Good Shows To Watch As A Couple That Bring You Closer
- 01. Why Good Shows to Watch as a Couple Matter More Now
- 02. Scientific Evidence: How Co-Watching Strengthens Relationships
- 03. Top 7 Shows for Couples by Category
- 04. Deep Dive: Why These Seven Shows Excel for Couples
- 05. 1. This Is Us: Attachment Theory in Action
- 06. 2. Schitt's Creek: Humor as Relationship Glue
- 07. 3. Bridgerton: Romantic Fantasy with Real Conversation Starters
- 08. 4. Love Is Blind: Reality TV That Sparks Debate
- 09. How to Choose Shows When Couples Disagree on Genre
- 10. Creating Intentional At-Home Date Nights
- 11. Historical Context: The Evolution of Couples' Viewing
- 12. Practical Implementation: Your Next Date Night
Why Good Shows to Watch as a Couple Matter More Now
The best shows to watch as a couple include Bridgerton (Netflix, 2020-present), This Is Us (NBC/Netflix, 2016-2022), Schitt's Creek (Pop TV/Hulu, 2015-2020), Love Is Blind (Netflix, 2020-present), and You're the Worst (Hulu, 2014-2019). Research from the University of Aberdeen published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that couples who binge-watch shows together report stronger relationships, with shared media consumption enhancing emotional bonding and communication.
Scientific Evidence: How Co-Watching Strengthens Relationships
Understanding the relationship benefits of watching TV together requires examining peer-reviewed research. The University of Aberdeen study tracked 259 students in committed relationships over an average of 16.7 months, finding that those with fewer friends but who shared media consumption reported relationship satisfaction levels equivalent to couples with extensive mutual friend networks.
| Relationship Metric | Frequent Date Nights (≥1-2x/month) | Infrequent/No Date Nights | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported "very happy" marriages | 14-15 percentage points higher | Baseline | |
| Divorce "not at all likely" (wives) | 63% | 49% | |
| High sexual satisfaction (wives) | 68% | 47% | |
| High relationship commitment (wives) | 75% | 53% |
The National Marriage Project and Wheatley Institute confirmed that couples who devote time to dating at least once or twice monthly report markedly better relationship quality. At-home date nights watching quality television provide novelty, communication opportunities, and stress relief-five key mechanisms fostering stronger marriages according to researchers.
Top 7 Shows for Couples by Category
Selecting the right genre blend matters because couples often have different preferences. The following table categorizes top picks by viewing style:
| Show Title | Genre | Seasons | Streaming Platform | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgerton | Historical Romance | 4 (ongoing) | Netflix | Couples who love period drama |
| This Is Us | Family Drama | 6 (completed) | Netflix | Raw relationship insights |
| Schitt's Creek | Sitcom | 6 (completed) | Hulu/Disney+ | Laugh-together bonding |
| Love Is Blind | Reality Dating | 5+ (ongoing) | Netflix | Discussion-starting absurdity |
| You're the Worst | Comedy-Drama | 5 (completed) | Hulu | Realistic relationship struggles |
| Outlander | Time-Travel Romance | 8 (ongoing) | Netflix/Starz | Historical drama fans |
| The Night Agent | Action Thriller | 2 | Netflix | Pulse-pounding intrigue |
Deep Dive: Why These Seven Shows Excel for Couples
1. This Is Us: Attachment Theory in Action
This Is Us follows the Pearson family across multiple timeframes, showing Jack and Rebecca's marriage as a model of secure attachment. Marriage experts note the show is "as effective as therapy" for teaching couples how to feel securely attached-the primary need for marital happiness. Research shows securely attached couples report high marital satisfaction and handle issues as a team rather than opposing forces.
2. Schitt's Creek: Humor as Relationship Glue
The Canadian sitcom premiered January 2015 and concluded in 2020 after six seasons, earning universal critical acclaim with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores. The Rose family's journey from wealth to poverty teaches resilience together-a theme couples find relatable. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara's portrayal of a marriage that deepens through adversity models healthy partnership.
