14 Winter Romance Series on Netflix to Binge This Season
- Joao Nsita
- 5 hours ago
- 18 min read
There’s a certain, undeniable magic that settles over us as winter deepens. The world outside grows quiet under a blanket of snow or a persistent, misty chill, and an instinctual pull draws us inward. It's a season for shedding the hustle of the world, for wrapping ourselves in the softest blankets, and for seeking out stories that feel like a warm, crackling fireplace for the soul. In these quiet, cozy moments, there is no greater companion than a truly captivating romance series—a story that offers not just an escape, but a deep, emotional warmth that radiates from the inside out.
The desire for these heartwarming, comforting stories has become a powerful cultural current, beautifully reflected on social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. The #cozywatchlist and #wintershows trends are a testament to our collective yearning for narratives that prioritize connection, kindness, and love. Viewers are actively seeking out series that offer the charm of a small town, the thrill of a slow-burn romance, and the profound comfort of a “found family.” And in the vast universe of streaming, Netflix has become the ultimate destination for this kind of feel-good, binge-worthy content.
This guide is your hand-picked, curated map to the very best of these winter romance escapes. We have journeyed through the extensive Netflix library to bring you 14 incredible series, counted down in descending order, that are guaranteed to make your winter nights warmer and your heart fuller.
14. My Life with the Walter Boys (2023-present)
The Vibe: Kicking off our list is a new, trending series that is pure, unadulterated YA comfort food. My Life with the Walter Boys tells the story of Jackie Howard, a driven, sophisticated Manhattan teenager whose life is upended by a tragedy that forces her to move to rural Colorado to live with her guardian’s large, chaotic, and entirely male family. It’s a classic fish-out-of-water story, a heartfelt exploration of grief, and, at its core, a swoon-
worthy tale of a girl caught in a classic love triangle between two very different brothers.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the television equivalent of a cozy, well-loved young adult novel. It’s a perfect, low-stakes binge-watch for a winter weekend. The rustic, mountain-ranch setting of Colorado provides a beautiful, cozy backdrop that feels both expansive and intimate. The series is a masterclass in the found family trope, as Jackie slowly finds her place amidst the boisterous and loving Walter clan. The central love triangle between the thoughtful, bookish Alex and the brooding, mysterious Cole is pure, addictive teen drama. The show became an instant hit on TikTok, with viewers passionately debating #TeamAlex vs. #TeamCole. It’s a heartwarming, charming, and deeply binge-able series about healing, first love, and the beautiful mess of finding a new home. The timeless appeal of a brooding heartthrob is a cultural staple, a theme we also explored in our list of the Top 10 Elvis Presley Songs of All Time.
Creator: Melanie Halsall
Main Cast: Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry, Sarah Rafferty
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
13. Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)
The Vibe: Never Have I Ever is a vibrant, hilarious, and groundbreaking coming-of-age comedy from the brilliant minds of Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher. The series follows Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian-American teenager who, after a traumatic freshman year, is determined to rebrand herself and climb the social ladder. The show is a heartfelt and consistently funny exploration of grief, identity, friendship, and the messy, glorious, and often mortifying journey of teenage life.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is a burst of pure, joyful sunshine on a gloomy winter day. While it’s set in sunny California, the warmth of the series is all in its incredible heart. Devi is a perfectly imperfect protagonist—she’s brilliant, she’s ambitious, and she makes a lot of terrible, impulsive decisions. Her journey is a masterclass in character development. The show is a fantastic exploration of family dynamics, particularly Devi’s complex and moving relationship with her mother. At its core is another iconic love triangle between the academic rival, Ben Gross, and the school heartthrob, Paxton Hall-Yoshida. The writing is sharp, witty, and full of pop culture references, and the show has been widely praised for its groundbreaking South Asian representation. For more on the show's cultural impact, you can read articles from publications like Variety. It’s a perfect, feel-good binge that will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply seen.
