The 7 Most Unforgettable Reality TV Shows On Netflix For Romance-Lovers
Despite successful network dating shows like The Bachelor franchise and 90-Day Fiancé, Netflix has escalated to the number one place to go for reality romance.
Between its intertwined romance world in Perfect Match to its numerous international adaptations, Netflix has every flash of romance we could possibly imagine. And 2024 was one of its most active years yet.
If Netflix were a single girl, 2024 was the year she went on too many dates to count. We were gifted with new (and messy) seasons of classics like Too Hot to Handle and The Ultimatum along with original concepts like The Later Daters and The Boyfriend, plus international versions of the best romance shows blossomed. So in preparation of Valentine’s Day, we’ve compiled the most unforgettable reality romance shows on Netflix from 2024.
Love Is Blind: UK
While the original American Love Is Blind was a game changer for reality romance after its first season in 2020, partly because of how it inadvertently mirrored the real-life circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK version was better than we could have imagined. From its emphasis on beautiful and historic scenery to complex characters who genuinely wanted to find love, Love Is Blind: UK surprised and impressed with its maturity and engaging storytelling.
The Later Daters
Unlike the other shows, The Later Daters had its series premiere in 2024. Perhaps inspired by The Golden Bachelor, this 8-episode series followed lovable seniors as they attempted to date in their later years. Some hadn’t dated in years while others were actively looking for a second (or fifth) soulmate without any luck. Produced by former First Lady Michelle Obama and led by dating coach Logan Ury, The Later Daters features lovable characters who go to their adult children for advice on how to date. It’s a fun commentary on how modern dating has trickled to the older generations as well, and how no matter how young or old we are, it’s never too late to find love.
Too Hot to Handle Season 6
Too Hot to Handle has always been a fun and lighthearted staple of Netflix’s romance catalogue, and with Season 6, we thought it couldn’t get better … but it did! The concept may seem tired, but with the introduction of Bad LANA, Too Hot to Handle isn’t just a dating show. It’s also a game show about ethical dilemmas—how do you weigh your individual needs over the needs of a community? With returnee favorites in addition to semi-likable first-timers, Season 6 delivered the drama, intrigue, and hotness expected of the franchise.
Perfect Match Season 2
Look, we don’t want to like Harry Jowsey, but we can’t deny that he makes great television. He puts on such a puppy-dog face in his attempts to “change for the better,” but his hypocrisy coupled with his newfound therapy speak only makes him more fun to watch (and to hate)! Plus, the entire cast of Perfect Match Season 2 had some truly unexpected characters, bringing back people like Dom from Season 1, the seemingly unproblematic Elys from Too Hot to Handle Season 5, the chaos-seeking Alara from Dated and Related, and more.
Love Is Blind: Sweden
Sweden’s inaugural Love Is Blind season is rated among the highest-rated Love Is Blind seasons internationally, so there’s definitely something to be said for Sweden’s singles date in the pods. From mature conversations and international couples to complicated ideologies about sex and vulnerability, Love Is Blind: Sweden was an unforgettable peek into the nearly impossible Swedish dating scene.
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Season 3
Almost everyone who watches The Ultimatum can agree that the premise is ridiculous: couples who disagree on whether or not it’s time to get married are forced to go into a trial marriage with complete strangers for two weeks. Then they embark on a trial marriage with their original partners. It’s the perfect recipe for love triangles and disastrous arguments. While no version is better than Queer Love (which is slated for another season in 2025), it was fun to root against Sandy and J.R. The chemistry between new couples, the emotional intelligence of some of the women, and the true narcissism exhibited in some characters made this an unforgettable Ultimatum.
The Boyfriend
While Love Is Blind: Japan didn’t really take off, The Boyfriend is Japan’s first same-sex dating show, so it made history in 2024. Already renewed for a second season, it follows nine gay or bisexual men living together in a house called “The Green Room” — what could go wrong? Although it’s not a competition, watching nine guys who could all potentially date each other is the perfect dose of queer romance in a way that’s both exciting and touching. Plus, with commentary from Japanese idol Megumi, non-Japanese viewers get some insight into how queerness is perceived in Japan.
