The beautiful and gut-wrenching drama series Normal People is based on the best-selling book by Sally Rooney and has won the hearts of viewers around the world. As a single season-limited series, so many of us were left wanting more but don’t worry, we have curated a list of 10 heart-warming shows like Normal People just for you!
Normal People introduces the relationship between Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), two teenagers. Even though they grow up in the same Irish town, their diverse social and economic backgrounds complicate matters. Both of them end up at Trinity College, where, as they navigate early adulthood, their relationship develops through periods of dating and simply being friends. From secondary school to college, the show follows the couple as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship.
List of TV Shows Like Normal People
1. Derry Girls (2018)
Derry Girls is another brilliant but underrated Irish show. Set in the 1990s in Northern Ireland during the conflicts with England, the story does not focus on the troubles and politics. Instead, it illustrates the conflict as simply existing within this context (which makes it more real) and among the violence and fights the teenage girls have to grow up.
The show opens up in Derry, where a young girl, Erin, and her cousin, Orla, embark on many exciting adventures while they attend a Catholic girls’ school along with their friends during the national conflict. It’s a light comedy with hilarious and smart writing. The characters are endearing with a sweet combination of teenage awkwardness, mild rebellion, and vulnerability which is sure to meet your heart. I highly recommend that you choose Derry Girls after watching shows like Normal People.
2. Modern Love (2019)
Modern Love is an anthology series that follows the modern relationships between people. The show examines love in all its forms, including sexual, romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love. Bringing into light the stories in today’s world. This Amazon series is based on the New York Times column ‘Modern Love’ that shared such unique stories.
Each episode chronicles a new story, one that will make you smile, cry, laugh endlessly or teach a lot. Every story’s subject matter is unique, e.g. A woman goes through the situation of raising a baby on her own when she finds a sense of care from her doorman. Beautiful series like Normal People and Modern Love are full of regrets, mistakes, heartbreak, second chances, friendship, love, loss and more which is why this is a perfect watch for you.
3. Lovesick (2014)
Dylan, a hopelessly romantic young boy in his mid-20s, goes through intimate relationships with several different women in his search for one. When he discovers that he has a sexually transmitted disease, he is forced to back and get in touch with everyone he’s slept to inform them about the risk of them getting the disease.
The British show Lovesick, flashes back to a key point in a relationship of the current ex he meets. Dylan goes down memory lane with his friends Evie and Luke, who have been by his side for the past ten years. Each episode fills in more details, slowly painting a bigger picture of how all of Dylan’s relationships have changed his life. Similar to shows like Normal People, the characters aren’t perfect. They have flaws and go through relationships that shape them.
Also Read: Shows like How I Met Your Mother
4. Fleabag (2016)
The British show Fleabag is based on Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning play where an un-named dry-witted woman who is referred to as Fleabag ( played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) navigates London’s dating scene and life while attempting to deal with a personal tragedy.
Fleabag’s personality is unique yet highly relatable. Every moment of this show is hilarious, heartbreaking, or both. Beautifully written, exquisitely performed, and elegantly executed, with the best use of the fourth wall. Fleabag is an excellently written, refreshing Comedy-Drama best suited for fans of shows like Normal People. Trust me, it’s worth a watch!
5. Love (2016)
Nice-guy called Gus meets a wild child Mickey. Though both of them are very different from one another, the two are drawn to each other. And in the end, their differences may be what helps them figure out just what love is.
For anyone who finds conventional Rom-Coms to be unrealistic and enjoys shows like Normal People, the story of Love – between Mickey and Gus will have you hooked. As odd as the characters’ names are, they are playfully relatable and fun to watch. The fact that there are no “forever” promises made between the two makes the story unpredictable, but real.
6. Feel Good (2020)
The LGBTQ+ series Feel Good revolves around the chaotic relationship of non-binary stand-up comic Mae, and their traditionally conservative girlfriend, George (Charlotte Ritchie). Mae Martin is a comedian and recovering addict who tries to get a hold of her life, but things complicate further when she starts dating George.
Beautifully shot, and well written, the show is filled to the brim with a hilarious, sardonic sense of humour, without disrespecting its very serious subject matter. Feel Good guest stars Anthony Stewart Head and Lisa Kudrow. Every single second of the show is riveting and plays with every emotion. Similar to shows like Normal People, there are so many difficult topics that are presented in such a creative, funny, and genuine light that I’m sure you’ll love watching Feel Good.
7. Friends From College (2017)
This American television series Friends From Collegedepicts a group of friends who reunite 20 years after graduating from college, in contrast to Normal People, which follows Connell and Marianne throughout their years in high school and university. Though it appears that neither love nor life has become any easier since then.
Friends From College is a heartbreaking genuine heated show with rare but endearing humour. The show truthfully explores human behaviour, the things we would never do, seem to be the things we end up doing when the situation arises. Similar to shows like Normal People, it makes the characters imperfect but lovable in every way.
8. High Fidelity (2000)
Based on Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel and the 2000 movie of the same name, High Fidelity is an American romantic comedy television series. In an effort to move past her one true love, a record store owner called Robyn ‘Rob’(Zoë Kravitz ) uses music and popular culture to relive previous romances. Given that Zoë Kravitz is Lisa Bonet’s daughter and Lisa Bonet played Marie in the 2000 film, the casting was fantastic.
High Fidelity is an amazing show that really steps outside of the normal stereotypes of music and the people that listen to it. Really shows that you can love and appreciate something just because it’s simply good. Great remake and an awesome choice to have for TV series like Normal People.
Also Read: Shows like Emily In Paris
9. Catastrophe (2015)
Catastrophe tells a love story sort of backwards. Irish schoolteacher Sharon Morris learns she is pregnant following a brief liaison with American businessman Rob Norris. From there, Rob and Sharon decide to start a family, take care of their child, and get back together.
As Catastrophe is concentrated on the romantic relationship between American businessman Rob (Rob Delaney) and British schoolteacher Sharon (Sharon Horgan), who becomes pregnant after the two meet in a bar, it might as well have been classified as a “love story.” Although “Catastrophe” is a fantastic sitcom, it is also incredibly funny. It conveys a heartfelt, perhaps uncomfortable love tale without obfuscating the tedious, agonizing reality of existence.
10. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
The 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice show is based on the popular novel of the same name by Jane Austen. It follows Elizabeth Bennett, a young woman with a strong will but good judgment. She meets Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy young man who is arrogant, at a local ball. They form an unusual relationship.
Okay, stay with me here; the yearning truly sets Normal People apart. No one does yearning better than Jane Austen, and even though Connell or Marianne appear content, they are really yearning for each other’s love and affection. In addition, the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) and Mr Darcy (Colin Firth), which went from being enemies to lovers, has the happy ending you need right now.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few shows like Normal People that didn’t make our list, but you can have a look at them nonetheless:
- The Affair
- Dickinson
- Love Life
- The End of the F**king World
