 |
| Top 19 Shows Like Unlikely Romances You Need to Watch Next If You Loved the Unexpected Love Stories. (Credits: Samsung TV) |
Unlikely Romances has quietly become one of those series viewers finish in a single sitting and immediately start searching for something similar. That reaction is hardly surprising. The 2026 anthology from Dhar Mann Studios mixes romance, comedy, social barriers and uplifting life lessons into four standalone stories that somehow manage to be sweet, awkward, dramatic and surprisingly relatable all at once. Whether it is a fake marriage turning real, a wealthy woman questioning her perfect life, or a couple facing judgement because they do not fit society's idea of a match, the show thrives on one simple idea: love rarely follows the script.
Fans across social media have been praising the series for delivering feel-good romance without becoming overly predictable. Others have admitted they initially expected a light romantic comedy but ended up becoming invested in the emotional journeys of the characters. Of course, some viewers found certain stories cheesier than a supermarket pizza aisle, but even critics generally agree that the series succeeds because of its sincerity.
Shows Like UNLIKELY ROMANCES
For those wondering what to watch next, these 19 shows capture similar themes, whether through unconventional relationships, anthology storytelling, romantic comedy chaos, or stories about people overcoming expectations.
1. Modern Love
Based on real-life stories, Modern Love explores different forms of romance in every episode. Like Unlikely Romances, each story introduces new characters and situations while focusing on emotional connections that often emerge from unexpected places. If you enjoyed the anthology format, this should be your first stop.
2. Little America
While not purely romantic, Little America shares the same uplifting spirit. Every episode follows different characters navigating life, family and relationships. It carries the same hopeful message that people can surprise themselves when given a chance.
3. Love Life
This anthology series follows different people across multiple relationships and life stages. Much like Unlikely Romances, it explores how romance evolves when reality refuses to cooperate with expectations.
4. Easy
Set in Chicago, Easy focuses on interconnected stories about love, friendship and modern relationships. The shared-world concept feels remarkably similar, with characters occasionally crossing paths while pursuing complicated romances.
5. Dash & Lily
If the optimistic tone of Unlikely Romances appealed to you, Dash & Lily offers a charming blend of humour, romance and personal growth. The leads initially seem completely incompatible, which is exactly where the fun begins.
6. The Flatshare
Two strangers share a flat without ever meeting face-to-face at first. It sounds like a terrible housing arrangement and an even worse dating strategy, yet somehow it works brilliantly. The series embraces unconventional romance in much the same way.
7. Starstruck
This witty romantic comedy follows an ordinary woman who unexpectedly becomes involved with a major celebrity. Like several stories in Unlikely Romances, it explores relationships that appear impossible on paper.
8. Love, Victor
The series balances romance, friendship and personal identity while focusing on characters trying to find where they belong. Its warm-hearted storytelling mirrors the uplifting nature that made Unlikely Romances popular.
9. Never Have I Ever
At first glance, this may seem like a teen comedy. Underneath the jokes, however, are surprisingly heartfelt stories about relationships, cultural expectations and personal growth. Fans of the "Checkmate" episode will likely enjoy this one.
10. Heartstopper
Sometimes a show becomes beloved simply because it is genuinely kind. Heartstopper shares the same optimistic approach to relationships and demonstrates how emotional sincerity can be more powerful than endless drama.
11. Emily in Paris
While often chaotic in the most entertaining way possible, Emily in Paris explores romance, cultural differences and unexpected connections. Viewers who enjoyed the international and cross-cultural elements of "The Fake Marriage" may find plenty to like here.
12. Jane the Virgin
This series blends romance, comedy and larger-than-life situations while never losing sight of its characters' emotional journeys. It is proof that even the wildest premises can still produce meaningful relationships.
13. The Mindy Project
Filled with awkward dating adventures and plenty of humour, The Mindy Project focuses on finding love despite personal flaws, unrealistic expectations and occasionally terrible decisions. In other words, very human behaviour.
14. Younger
A romantic comedy-drama about reinvention and second chances, Younger examines relationships that challenge social norms and assumptions. Much like Unlikely Romances, appearances often prove misleading.
15. Love Is Blind
Although technically unscripted, the core idea aligns surprisingly well with Unlikely Romances. Participants form relationships before seeing each other, forcing them to look beyond first impressions and social expectations.
16. One Day
This emotional romance follows two people whose lives remain connected over many years. Viewers who appreciated the emotional depth beneath the comedy in Unlikely Romances may find this particularly rewarding.
17. From Scratch
Based on a true story, From Scratch explores an international romance that must overcome cultural differences, personal challenges and unexpected twists. The emotional honesty feels very close to what makes Unlikely Romances resonate.
18. Four Weddings and a Funeral
This modern adaptation combines friendship, romance and life-changing decisions. Much like Unlikely Romances, it revolves around people whose lives become complicated when emotions refuse to follow sensible plans.
19. The Hook Up Plan
This French romantic comedy follows friends attempting to help someone find love, only for events to spiral in unexpected directions. It perfectly captures the blend of humour, romance and unpredictability that audiences seem to love.
The reaction to recommendations like these has been largely enthusiastic among viewers discussing Unlikely Romances online. Many fans say they miss anthology romances because they allow fresh characters and stories without requiring multiple seasons of commitment.
Others appreciate that these shows focus on ordinary people finding extraordinary connections rather than relying on endless twists. Meanwhile, some viewers are already hoping a second season of Unlikely Romances expands the shared world even further.
One thing is certain: if Unlikely Romances reminded you that love stories are most interesting when they break the rules, these 19 series should keep your watchlist busy for quite some time. Next: Where Was Unlikely Romances Filmed?
Which one are you starting first, and did we miss a hidden gem that deserves a place on the list? Let us know because viewers are always hunting for the next unexpectedly brilliant romance.