11 Nostalgic Netflix Series to Rewatch with Your Partner: The Ultimate Comfort Binge Guide (2026)
- Joao Nsita
- 3 minutes ago
- 8 min read
Introduction
There is a specific kind of intimacy that comes from sharing a childhood memory with the person you love. It’s the "Oh my god, do you remember this?" moments, the shared laughter over outdated fashion, and the comfort of knowing exactly how the story ends. In 2025, as the world moves faster than ever, couples are increasingly turning backward for their entertainment. The trend of "Comfort Bingeing" has taken over TikTok and Pinterest, with users curating entire aesthetics around the shows that defined their formative years.
Nostalgia isn't just about the past; it's about anchoring yourself in a familiar feeling. For couples, rewatching a classic series on Netflix offers a low-stakes environment to reconnect. It sparks conversations about how times have changed, reveals hidden layers of your partner's personality ("Wait, you had a crush on who?"), and provides a reliable dopamine hit after a long week.
In this curated guide, we’ve scoured the 2025 Netflix catalog to bring you 11 nostalgic series that are perfect for a cozy night in. From the coffee-fueled banter of Stars Hollow to the neon-soaked malls of Hawkins, these shows are guaranteed to bring you closer together.
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1. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
The Vibe: Cozy sweaters, endless coffee, and rapid-fire banter.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Gilmore Girls is the undisputed champion of the "Fall Aesthetic" trend on Pinterest. Rewatching this with your partner allows you to escape to the idyllic, fictional town of Stars Hollow, where the biggest stress is a town meeting or a dance marathon. It’s the perfect show for couples who love dialogue-driven comedy and debating which boyfriend was actually the best (Team Jess vs. Team Logan is a conversation that can last all night).
Trending Now: On TikTok, the #RoryGilmoreReadingChallenge is huge, but for couples, it's all about the "Luke’s Diner Date Night"—recreating the show’s iconic breakfast-for-dinner vibe at home.
Deep Dive Topic: Discussing the mother-daughter dynamic and how it compares to your own family upbringing can be a surprisingly deep bonding experience.
Internal Link: Love the small-town romance vibe? Check out our audio drama set in a cozy village: The Village Romance - Episode 1.
2. Seinfeld (1989–1998)
The Vibe: Nothing, and everything. The quintessential 90s New York sitcom.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Seinfeld remains on Netflix through 2025, offering a masterclass in observational humor. For couples, it’s a chance to laugh at the absurdities of social etiquette and dating. The beauty of Seinfeld is that you don't need to pay strict attention to a plot; you can put it on while cooking dinner or folding laundry and still catch the jokes. It’s the ultimate "low-maintenance" relationship show.
Trending Now: "Eclectic Grandpa" fashion is trending on Pinterest, and nobody embodies it better than Kramer and George Costanza. Watch it for the style inspo as much as the jokes.
Deep Dive Topic: Which "Seinfeld" dating dealbreaker would you actually enforce? (e.g., Man hands? Low talker?)
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3. Stranger Things (2016–Present)
The Vibe: Neon lights, synth-wave music, and 80s Spielbergian wonder.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: While technically a modern show, Stranger Things is a nostalgia bomb for anyone who grew up in (or loves) the 1980s. It’s a thrilling ride that encourages "clinging to each other" during the scary parts. The shared trauma of the characters creates a strong emotional hook, and trying to decipher the mysteries together makes for great post-episode theorizing.
Trending Now: With the final season on the horizon, "Hellfire Club" merchandise and 80s retro fashion are dominating TikTok. It’s a cultural touchstone that connects generations.
Deep Dive Topic: If you were a kid in the 80s (or just in Hawkins), which D&D class would you be?
Internal Link: For more thrilling tales, listen to our mystery-romance series: Mystery at the Manor.