Creators: Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher
Main Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison, Darren Barnet
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
12. Emily in Paris (2020-present)
The Vibe: Pure, unapologetic escapism. Emily in Paris is a visually delightful, fashion-filled, and utterly charming romantic comedy that invites you to leave your worries behind and get lost in the most romantic city in the world. The series follows Emily Cooper, a driven and optimistic marketing executive from Chicago who lands her dream job in Paris, despite not speaking a word of French. The show is a whirlwind of cultural clashes, workplace drama, blossoming friendships, and, of course, a very complicated and very handsome love interest.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the television equivalent of a delicious, frothy macaron. It is a light, sweet, and aesthetically beautiful treat. On a cold, grey winter day, the sunny, picturesque streets of Paris are a welcome and vibrant escape. The show is a feast for the eyes, with Patricia Field (of Sex and the City fame) at the helm of the incredible, high-fashion wardrobe. While it may be light on plot, it is heavy on charm, romance, and pure, feel-good energy. It’s a show that you can put on and simply enjoy, a perfect, low-stress binge-watch. The show’s beautiful, romantic atmosphere is a perfect match for a playlist of classic love songs, a theme we explore in our article 10 Ways to Rekindle Romance in a Long-Term Marriage. For a look at the show's incredible fashion, you can explore breakdowns in magazines like Vogue.
Creator: Darren Star
Main Cast: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
11. From Scratch (2022)
The Vibe: Based on the heart-wrenching and beautiful memoir by Tembi Locke, From Scratch is an epic, cross-cultural love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The limited series tells the story of Amahle "Amy" Wheeler, an American student studying abroad in Florence, who falls head-over-heels in love with Lino, a charismatic Sicilian chef. Their story is a sweeping romance that spans years, continents, and cultures, as they navigate family disapproval, build a life together in Los Angeles, and ultimately face a devastating health crisis.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This is a series for a day when you are ready for a deep, emotional, and cathartic experience. It is a story of profound love, heartbreaking loss, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. The first half of the series, set against the sun-drenched, stunning backdrop of Florence, is a pure, romantic escape. The food, the culture, and the art are a feast for the senses. The second half of the series is a moving and beautifully rendered portrait of what it means to love someone through sickness and health. It is a story about how food connects us, how family sustains us, and how love can transcend even the greatest of challenges. It will make you cry, but it will also leave you with a profound sense of hope. The show's powerful score is a key part of its emotional impact, a theme we also explored in our review of The Dark Knight.
Creators: Attica Locke, Tembi Locke
Main Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Eugenio Mastrandrea, Danielle Deadwyler, Keith David
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
10. Firefly Lane (2021-2023)
The Vibe: Based on the beloved novel by Kristin Hannah, Firefly Lane is a sweeping, multi-generational saga about the power of female friendship. The series follows the 30-year, unbreakable bond between the bold and ambitious Tully Hart and the shy and brilliant Kate Mularkey. Told through a series of interwoven timelines, the show chronicles their journey from inseparable teenage girls in the 1970s to women navigating their careers, their families, and their love lives in the early 2000s. It is a story of love, loss, betrayal, and the one friendship that defines a lifetime.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the ultimate cozy, nostalgic watch. The period details and the incredible soundtracks from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are a perfect escape. The fall and winter settings of their Pacific Northwest home are beautifully atmospheric. But the true warmth of the show comes from the deep, complex, and incredibly authentic friendship between Tully and Kate. Their relationship is the central love story of the series. It’s a show that will make you want to call your own best friend and tell them you love them. It is a powerful, emotional, and deeply moving story about the "found family" that we choose for ourselves. The power of a great soundtrack to evoke nostalgia is a theme we also explore in our list of the Top 10 The Beatles Songs of All Time. For more on the show and the original book, you can visit author Kristin Hannah's official website.
Creator: Maggie Friedman
Main Cast: Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, Ben Lawson, Ali Skovbye, Roan Curtis
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
9. Sex Education (2019-2023)
The Vibe: Sex Education is a brilliantly funny, visually stunning, and profoundly kind series that is so much more than its provocative title suggests. The show follows Otis Milburn, an awkward and socially anxious teenager with a sex therapist for a mother, who teams up with the fiercely intelligent and rebellious Maeve Wiley to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at their high school. The series is a groundbreaking, hilarious, and deeply empathetic exploration of teenage sexuality, friendship, and identity.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: Despite being a teen show, Sex Education is one of the most mature, emotionally intelligent, and heartwarming shows on television. The visual aesthetic of the show is a huge part of its cozy appeal. Filmed in Wales, the setting has a timeless, autumnal, almost American 80s feel to it that is incredibly atmospheric. The show is a masterclass in ensemble storytelling, with a huge, diverse cast of characters, each with their own beautifully rendered and compassionate storyline. The central, slow-burn, will-they-won't-they romance between Otis and Maeve is one of the most compelling on television. It is a show that will make you laugh hysterically while also making you feel deeply seen and understood. The show's honest and compassionate approach to difficult topics has been widely praised by critics and health organizations. You can explore reviews of the show on sites like The Guardian.