3. Bridgerton: Romantic Fantasy with Real Conversation Starters
Based on Julia Quinn's Regency-era romance series, Bridgerton follows eight Bridgerton siblings entering London's marriage market. With four seasons available as of 2026, the show provides steamy romance alongside discussions about consent, family dynamics, and social expectations.
4. Love Is Blind: Reality TV That Sparks Debate
Launched in 2020, Love Is Blind separates participants with walls so they connect emotionally before seeing each other physically. The show's awkward conversations and relationship experiments make it perfect for couples who enjoy laughing together while feeling better about their own relationship.
How to Choose Shows When Couples Disagree on Genre
Figuring out what both partners prefer is key to narrowing down options and ensuring everyone has a good time watching. Follow this decision framework:
- Identify shared priorities: Do you both want light comedy, gripping drama, or romance? Ask directly rather than assuming.
- Consider episode length: Can you maintain attention for hour-long episodes, or prefer sub-30-minute shows?
- Assess time commitment: Are you willing to commit to 5+ seasons, or prefer completed series?
- Blend genres strategically: Choose comedy-dramas like You're the Worst that satisfy both serious and light preferences.
- Start with one season: Test a show before committing to a multi-season binge.
Creating Intentional At-Home Date Nights
Transforming TV watching into meaningful couple time requires intentionality. The five ways date nights foster stronger marriages apply equally to at-home viewing:
- Communication: Discuss the show's themes, characters, and what they reveal about relationships without distractions from children or work.
- Novelty: Try new genres together-perhaps a thriller like The Night Agent if you usually watch comedies.
- Eros: Share romantic feelings sparked by shows like Bridgerton and rekindle romantic sparks.
- Commitment: Deepen togetherness through one-on-one time dedicated to shared experiences.
- De-stress: Step away from daily pressures and extend emotional support while watching together.
Historical Context: The Evolution of Couples' Viewing
Television's role in relationship bonding has shifted dramatically. In 2021, Squid Game became a global phenomenon with millions bingeing the first season overnight, demonstrating how shared cultural moments create couple bonding opportunities. By December 2024, Season 2 premiered to widespread praise, showing how anticipation builds shared excitement.
The 2025 landscape offers unprecedented variety: The Night Agent Season 2 dropped January 23, 2025, earning an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score deemed superior to its predecessor. Apple Cider Vinegar brought true crime drama to couples who enjoy sinking teeth into juicy mysteries.
Practical Implementation: Your Next Date Night
Start tonight with this actionable plan:
- Choose one show from the table above that matches both partners' preferences
- Prepare snacks and drinks (wine, popcorn, or favorites)
- Set a phone-free zone for 2-3 episodes
- Pause between episodes to discuss what resonated
- Schedule the next viewing session before ending tonight's watch
Research confirms that couples who create shared social worlds through media consumption achieve closeness equivalent to having mutual friend networks-even when friend circles don't overlap. The characters become subjects for gossip, trait discussion, and shared fantasy projection, providing the necessary sense of belonging that sustains intimate relationships.
Expert answers to Good Shows To Watch As A Couple That Bring You Closer queries
What makes a show "good for couples" specifically?
A good couples show encourages discussion, blends genres to satisfy different tastes, has appropriate length for your time commitment, and portrays relationships in ways that spark reflection about your own partnership.
How often should couples watch shows together?
Research shows couples who have regular date nights at least 1-2 times monthly report significantly higher relationship quality, whether at home or out. Consistency matters more than duration.
Are reality shows actually good for couples to watch?
Yes-reality shows like Love Is Blind and Love Island provide absurdity that makes couples laugh together and feel better about their own relationships. They also spark conversation about dating norms and relationship expectations.
Should we finish completed series or start ongoing ones?
Completed series like Schitt's Creek (6 seasons) and This Is Us (6 seasons) offer satisfying conclusions without waiting anxiety. Ongoing shows like Bridgerton provide long-term shared anticipation and recurring date night goals.
Does binge-watching together harm relationships?
Quality matters: Shared media consumption strengthens bonds when it creates shared experiences and inside jokes. However, using series to avoid talking to your spouse reduces satisfaction and bonding. The key is intentional co-viewing, not passive avoidance.
