As someone who met their Scottish soulmate traveling across the ocean on a very big ship, I believe you can find love anywhere. There’s an international world of love out there, especially on the streaming services. I am fascinated by how couples meet, what makes them succeed, and what splits them apart. I call myself the Hopeful Romantic because I know there isn’t always a happy ending. I can’t even put my process into words, but I want a show or a movie that grabs and inspires me, one that I have to binge watch.

If you’re in love, out of love, or just looking for a reason to believe, watch these shows. But I give you fair warning, grab a box of tissues and some snacks because you might not get up from your couch for a while. To decide on my picks, I scoured the lists on my Newsfeeds and I searched the streaming services. I have probably watched thousands of trailers in the last two years. I want to find shows that will entertain me and teach me about the countries they are filmed in. Today I will share a few of my favorites but only a short synopsis, no spoilers just enough to pique your interest. Please comment or e-mail me at carabertoia@yahoo.com and share your top picks with me.

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#1 Midnight Diner – Japan

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My husband works nights and this winter our ritual every evening before he went to work was to watch an episode of Midnight Diner. I was won over the first time I watched the intro about a wonderful show set in a diner in Tokyo that opens at midnight. This is a place where the dreamers and the losers come to share their sorrows, joys and romantic tales with the Master.

Every episode tells a new story about one of the patrons of the diner. Listening to their stories you learn so much about life in Japan. I was so sad by the end of the last season that I wouldn’t be able to spend any more time with my friends at the diner. And for those of us that love Japanese food, at the end of the episode they demonstrate the proper way to cook the dishes on the show.

#2 Tokyo Girl — Japan

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For me this series is Japan’s answer to Sex and the City. The story is about Aya, a woman who moves from her town of Akita to Tokyo hoping to make a new life in the big city. You won’t find a fairy tale here just a realistic look at the life a single girl faces trying to navigate a city filled with its own prejudices.

The name of each episode relates to the neighborhood she lives in. Through the years she moves around the city in her search for a better life, a magazine life. What I loved about the series was its insight into the dating life of a modern career woman in a big city. I really felt for Aya as she traversed the years from eighteen to forty-five always in search of that perfect Tokyo romance.

#3 Little Things — India

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This is a more conventional romantic comedy series. The twist is there are two people with modern goals living in traditional India. Dhruv and Kavya live together as they each pursue their career goals. They are also avid foodies and many of their episodes are in pursuit of food. It takes you to an evolving India, and through the years we watch the couples evolve from carefree twentysomethings to more mature adults. The episodes that focus on their families are relatable no matter what country you are from.

#4 Last Tango in Halifax — Great Britain

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This show answers the question, what if you could go back in time and find your first love? Celia and Alan reconnect after fifty years through a dating site, and that’s where the fun begins.

They aren’t the same people as they were in their younger days. She is a bit of a snob and he is the salt of the earth. The way their two worlds collide makes for fun viewing, and of course their colorful families add so much to the saga.

The scenery is also fantastic.

#5 Love on the Spectrum – – Australia

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This show follows seven young adults on the autism spectrum as they are looking for love. It is illuminating about love, but also about autism. Each single is somewhere on the spectrum and we learn so much about how they interact with strangers.

Michael who always dresses up in a suit for his dates is so charming he was a guest on the Ellen show. They are funny, and earnest but their deepest desire if to find someone to love them as they are, and isn’t that what we are all looking for?

#6 The Baker & The Beauty — Israel

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The first series that grabbed my heart was The Baker and the Beauty from Israel. I know that they tried to make an American version of the show, but nothing compares to the original. The premise of the show is pure Hollywood but the execution is pure Israeli. Noa a famous supermodel falls in love with Amos who bakes pita bread in his parents’ small grocery store.

It’s all about the family and Amos’s Yemenite family will win your heart. It also highlights cultural differences in Israeli society. The characters in this show are fully developed. There are no villains here, they both suffer from their own insecurities.

#7 Shtisel — Israel

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Although Shtisel is also set in Israel, the two series couldn’t be more different. This show is set in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. It is also a tale of romance; can anyone find a wife for Shulem Shtisel?

It follows his story as he tries to become an artist while living in a very strict community with a rule for almost everything. The show is also the story of the Shulem family. This isn’t an anti-religious show, instead it shows you how people find strength and community in their faith.

How do a people hold on to their beliefs while navigating the modern world? It will make you laugh, and cry so please keep you tissues handy.

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