4. Derry Girls (2018–2022)
The Vibe: 90s grunge, rebellious teen spirit, and hilarious Irish slang.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Set in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, Derry Girls is a comedy masterpiece that fits the "nostalgia" bill perfectly for 90s kids. It captures the awkwardness of adolescence with painful accuracy. It’s short, punchy, and incredibly funny, making it an easy binge for a weekend. You’ll find yourselves adopting the slang ("Catch yourself on!") instantly.
Trending Now: Clips of Sister Michael’s deadpan delivery regularly go viral on social media. The 90s tracksuits and denim jackets are also major style inspiration.
Deep Dive Topic: What was your most embarrassing high school moment that matches the chaos of the Derry girls?
Call to Action: Stream Derry Girls on Netflix.
5. Home Improvement (1991–1999)
The Vibe: Flannel shirts, power tools, and family sitcom warmth.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Added to Netflix in February 2025, this classic sitcom is a fresh addition for streamers. It’s a comforting look back at the 90s American family dynamic. Whether you’re laughing at Tim "The Toolman" Taylor’s disastrous DIY projects or appreciating Jill’s no-nonsense parenting, it’s a show that feels like home. It’s perfect for couples who are currently tackling their own home renovations or DIY projects.
Trending Now: The "90s Dad" aesthetic—think chunky sneakers and cargo shorts—is having a moment. Home Improvement is the source material.
Deep Dive Topic: The evolution of the "sitcom dad" trope—how does Tim Taylor compare to modern TV dads?
Internal Link: tackling a renovation together? Read our blog on keeping the romance alive during DIY: Romance and Renovations.
6. A Different World (1987–1993)
The Vibe: HBCU pride, 90s fashion excellence, and the romance of Dwayne and Whitley.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: This Cosby Show spin-off stands on its own as a cultural juggernaut. The relationship between Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert is one of the most iconic "enemies to lovers" to "soulmates" arcs in TV history. Watching their journey is a masterclass in character growth and romantic payoff. It’s essential viewing for understanding the golden era of Black television.
Trending Now: The flip-up sunglasses (Dwayne’s signature look) and oversized blazers are staples of current vintage fashion trends on TikTok.
Deep Dive Topic: Discussing the importance of supportive partners in achieving career dreams, mirroring Dwayne and Whitley’s ambitious paths.
Internal Link: We discuss iconic TV couples in our podcast episode: Top TV Romances.
7. Cobra Kai (2018–Present)
The Vibe: 80s karate cheese meets modern redemption arcs.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: If you or your partner loved The Karate Kid, this is non-negotiable. It strikes a perfect balance between honoring the original movies and creating a compelling new story. It’s action-packed but full of heart. The rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence is hilarious and surprisingly deep, offering a fun look at how we hold onto the past.
Trending Now: Karate dojos actually saw a spike in enrollment due to this show! It’s also sparked a "Dad Rock" revival with its soundtrack.
Deep Dive Topic: Are you Team Miyagi-Do or Team Eagle Fang? (And what does that say about your conflict resolution style?)
Internal Link: Enjoying the action? Check out our action-romance audio series: Spies in Love.
8. Heartbreak High (1994–1999)
The Vibe: Gritty, authentic 90s Australian teen drama.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: While the modern reboot is great, the original 1994 series (available on Netflix) is a time capsule of 90s grunge culture. It deals with gritty, real issues in a way that feels less polished than American counterparts like Dawson’s Creek. It’s a fascinating watch for couples who want to see a different side of the 90s—one with eyebrow piercings, undercut hairstyles, and raw emotional storylines.
Trending Now: The aesthetic of "Heartbreak High" (baggy pants, baby tees) is basically the blueprint for current Gen Z fashion.
Deep Dive Topic: Comparing the "teen drama" issues of the 90s vs. today—what has changed and what has stayed exactly the same?
Internal Link: Read our blog post on why we love high school sweethearts: First Loves Revisited.
9. That '90s Show (2023–Present)
The Vibe: A literal return to the Forman basement.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Sometimes the best way to experience nostalgia is through a modern lens. This sequel to That '70s Show brings back Red and Kitty Forman, instantly grounding the show in comfort. For couples who grew up watching the original, seeing the cameos and references is a delight. It’s light, breezy, and designed to trigger those "I remember that!" dopamine hits.
