Five Shows to Check Out if You Like Romance

Just for fun (and in time for the weekend), I thought I’d post a quick list of five shows I suggest checking out the next time you’re searching for something to watch. All are based on novels (except for the fun bonus choice at the end). Some of these you may already know, but a couple may be new discoveries:

1. Poldark (PBS series). Season 1 is available on Amazon Prime.

Worth it for the shirtless brush-cutting scene in Season One alone. ha ha 😊 Aidan Turner (the actor who plays Ross Poldark) has such a sexy, mischievous smile and when he lowers his voice, I defy any human woman not to get a little weak in the knees.

Oh, and it has great theme music, too.

2. North and South (BBC four-part miniseries, streaming on Netflix).

The BBC’s Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle gets all the attention (well deserved!) but this BBC period drama is excellent, too. The way Richard Armitage looks at Daniella Denby-Ashe at the end and finally kisses her will put a swoony smile on your face, guaranteed. You’ll be left wondering why Richard Armitage isn’t in more romance roles.

3. Far From the Madding Crowd (feature film). Available on HBO.

Talk about a great kiss, the scene where Matthias Schoenaerts finally kisses Carey Mulligan is just about as perfect as it gets. Beautiful music, dramatic tension, great acting, and a long, sensual kiss filled with all the longing built up through the entire film. I'm a hopeless romantic and I loved this movie. Wish I could knock myself out and forget it so I could watch it again anew. 😉

4. The Night Manager (AMC six-part miniseries). Available on Amazon Prime.

Two words: Tom Hiddleston. ha ha

This isn’t a romance but it’s still sexy, and one scene in particular you’ll thank me for. But wait, didn’t Tom Hiddleston go a little off the rails with that whirlwind Taylor Swift romance, you ask? Yes, Loki got a little carried away, but we forgive him. 😉 We're all just hoping that when he donned the “I love T.S.” tank top it didn’t crush his chances to become the next James Bond. (He's in the running.) I’m still rooting for him. There’s something in his eyes. He’s the perfect combination of good and sexy.

5. Outlander (STARZ series)

We’ve all heard of Outlander (I even saw a car on the freeway the other day with a “Sassenach” vanity plate) so I won’t say much more than this: It’s good. Season one is best. You'll like it. Enough said. 😊

6. Bonus Choice! The Guest (feature film) Streaming on Netflix.

This isn’t a romance by any stretch, but I included it on the list for the simple fact that if you enjoyed Downton Abbey you’ll be thoroughly amused seeing Matthew Crawley kick ass and take names. And the scene when he steps out of the bathroom in a towel was an eye-popping surprise. Who knew Dan Stevens was hiding washboard abs under those period costumes? And that mischievous smirk? Probably my favorite scene is when he carries in two kegs, single-handedly, to a party and then blows smoke rings. It’s all completely ridiculous, and I hope they make a sequel. 😄

Enjoy! And if you’ve seen any of these and have a comment (or other suggested shows or movies to watch), please share! ❤️