Creator: Laurie Nunn
Main Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
8. Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
The Vibe: An epic, sweeping, and utterly addictive K-drama that became a global phenomenon. Crash Landing on You is a modern-day fairytale with an impossible premise. Yoon Se-ri is a wealthy South Korean heiress and fashion mogul who, during a paragliding accident, is swept across the border and crash-lands in North Korea. She is discovered by Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, a stoic, honorable, and devastatingly handsome North Korean army officer. He decides to hide her and help her find a way home, a dangerous act that could cost them both their lives. What follows is a breathtaking, high-stakes, and deeply romantic love story that transcends borders and ideologies.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the ultimate, all-consuming, "cancel all your plans" binge-watch. At 16 feature-length episodes, it is a truly immersive experience that is perfect for getting lost in over the long winter nights. The series is a brilliant blend of genres—it's a thrilling suspense story, a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy, and one of the most epic, swoon-worthy romances of all time. The forbidden love and forced proximity tropes are executed to perfection. The winter scenes in both North Korea and Switzerland are breathtakingly beautiful. The show also features a fantastic found family element in Captain Ri’s loyal and lovable group of soldiers. It is a show that will make you believe in the power of love to overcome any obstacle. For more on the global phenomenon of K-dramas, you can explore articles on Time magazine's website. The show’s epic, almost operatic romance is a theme we also see in the music we reviewed in 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Main Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
7. Heartstopper (2022-present)
The Vibe: As we mentioned in our full series review, Heartstopper is pure, unadulterated sunshine in television form. It is a gentle, kind, and overwhelmingly lovely depiction of teenage love and friendship. Based on the beloved graphic novels by Alice Oseman, the series tells the story of the quiet, gentle Charlie Spring, who develops a crush on the school's popular and kind-hearted rugby captain, Nick Nelson. Their story is a beautiful, slow-burn exploration of friendship turning into first love, and of Nick's own journey of self-discovery and coming out.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This series is the television equivalent of a warm, weighted blanket. It is the ultimate comfort show, a series that is completely devoid of cynicism, trauma, or malice. The drama is low-stakes and internal, focusing entirely on the characters' beautiful, heartfelt emotions. The visual style, with its soft, warm lighting and whimsical animated flourishes, adds to the show's sweet, romantic feel. Heartstopper is a powerful and important celebration of queer joy, a story where the main conflict is not about homophobia, but about the internal journey of understanding yourself. It is a show that will restore your faith in the goodness of people and leave you with a feeling of pure, unadulterated happiness. It’s the perfect, gentle watch for a day when your heart needs a little bit of healing. The show's gentle, life-affirming message is a theme we also celebrated in our review of This Is Us.
Creator: Alice Oseman
Main Cast: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
6. Sweet Magnolias (2020-present)
The Vibe: Based on the popular book series by Sherryl Woods, Sweet Magnolias is a heartwarming, comforting, and deeply charming small-town drama. The series centers on three lifelong best friends—Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue—as they navigate the ups and downs of life, love, family, and career in the idyllic Southern town of Serenity. It is a show about the enduring power of female friendship, community, and second chances.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the ultimate cozy, small-town escape. The town of Serenity is a character in itself, a beautiful, welcoming place where everyone knows each other and supports each other. The core of the show is the incredible friendship between the three leads; their "margarita night" therapy sessions are a beautiful depiction of a powerful female support system. The show is filled with sweet, low-stakes romances, including a wonderful second-chance romance for the recently divorced Maddie with her son's handsome new baseball coach. It is a gentle, optimistic, and incredibly comforting show that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect series to watch when you are craving a story about good people in a beautiful place. The show's focus on second chances is a theme we also explore in our review of 14 Acts of Love to Strengthen Your Relationship.