Trending Now: The show has revitalized interest in 90s grunge fashion and the "slacker" aesthetic.
Deep Dive Topic: How does parenting style change across generations (Red vs. Eric)?
Internal Link: Check out our review of modern sitcom reboots: Reboot or Rehash?.
10. Fuller House (2016–2020)
The Vibe: Cheesy, wholesome, family fun.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: Let’s be honest: sometimes you just want to turn your brain off and watch something nice. Fuller House leans hard into the nostalgia of Full House, bringing back the catchphrases and the hug-it-out moments. It’s a great background show for a lazy Sunday morning in bed with your partner. It celebrates the "it takes a village" mentality of family.
Trending Now: The concept of "multigenerational living" is becoming more relevant, making the Tanner-Fuller house strangely timely.
Deep Dive Topic: The enduring appeal of the "family sitcom" format—why do we crave these resolved-in-30-minutes stories?
Internal Link: Listen to our heartwarming family-centric episode: The Family Secret.
11. Wednesday (2022–Present)
The Vibe: Goth-girl chic, spooky mystery, and dry wit.
Why It’s Perfect for Couples: While modern, Wednesday is steeped in nostalgia for the 90s Addams Family movies and the original cartoons. It’s a visual treat with a compelling mystery that hooks you in. Jenna Ortega’s performance pays homage to Christina Ricci (who also appears!) while creating something new. It’s perfect for the "spooky couple" who loves Halloween year-round.
Trending Now: The "Wednesday Dance" was a global phenomenon on TikTok, but the "Soft Goth" aesthetic continues to influence interior design and fashion on Pinterest.
Deep Dive Topic: Being an outcast vs. fitting in—how does your relationship embrace your inner "weirdos"?
Internal Link: We love a good mystery! Don't miss our thriller episode: The Midnight Caller.
Conclusion
Nostalgia is a powerful tool for connection. It reminds us of where we came from and allows us to share those pieces of ourselves with the person we love most. Whether you are laughing at the "Puffy Shirt" on Seinfeld or debating the physics of the Upside Down in Stranger Things, these shows offer a sanctuary from the modern world.
So grab the remote, order some takeout, and settle in for a trip down memory lane. You might just find that rewatching the past is the best way to spend your present together.
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Listen to our full library of romantic audio dramas here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why isn't The Office on this list? The Office (US) is primarily streaming on Peacock in the US as of 2025, not Netflix. However, in some international regions like the UK, it might still be available on Netflix.
2. Is Friends available on Netflix? Similar to The Office, Friends is typically exclusive to HBO Max (Max) in the US. International availability varies.
3. Can I watch Seinfeld in 4K on Netflix? Yes, Netflix streams Seinfeld in 4K, though some fans debate the aspect ratio change (widescreen vs. original 4:3).
4. Is Community coming back to Netflix? Community left Netflix in April 2024. It is currently streaming on Peacock and Hulu.
5. What is the best show on this list for a "feel-good" binge? Gilmore Girls or Home Improvement are the safest bets for pure, low-stress comfort watching.
6. Are these shows suitable for watching with kids? Fuller House, Home Improvement, and Avatar: The Last Airbender are generally family-friendly. Stranger Things and Cobra Kai have more mature themes and violence.
7. Why is nostalgia so popular right now? Psychologists suggest that in times of global uncertainty or high stress, people crave familiar, comforting media from "simpler times" as a coping mechanism.
8. Is Heartbreak High the new one or the old one? Both are on Netflix! The list refers to the 1994 original for maximum 90s nostalgia, but the reboot is also excellent.
9. How can I find these shows if they aren't on my Netflix? Netflix libraries vary by region. Using a VPN is a common workaround, but checking sites like JustWatch can tell you where a show is streaming in your specific country.
10. Will there be more Gilmore Girls episodes? There are always rumors, but currently, only the original series and the 2016 revival A Year in the Life are available.
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