Best Shows For Couples That Actually Bring Partners Closer Together
- 01. Why Watching Together Strengthens Relationships
- 02. Top 5 Netflix Shows for Couples to Binge Together
- 03. Best Comedy Shows for Couples Who Want to Laugh
- 04. Reality Shows That Spark Conversation
- 05. Historical Dramas and Romantic Series
- 06. Documentary Series for Intellectual Couples
- 07. How to Choose Shows Both Partners Will Enjoy
- 08. Creating Your Sunday Tradition
Warning: Best Shows for Couples May Become Your New Sunday Tradition
The best shows for couples are This Is Us, Parks and Recreation, Schitt's Creek, The Good Place, and Ozark-series that balance emotional depth, humor, and engaging storytelling to spark meaningful conversation while building shared experiences. A 2024 study published in the Psychology of Woman Journal found that couples who engage in shared activities like binge-watching report stronger emotional bonds, improved communication, and increased relationship satisfaction.
Why Watching Together Strengthens Relationships
Research from 2021 demonstrates that couples who spend more daily time talking together report higher relationship satisfaction and greater closeness, while shared viewing creates natural opportunities for these conversations. The shared ritual of cuddling up and discussing characters builds safety and intimacy that extends beyond the couch.
When partners watch together, they share emotions and experiences that become part of their relationship narrative. This is especially valuable for couples navigating busy schedules, as it provides intentional quality time without requiring elaborate planning.
Top 5 Netflix Shows for Couples to Binge Together
| Show Title | Rating | Release Year | Why Couples Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Is Us | 8.7/10 | 2016-2022 | Raw emotional depth exploring family dynamics across generations |
| Ozark | 9.5/10 | 2017 | High-stakes thriller with moral complexities that spark debate |
| Better Call Saul | 8.7/10 | 2015 | Deep character development exploring ambition, love, and betrayal |
| Schitt's Creek | 8.5/10 | 2015 | Heartwarming family growth story with sharp wit |
| The Good Place | 8.2/10 | 2016 | Philosophical humor that enriches moral conversations |
This Is Us stands as the #1 choice for couples seeking emotional connection, following three siblings and their parents through life's unexpected turns across multiple time frames. The show's non-linear storytelling creates natural pauses for couples to discuss how past experiences shape present relationships.
Best Comedy Shows for Couples Who Want to Laugh
- Parks and Recreation (2009, Rating: 8.6/10) - Leslie Knope's relentless optimism in Pawnee, Indiana creates heartwarming humor perfect for feel-good evenings
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013, Rating: 8.4/10) - Witty banter among NYPD detectives delivers consistent comedy with touchingrelationship depth
- Schitt's Creek (2015, Rating: 8.5/10) - A wealthy family's adjustment to small-town life showcases loving family dynamics and acceptance
- The Good Place (2016, Rating: 8.2/10) - Philosophical questions wrapped in humor make morality enriching to explore together
- New Girl (2011, Rating: 7.7/10) - Quirky teacher living with three men balances comedy with emotional depth
Comedy works exceptionally well for couples because it offers laughter and levity that diffuse stress while creating shared inside jokes that strengthen bonds over time.
Reality Shows That Spark Conversation
The overwhelming majority of real couples report watching relationship-based reality shows together, particularly , 90 Day Fiancé, and Married at First Sight. These programs skip pretense and dive straight into authentic relationship dynamics that couples find both entertaining and informative.
- Love Is Blind (Netflix, 2020-Present) - Singles connect through walls before meeting, creating awkward yet revealing conversations about personality versus appearance
- Love Island (Hulu, 2015-Present) - 11 seasons of singles coupling up in a villa with challenges and public votes deliver funny and steamy entertainment
- Catastrophe (Prime Video, 2015-2019) - British sitcom about unplanned pregnancy shows hard work makes relationships succeed
Historical Dramas and Romantic Series
For couples who enjoy historical romantic drama, these series offer immersive storytelling spanning decades:
| Show | Platform | Seasons | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgerton | Netflix | 4 (ongoing) | London high society romance with steamy moments |
| Outlander | Netflix | 8 (ongoing) | Time-travel love story set in 1743 Scotland |
| The Crown | Netflix | 6 | Queen Elizabeth II's personal and political challenges |
Bridgerton follows eightclose-knit siblings searching for love in Regency-era London, with each season focusing on a different child's journey to find a spouse.
Documentary Series for Intellectual Couples
Documentaries offer deeply engaging viewing that sparks conversations and broadens horizons as couples explore new topics together:
- Planet Earth II (2016, Rating: 9.5/10) - David Attenborough narrates breathtaking ecosystems and wildlife stories
- Our Planet (2019, Rating: 9.3/10) - Combines visual beauty with climate change awareness for meaningful reflection
- Chef's Table (2015, Rating: 8.6/10) - Explores culinary artistry and passion behind gastronomy
- Making a Murderer (2015, Rating: 8.6/10) - True-crime series perfect for debating theories together
- Abstract: The Art of Design (2017, Rating: 8.4/10) - Profiles designers showing creative processes impacting daily life
How to Choose Shows Both Partners Will Enjoy
Couples successfully choose shows by alternating choices so both partners feel equally involved in the decision-making process. Pick shows with strong storytelling and relatable characters that balance emotion, entertainment, and shared conversation without being too intense.
The key is selecting varied themes that spark ongoing, gentle dialogue rather than shows that leave one partner disengaged. Establish a regular, relaxed viewing habit that fits both schedules to make it a sustainable tradition.
Creating Your Sunday Tradition
The best bonding moments happen right on the couch when couples intentionally unplug from distractions and enjoy stories together. Make viewing a habit by scheduling it like any other date night, ensuring both partners see it as priority quality time.
Whether you prefer romance, drama, comedy, or thrillers, choosing from well-curated shows helps create intentional connection time that strengthens your relationship foundation. The right series can spark laughter, meaningful conversations, and deeper understanding between partners.
"Research tells us that the mere fact that you two watch any show together is good for your relationship. In other words, couples that play together stay together."
Start with This Is Us for emotional depth or Parks and Recreation for laughter, then build your shared watchlist based on what sparks the best conversations between you. Your new Sunday tradition awaits.
Helpful tips and tricks for Best Shows For Couples That Actually Bring Partners Closer Together
What genres work best for couples watching together?
Romance, comedy, drama, and light thrillers work best because they balance emotion, entertainment, and shared conversation without being too intense.
How do couples choose a show both will enjoy?
Pick shows with strong storytelling and relatable characters, and alternate choices so both partners feel equally involved.
Can watching TV together improve a relationship?
Yes. Watching shows together creates shared experiences, sparks conversations, and offers quality time that strengthens emotional bonding.
What makes a show "good for couples" specifically?
Shows that invite empathy and teamwork help partners understand each other better, allowing them to talk about decisions together and celebrate small breakthroughs.
How much time should couples spend watching together weekly?
Research shows couples who spend more daily time talking report higher satisfaction, so aim for 3-5 hours weekly of shared viewing with discussion.