Showrunner: Sheryl J. Anderson
Main Cast: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, Justin Bruening
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
5. Ginny & Georgia (2021-present)
The Vibe: A show that is often pitched as a modern-day Gilmore Girls with a dark, mysterious twist. Ginny & Georgia is a compelling, addictive, and emotionally complex series about a mother-daughter duo who are more like best friends. The story follows the free-spirited, 30-year-old Georgia Miller, who moves with her angsty teenage daughter, Ginny, and her young son, Austin, to a picturesque New England town to try and give them a normal life. But Georgia's checkered and dangerous past is never far behind.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is the perfect blend of cozy, small-town charm and high-stakes, thrilling mystery. The setting of Wellsbury, Massachusetts, with its beautiful, autumnal and wintery landscapes, is the perfect cozy backdrop. The show is a fantastic exploration of a complex and deeply loving, if often dysfunctional, mother-daughter relationship. It’s also packed with swoon-worthy teen romance, as Ginny finds herself in a love triangle with her sweet, dependable boyfriend and her brooding, bad-boy neighbour. The underlying mystery of Georgia's past adds a layer of suspense that makes the show incredibly binge-able. For more on the show's critical reception, you can visit its Rotten Tomatoes page. The show's amazing soundtrack is also a key part of its appeal, a theme we explore in our review of The Sound of Music.
Creator: Sarah Lampert
Main Cast: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Felix Mallard, Scott Porter
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
4. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
The Vibe: A prequel to the global phenomenon that is Bridgerton, this limited series is a masterpiece of historical romance that is even more emotionally intense and profoundly moving than its predecessor. Queen Charlotte tells the epic, sweeping, and often heartbreaking love story of the young Queen Charlotte and King George III. Theirs is an arranged marriage that quickly blossoms into a deep, all-consuming love, one that is tested by the immense pressures of the crown and the devastating reality of the King's hidden mental illness.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This show is a perfect, contained, and incredibly powerful binge-watch. At only six episodes, it is a perfect weekend escape. The world of Bridgerton is the ultimate fantasy of glamorous balls, stunning costumes, and high-society intrigue, a perfect, immersive escape for a winter's day. But the story of Charlotte and George is one of the most beautiful and devastating love stories on television. It is a profound exploration of love, duty, and what it means to love someone through the darkest of times. The chemistry between the two leads, India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest, is absolutely electric. It is a show that will make you swoon, make you sob, and leave you with a deep appreciation for a love that endures. The powerful, epic love story is a theme we also celebrated in our review of Superman (2025).
Creator: Shonda Rhimes
Main Cast: India Amarteifio, Corey Mylchreest, Arsema Thomas, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
3. Dash & Lily (2020)
The Vibe: This is the ultimate, pure, unadulterated Christmas romance. Based on the beloved YA book series, Dash & Lily is a charming, whimsical, and incredibly romantic limited series set in New York City during the most magical time of the year. The story follows two teenagers: the cynical, bookish Dash, who hates Christmas, and the optimistic, quirky Lily, who loves it. They begin a whirlwind, anonymous romance by trading dares, dreams, and desires in a red notebook that they leave for each other in locations all over the city.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: This series is a warm, festive hug in television form. It is the perfect show to watch in the lead-up to Christmas to get you in the holiday spirit. The show is a love letter to New York City at Christmastime, and the beautiful, snowy, festive scenery is a huge part of its charm. The "notebook" premise is an incredibly romantic and clever twist on the "pen pals" trope. The relationship that develops between Dash and Lily is sweet, heartfelt, and full of wonderful literary and musical references. It’s a show that is completely optimistic, full of joy, and a celebration of the magic of connection. The show's beautiful, hopeful message is a theme we also explored in our review of 14 Feel-Good Series That Feel Like a Warm Blanket.
