Rom-coms are having a moment, from 'Heated Rivalry' to 'Nobody Wants This' and even Broadway

The classic opposites-attract setup is the basis for the new Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' and other popular new romantic comedies.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new wave of romantic comedies, including the Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)', the HBO Max show 'Heated Rivalry', and the Netflix series 'Nobody Wants This', are warming hearts this winter across various media. While the genre has faced criticism from some, experts argue that rom-coms provide valuable entertainment and an escape for audiences, especially during difficult times.

Why it matters

The recent surge in romantic comedies across different platforms and mediums suggests a renewed interest and appreciation for the genre, which has faced criticism and marginalization in recent years. Experts argue that rom-coms provide meaningful entertainment and an escape for audiences, especially during challenging times.

The details

The new Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' features the classic opposites-attract setup, with a British, wide-eyed optimist and an American, world-weary woman. Other popular new rom-coms include the HBO Max show 'Heated Rivalry', which features a same-sex couple, and the Netflix series 'Nobody Wants This', which explores religious conversion. The film 'People We Meet on Vacation' has also become a huge Netflix hit, flipping the gender of the partner who is usually the wisecracking agent of chaos.

  • The new Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' is currently running.
  • The second season of 'Nobody Wants This' on Netflix garnered 8.6 million views in its first four days of streaming.
  • 'People We Meet on Vacation' drew 17.2 million views over its January launch weekend on Netflix.

The players

Kit Buchan

Co-writer of the Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)'.

Jim Barne

Co-writer of the Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)'.

Paul Eastwick

A psychology professor at the University of California, Davis, and author of 'Bonded by Evolution', who studies romantic attraction and co-hosts the 'Love Factually' podcast.

Brett Haley

The director who adapted the film 'People We Meet on Vacation' from Emily Henry's novel.

Emily Bader

One of the stars of the film 'People We Meet on Vacation'.

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What they’re saying

“To me, we just sort of lost some of that elevation. And I don't think there's anything wrong, by the way, with your Hallmark movies or other rom-coms that are a little fluffier, a little lighter. They're just sort of meant to be put on and enjoyed and not taken really art.”

— Brett Haley, Director who adapted the film 'People We Meet on Vacation' (wbal.com)

“It's especially dark right now. And I think that people want to believe in love. I think there's real value in a film that can genuinely make you feel good, even just for an escape for two hours. There is true worth in that.”

— Brett Haley, Director who adapted the film 'People We Meet on Vacation' (wbal.com)

What’s next

The new Broadway musical 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)' is currently running, and audiences can look forward to the upcoming film 'Reminders of Him' as part of the recent wave of popular romantic comedies.

The takeaway

The recent surge in romantic comedies across different platforms and mediums suggests a renewed appreciation for the genre, which provides meaningful entertainment and an escape for audiences, especially during challenging times. While the genre has faced criticism from some, experts argue that well-crafted rom-coms have true worth in their ability to make viewers feel good and believe in love.