as Jessica Day, a quirky teacher who moves in with three single guys after a tough breakup. The show’s charm lies in its blend of humor and romance, particularly Jess’s evolving relationship with her roommate Nick Miller.

How to Watch: Stream New Girl on Hulu.

You’re the Worst (2014 – 2019)

For those who prefer their romantic comedies with a bit more bite, You’re the Worst offers a refreshingly cynical take. The show follows Jimmy and Gretchen, who try to maintain a casual relationship but find themselves falling deeper in love, despite their best efforts.

How to Watch: Stream You’re the Worst on Hulu.

Lovesick (2014 – 2018)

Lovesick (originally titled Scrotal Recall) is an underrated gem on Netflix. It follows Dylan, who, after being diagnosed with an STD, must contact all his former partners. This premise sets up a series of flashbacks exploring his evolving relationship with Evie, his true love.

How to Watch: Stream Lovesick on Netflix.

Love (2016 – 2018)

Created by Judd Apatow, Love delves into the complicated relationship between Mickey and Gus. Despite their differences, the two navigate the highs and lows of modern dating, offering a raw and honest portrayal of love.

How to Watch: Stream Love on Netflix.

If you’re all caught up on these great TV shows, there’s always our breakdown of the best romantic comedy movies worth checking out. And don’t forget to look at our updated 2024 TV schedule for the latest on other shows coming to the small screen soon.

More Romantic Comedy TV Shows to Consider

The Mindy Project (2012 – 2017)

Created by and starring Mindy Kaling, The Mindy Project follows the personal and professional life of obstetrician/gynecologist Mindy Lahiri. Her quest for love, punctuated by her quirky personality and comedic situations, makes this show a standout in the romantic comedy genre.

How to Watch: Stream The Mindy Project on Hulu.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015 – 2019)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend stars Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a lawyer who moves across the country to win back her ex-boyfriend. The show combines musical numbers with sharp humor and a deep dive into mental health and relationships.

How to Watch: Stream Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on Netflix.

Parks and Recreation (2009 – 2015)

While primarily known as a workplace comedy, Parks and Recreation features some fantastic romantic storylines, particularly between Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt. Their relationship, along with other romances on the show, adds depth and warmth to the comedy.

How to Watch: Stream Parks and Recreation on Peacock.

Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)

Schitt’s Creek follows the Rose family as they adjust to life in a small town after losing their fortune. The show’s heartwarming romance between David and Patrick, alongside the comedic elements, make it a beloved series in the romantic comedy TV show genre.

How to Watch: Stream Schitt’s Creek on Netflix.

The Office (2005 – 2013)

Though primarily a workplace comedy, The Office has some of the most beloved romantic storylines, especially between Jim and Pam. Their relationship, along with other romantic arcs, adds a significant emotional layer to the series.

How to Watch: Stream The Office on Peacock.

Classic Romantic Comedy TV Shows

I Love Lucy (1951 – 1957)

One of the earliest and most iconic romantic comedy TV shows, I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Their hilarious antics and genuine chemistry set the standard for sitcoms and romantic comedies alike.

How to Watch: Stream I Love Lucy on Paramount+.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970 – 1977)

This groundbreaking series follows Mary Richards, a single woman working in a newsroom. While the focus is on her career, the show also explores her romantic life, blending comedy with progressive themes for its time.

How to Watch: Stream The Mary Tyler Moore Show on Hulu.

Cheers (1982 – 1993)

Set in a Boston bar, Cheers features multiple romantic storylines, the most famous being between Sam and Diane. The show’s mix of humor and romance, along with its memorable characters, makes it a classic in the romantic comedy TV show genre.

How to Watch: Stream Cheers on Hulu.

The Nanny (1993 – 1999)

The Nanny stars Fran Drescher as Fran Fine, a nanny who brings chaos and humor into the life of the wealthy Sheffield family. Her romantic tension with Mr. Sheffield is a central theme, providing plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.

How to Watch: Stream The Nanny on HBO Max.

Moonlighting (1985 – 1989)

Moonlighting stars Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd as private detectives with undeniable chemistry. The blend of crime-solving and romantic tension made this show a hit, setting a standard for will-they-won’t-they dynamics in TV romances.

How to Watch: Buy Moonlighting on Amazon.

Designing Women (1986 – 1993)

Focusing on the professional and personal lives of four women running an interior design firm, Designing Women mixes humor with social commentary. Romantic subplots are interwoven with the main narrative, adding depth and charm to the series.

How to Watch: Stream Designing Women on Hulu.

Most romantic comedy TV shows tend to have episodes that are under 40 minutes long, especially those formatted as half-hour sitcoms. Here is a breakdown of the average episode length for the shows mentioned:

Episode Lengths of Romantic Comedy TV Shows

Fleabag (2016 – 2019)

Average Episode Length: 23-27 minutes

Mad About You (1992 – 1999)

Average Episode Length: 22-24 minutes

How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

Emily In Paris (2020 – Present)

Average Episode Length: 24-34 minutes

Will & Grace (1998 – 2006; 2017 – 2020)

Average Episode Length: 21-23 minutes

Catastrophe (2015 – 2019)

Average Episode Length: 24-28 minutes

Sex and the City (1999 – 2004)

Average Episode Length: 30 minutes

Never Have I Ever (2020 – 2023)

Average Episode Length: 22-30 minutes

Friends (1994 – 2004)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

Insecure (2016 – 2021)

Average Episode Length: 27-35 minutes

New Girl (2011 – 2018)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

You’re the Worst (2014 – 2019)

Average Episode Length: 22-26 minutes

Lovesick (2014 – 2018)

Average Episode Length: 24-28 minutes

Love (2016 – 2018)

Average Episode Length: 30-35 minutes

The Mindy Project (2012 – 2017)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015 – 2019)

Average Episode Length: 39-42 minutes

Parks and Recreation (2009 – 2015)

Average Episode Length: 21-22 minutes

Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

The Office (2005 – 2013)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

I Love Lucy (1951 – 1957)

Average Episode Length: 25 minutes

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970 – 1977)

Average Episode Length: 25 minutes

Cheers (1982 – 1993)

Average Episode Length: 24 minutes

The Nanny (1993 – 1999)

Average Episode Length: 22 minutes

Moonlighting (1985 – 1989)

Average Episode Length: 46-49 minutes

Designing Women (1986 – 1993)

Average Episode Length: 24 minutes

Most episodes from these shows fall under 40 minutes, with a few exceptions like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Moonlighting.

Conclusion

Romantic comedy TV shows have been a staple of television for decades, offering viewers a mix of humor, love, and relatable moments. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like I Love Lucy or a modern hit like Fleabag, there’s a romantic comedy out there to suit every taste. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these delightful shows. And if you’re looking for more, check out our other recommendations and stay tuned for upcoming releases in the 2024 TV schedule.