Romance has become an essential component in the media age, with films, books, television, and music all working to examine, inform, and shape our understanding of love. We now live in a world in which media representations of romance are ubiquitous, with the Western world now as likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day as it is Christmas.
The history of romance on television begins in the 1950s, when shows such as Dobie Gillis and Leave it to Beaver offered a more innocent take on teenage romance and young love. These romantic narratives were lighthearted and often focused on sexual purity and the value of marriage. The 1960s saw a rise in the use of romantic story arcs, with the hit show Bewitched exploring attraction between mortals and witches.
From the 1970s onwards, television began to feature more complex depictions of relationships, with shows such as Dallas, Knots Landing, and Cheers exploring different aspects of romance and marriage. This open-ended exploration of romantic relationships also touched upon such topics as infidelity, the changing dynamics of gender roles, and the question of whether romantic love was sustainable over time.
The 1980s opened the door for a new wave of romantic programming, as more mainstream scripted shows such as Moonlighting, Family Ties, and thirtysomething began to explore the conflicts and complexities of modern relationships. These programs explored whether it was possible to reconcile professional ambition with deep emotional attachment. They also delved into diverse themes such as power differentials, insecurity, and the difficult balancing act between friendship and romance.
The 1990s saw the emergence of the ‘teen drama’ genre, with Dawson’s Creek, My So-Called Life, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer all using romance to explore the darker aspects of teenage life. These programs relegated the traditional images of romance to the background, instead exploring the emotions and consequences surrounding teenage love, betrayal, and heartbreak.
In the 2000s, reality shows such as The Bachelor and The Bachelorette reignited public interest in romance, with several celebrities taking on the role of matchmaker. The success of these programs led to the prominent rise of dating shows, as networks began to target viewers who wanted to experience vicariously the highs and lows of courtship.
The last decade has seen the emergence of new platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which are allowing content creators remarkably greater latitude in their depictions of romance. Shows such as Jane the Virgin, You’re the Worst, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Master of None all offer unique and visually stunning perspectives on courtship and romance.
Overall, the media age has transformed the way we think about romance. Whereas love was once considered a universal language and a source of certainty, the media now offers a far more ambiguous take on relationships. We now have the unparalleled opportunity to explore new narrative trajectories and to examine issues such as love in the age of artificial intelligence and the role of technology in modern romance. As the media age continues to unfold, we can be sure that romance will remain a primary topic of exploration and fascination.