There’s never a good time to be going through a break-up. Fortunately, there’s an ever-growing amount of series on Netflix to keep someone distracted and entertained when going through a difficult time. Sometimes these distractions can be delivered via compelling dramas, while other times classic comedies can truly be the best medicine. One of the last things you’d likely want to see is a series that focuses mainly on romantic relationships. However, everyone processes emotions in different ways, and break-ups can of course be complicated. Netflix covers the full spectrum of genres and as the most popular streaming platform (as ranked by global subscribers) is an excellent choice for finding amazing shows to watch.
With nearly 2000 different series on Netflix at any given time (plus another 4000 movies) and a rotating array of content to choose from, it’s an easy escape to enjoy a binge-worthy show or go back to a comforting, familiar staple. Keeping yourself busy at this time is ideal. However, don’t underestimate the power of staying in and relaxing from time to time either. Don’t forget: one perk of being single is that you’re fully in control of all your streaming choices. This is not the time to overthink your seemingly overwhelming streaming options either. Keep it simple and have fun with it. Much of the world’s greatest art came from relationships in all its stages. Consider yourself a benefactor of the creativity this cultivated in the world and that you’re now able to enjoy from the comforts of your home. Here are some of the best shows to watch on Netflix when you’re going through a break-up.
6 Cobra Kai
The karate-based Cobra Kai crosses multiple generations at this point and is a great watch for nostalgia-filled Karate Kid fans all the way to the current Generation Z. Primarily filmed in Atlanta, the show sometimes blurs the lines between good and bad, opening up numerous storylines the movies themselves never could tell. You don’t have to be a karate fan to enjoy, as the main part of the show focuses on the relationships between the senseis and students, as well as their competing dojos. There are powerful women characters, backstories are well-defined, and you will likely find yourself rooting for certain dojos at different times. The series regularly pays tribute to its history and will catch you up on important details, even if you’ve never seen the movies the show was originally based on. The first four seasons of Cobra Kai are currently on Netflix, with season 5 already filmed and a Season 6 expected to be green-lit in the future.
5 Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris is an instantly likable and irresistible story about a girl moving to Paris to follow her dreams by accepting a job for a French marketing firm. Emily is a 20-something-year-old woman, originally from Chicago, who has a whirlwind cast of characters around her in Paris. The show stars Lily Collins as Emily, who endures a practically never-ending struggle to impress her boss at work, make new friends in a different country, and navigate several potential romantic relationships. As Emily builds her business relationships for her job at Savior, this often attracts many potential romantic suitors, along with her alluring charm and beauty. This leads to various awkward situations for Emily, which fans of the show will certainly enjoy seeing how they play out. The first two seasons are now on Netflix, with seasons 3 and 4 already planned.
4 30 Rock
The classic NBC comedy 30 Rock stars Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, a TV show runner in New York City in charge of the fictional TGS with Tracy Jordan show. 30 Rock is the address of the building (30 Rockefeller Center) where Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and dozens of other iconic shows have been filmed. Fey was once the head writer and one of the stars of Saturday Night Live, hence why this show feels like an extension of her time on the beloved variety show. There’s a crazy cast of actors, writers, executives, and NBC staff Liz Lemon must corral on 30 Rock, which is essentially a show about the behind-the-scenes of a show. Fans of shows like The Office, Seinfeld, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, Scrubs, Reno 911!, Community, Schitt’s Creek, and The Simpsons will likely connect to 30 Rock’s silly humor and connect to the show’s narcissistic and often self-absorbed characters.
3 13 Reasons Why
With the suicide of a high school classmate named Hannah Baker, the students at Liberty High School uncover her deeply personal story through a series of tapes Hannah recorded before her untimely death. 13 Reasons Why tackles many difficult subjects, like rape, bullying, drug abuse, and HIV. It’s not a feel-good story. However, it’s important to note we are all going through our own struggles at times and dealing with things that most other people have no idea about. The show focuses on a group of students who all are connected to Hannah’s death in different ways. This brings the group of kids closer to one another, even though they are often a part of separate social hierarchies within the school. There are numerous twists and turns over the course of four seasons, including the death of another classmate and the mystery surrounding it. Overall, this show is addictive and will likely keep your attention for many hours.
2 New Girl
A buddy comedy about characters in their early 30s living together in Los Angeles, New Girl stars Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day, a school teacher who moves in with three guys when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her. While not sure of having Jess live with them at first, the whole group becomes close, and they often come together to support one another during tough times. If you’re a fan of shows like Friends, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, How I Met Your Mother, That 70s Show, Big Bang Theory, or even The Golden Girls, you will likely enjoy this show as well. You can catch New Girl’s 7 seasons on Netflix.
1 Grey’s Anatomy
One of the longest-running TV series in the history of television, Grey’s Anatomy is a fan favorite that has evolved over the better part of the past two decades. Based in Seattle, the show primarily follows the life of Dr. Meredith Grey (as played by Ellen Pompeo). The beloved show has built-in drama due to being set inside a hospital. Since the series has continually stayed on the air for so many years, you get to see the hospital interns, residents, and attendings work their way up into full-fledged doctors over time. Fans of shows like E.R., House, and The Good Doctor will likely enjoy watching Grey’s Anatomy. The show is currently in its 18th Season, and you can find all previous 17 seasons on Netflix.