Creator: Joe Tracz
Main Cast: Austin Abrams, Midori Francis, Dante Brown, Troy Iwata
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
2. Bridgerton (2020-present)
The Vibe: The show that single-handedly revitalized the historical romance genre and became a global cultural phenomenon. Bridgerton is a vibrant, sexy, and utterly addictive escape into the glamorous, high-stakes world of Regency-era London's marriage market. Produced by Shonda Rhimes, the series is a modern, witty, and diverse take on the genre, filled with stunning costumes, grand balls, and a healthy dose of steamy romance. Each season follows the love story of a different Bridgerton sibling as they navigate the pressures of society and the search for true love.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: Bridgerton is the ultimate fantasy escape. The opulent, beautiful world of the show is a perfect, immersive distraction from the cold, grey reality of winter. The "will-they-won't-they" tension, the witty banter, and the swoon-worthy romantic resolutions are incredibly satisfying. The use of modern pop songs played by a classical string quartet is a brilliant and signature touch. It’s a show that is pure, indulgent, and incredibly fun. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch with a group of friends and a bottle of wine on a long winter's night. The powerful, epic love stories are a theme we also celebrated in our review of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Main Cast: An ensemble cast that changes with each season, including Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, and Simone Ashley.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
1. Virgin River (2019-present)
The Vibe: Taking the top spot on our list is the undisputed queen of cozy, comforting, small-town romance. Virgin River is the television equivalent of being wrapped in a warm, flannel blanket in a rustic cabin with a crackling fire. The series follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who moves from Los Angeles to the remote, beautiful Northern California town of Virgin River to escape a painful past. There, she clashes with the town's stubborn doctor and finds herself drawn to Jack Sheridan, the handsome, kind-hearted local bar owner and a former Marine grappling with his own trauma.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Binge: Virgin River has all the essential ingredients for the perfect winter comfort watch. The small-town setting is incredibly cozy and filled with a cast of quirky, lovable, and supportive characters. The slow-burn romance between Mel and Jack is the heart of the show, a mature, heartfelt, and deeply compelling love story between two people who are healing each other. The stunning, rustic scenery of the fictional town (filmed in beautiful British Columbia) is the perfect atmospheric backdrop, especially in the episodes that take place during the fall and winter. The show is a perfect blend of heartwarming romance, low-stakes community drama, and a touch of suspense. It is, quite simply, the ultimate cozy binge-watch. You can explore a world of comforting and romantic content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Developer: Sue Tenney
Main Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O'Toole
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
Conclusion
In the quiet, introspective heart of winter, the power of a great romance series is a special kind of magic. The 14 shows on this list are more than just a way to pass the time; they are invitations to feel, to connect, and to escape into worlds that are full of warmth, hope, and love. They are a testament to the fact that stories can be a true source of comfort, a gentle and powerful antidote to the chill of the outside world.
From the cozy, small-town charm of Virgin River to the epic, forbidden love of Crash Landing on You, these series offer a beautiful and diverse landscape of romantic storytelling. So, as the winter season unfolds, we encourage you to embrace the cozy. Choose your next binge, settle in, and allow yourself to be warmed from the inside out by these unforgettable tales of love.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a romance series a good "winter watch"? A: A great winter romance series often has a cozy, atmospheric setting (like a small town or a festive city), a focus on emotional warmth and connection, and a compelling, immersive story that is perfect for binge-watching during the long winter nights.
Q: Are all the shows on this list family-friendly? A: The list contains a mix. Shows like Heartstopper (for older teens) and Dash & Lily are very wholesome. Others, like Sex Education, Bridgerton, and Crash Landing on You, deal with mature themes and are intended for an adult audience. It's always a good idea to check the age rating.
Q: I love the "small-town romance" trope. Which shows on this list are the best for that? A: Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias are the quintessential small-town romance series on this list. Ginny & Georgia also has a fantastic small-town setting with a mysterious twist.
Q: Are these shows based on books? A: Yes, many of them are! My Life with the Walter Boys, Firefly Lane, Heartstopper, Sweet Magnolias, Dash & Lily, Bridgerton, and Virgin River are all based on popular and beloved book series.
Q: What is a "K-drama"? A: A K-drama is a television series produced in South Korea. They are known for their high production values, their unique blend of genres, and their often epic, incredibly romantic, and emotionally intense storytelling, as seen in Crash Landing on You.
Q: I'm new to romance series. Which show on this list should I start with? A: Virgin River is a fantastic starting point. It is incredibly popular and has all the classic elements of a great comfort romance: a charming small town, a compelling slow-burn love story, and a great cast of characters.
Q: Do all of these shows have a happy ending? A: As is common with the romance genre, most of the shows on this list are built on a foundation of hope and provide a satisfying, happy, or hopeful ending for the central couples. From Scratch is a notable exception, as it is a true story that deals with profound loss.
Q: Where can I find out what's new on Netflix each month? A: Many entertainment news websites, like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, publish monthly lists of all the new arrivals on Netflix and other streaming services.
Q: What does "slow-burn" romance mean? A: A slow-burn romance is a story where the main characters take a long time to get together. The plot focuses on the gradual development of their emotional connection and the building of romantic and sexual tension.
Q: I've seen all these! What's a great romantic movie I could watch on Netflix? A: Netflix has a huge library of romantic movies. Some popular choices that fit the cozy, romantic vibe include The Holiday, Holidate, and the To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy. For more recommendations, you can check out the What to Watch section of our site.
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