It’s hard to believe the How I Met Your Mother series first hit our small screens 15 years ago. We spent ten years following Ted Mosby’s highs, lows and heartbreaks as he told the story of how he lost and found love on the search for ‘the one’… and we all have STRONG feelings about the ending (personally, I thought it was perfection).
The show still brings all the feels: turning on any episode invokes nostalgia in a way that no other show does for me. What makes it so appealing? I think it’s that the hilarious plotlines and quirky characters are balanced by tender moments and depictions of strong bonds. To quote Ted in a meta moment in season 8, episode 2 (The Pre-Nup): “You know, it’s bit comedy, but you also really care about these characters.” Featuring a bunch of friends aged 30-ish in the (clumsy) pursuit of happiness in their careers, friendships, family and romance in a big city, it’s relatable while being full of whimsy, and it uses creative storytelling techniques to keep you constantly on your toes.
As we prepare to live under restrictions due to COVID-19, I for one am planning some serious TV time. If you’re looking for something lighthearted to binge on, here are my recommendations for three great shows on Netflix for fans of How I Met Your Mother…
Lovesick
Playing with storytelling in a similar way to HIMYM, this three-season show follows Dylan as he revisits all his past girlfriends and flings to break some bad news… he’s got chlamydia. Aided by his besties-slash-flatmates, adorable Evie and womanising Luke, Dylan explores whether the right girl for him had actually been there all along. Lovesick has that same balance of tender moments and recurring jokes as How I Met Your Mother, but all with quintessentially British humour and set in gritty-yet-gorgeous Glasgow.
Three seasons, 22 episodes, approx. 20-25 minutes each
Master of None
This series, created by Aziz Ansari and loosely based on his own experiences, follows the trials and tribulations of his character Dev on the New York dating scene – and an escape to Italy to seek solace in pasta (my actual dream trip). Touching on the immigrant experience and intergenerational communication, racial and gender discrimination, the challenges of dating in a digital era and the societal and familial expectations that add to the pressure, it’s just as relatable for us Millennials as How I Met Your Mother.
Two seasons, 20 episodes, approx. 20-30 minutes each
The Hookup Plan
This French Netflix exclusive series (aka Plan Coeur) follows awkward but endearing Elsa Payette and her besties, wild Charlotte and uptight Émilie, as they navigate the ups and downs of careers, babies and boyfriends in the city of love: Paris. It all begins when Charlotte tries to help Elsa get over her ex by hiring a high-class male escort to date her. As you can guess, drama ensues! For my fellow non-native French speakers, this one offers a great way to brush up on your contemporary slang! And for everyone else, you’ll probably be tempted to learn the language and move to Paris ASAP.
Two seasons, 14 episodes, approx. 20-30 minutes each
These shows are all short and sweet, but will help fill a few weekends during COVID-19 quarantine! Check ’em out and let me know what you think.
What’s your favourite show that has humour AND heart? Share your recommendations!