Romantics Anonymous

Romantics Anonymous (Netflix) is the drama equivalent of a warm smile and a comforting hug.

At only eight episodes, the story is cute, satisfying and perfect for bingeing. It also made me want to both make and eat chocolate 😊

The drama features an Asian ensemble cast, with Shun Oguri as Sosuke, a man with a trauma-related anxiety condition that renders him unable to have physical contact with others, and Han Hyo Joo as Hana, a woman who has eye contact anxiety.

I was relieved by how the show handled its mental health narrative. Of course, this is not a deep exploration of such issues. However, Romantics Anonymous does highlight how people can often feel to blame for the challenges they face and that a greater understanding of anxiety conditions would benefit us all.

Meanwhile, joining our two leads are a fun squad of chocolatiers (I would have loved more time with them), an enigmatic bar owner (Jin Akanishi) and Irene (Yuri Nakamura), a therapist.

There’s also a big corporation versus an ethical business with heart storyline. While there are enough stakes to keep our interest, the show is fully aware that we are all really here for the romance and the gorgeous, often poignant, chocolate creations.

I loved Romantics Anonymous. It was just the show I needed…