Which New Romantic Comedy TV Show Is For You?
With all of the new good looking boy meets good looking girl television shows being added to your already jam-packed TV schedule (no judgement), you may be wondering: How the hell do I tell these shows apart? While it's clear networks are taking a deeper dive into the chaotic world of dating and the struggles that come with it (thank you, technology), we're giving you a breakdown of TV's newest rom-coms to help you decide which one is for you. Because, let's be honest, you won't watch them all to decide. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Take a look at network TV's newest rom-coms to find out which ones tickle your rom-com enthusiast fancy.
Selfie (ABC, Tuesdays at 8 ET)
Watch if you like: Confessions of a Shopaholic
The show tells the story of Eliza (Karen Gillan), a self-absorbed, social media-obsessed millennial who comes to find that her time obsessing over "likes" has left her without any real-life friends. Warning: Isla's Shopaholic character is a lot more lovable than Eliza, who you will want to punch in the face. To become more likable IRL, she enlists Henry (John Cho) to teache her how to break superficial habits and become more of a decent human being. Here's hoping she's less annoying as the season progresses, and that she and Henry's love connection (which is alluded to in the first episode) will eventually defrost her narcissistic heart.
Manhattan Love Story (ABC, Tuesdays at 8:30 ET)
Watch if you like: He's Just Not That Into You
What's unique about Manhattan is that we constantly hear the main players' thoughts. The show follows two single New Yorkers, Dana (Analeigh Tipton) and Peter (Jake McDorman), and, you guessed it, their story about falling in love. What makes the show entertaining is the naked truths that play out in these characters' minds — thoughts we can probably all relate to and have had ourselves at one point or another. Similar to Justin Long's truthful but brutal dating tips in He's Just Not That Into You, the show attempts to explain what we're all really thinking while awkwardly conversing with someone new (Example: "Is he looking at my boobs?" and "Can she tell I'm looking at her boobs?"). This is a good show for you if you're on the market and want to know you're not alone in the battlefield we call modern dating.
A to Z (NBC, Thursdays Oct. 2 at 9:30 ET)
Watch if you like: 500 Days of Summer
Like 500 Days before it, the show opens up with voice over explaining the fate of a the featured couple ("Let me tell you the story of a couple... This television program is the comprehensive account of their relationship"). Before hearing about their story, which is narrated by a third party, Sons of Anarchy's Katey Sagal, you learn that Zelda (Cristin Milioti) and Andrew (Ben Feldman) only date for a definitive amount of time, which is different than your usual happily ever after. Another spin from your average rom-com is the dynamic between Zelda and Andrew, and the fact that she really isn't buying what he's selling until he is extremely persistent — similar to Summer (Zooey Deschanel) and Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in 500 Days. Yes, you know their fate right off the bat. But there's something interesting about watching two people become a couple and wondering what will eventually cause their downfall. It's cute, but with comedy that seems a little forced and a story that's not a "I have to know what happens next," it seems this show's shelf life may be shorter than hoped.
Marry Me (NBC, Tues Oct. 14 9 ET)
If you like: Bride Wars
Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) and Ken Marino (Party Down) are irresistible as Annie and Jake, a young couple going through the chaos of marriage proposals (yes, plural) and all of the awkward in-laws and miscommunication in between. Writer David Caspe (Happy Endings) does a great job at making this an actual comedy, as the couple has a self-aware "we're a shit show!" tone about them without being too mushy, making it something your hubby may even enjoy with you. Similar to Kate Hudson's character in Bride Wars, Annie is a neurotic bride-to-be, which can sometimes be annoying, but Jake's unconditional love and frequent eye-rolling — like Steve Howey's Bride character Daniel — create an endearing dynamic that's worth sticking around for. Plus, familiar faces such as Tim Meadows (Mean Girls), Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal), and John Gemberling (Broad City) make for a great supporting cast.
[Photo Credit: ABC, NBC]