The recent trend of emotionally impactful television shows highlights the cathartic nature of crying, often tied to serious themes or personal experiences, reports BritPanorama.
Television has provided a platform for storytelling that evokes tears through various emotions, from sadness and nostalgia to frustration and joy. These narratives resonate with audiences by encapsulating life’s complexities and often allow viewers to engage with intense emotional experiences without the associated personal hardship.
From heart-wrenching romances to compelling social commentaries, the following series stand out as poignant experiences that invite viewers to keep tissues at hand:
One Day
This adaptation of David Nicholls’ 2009 novel chronicles the lives of Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) over the course of 14 years, with each episode capturing a moment on St Swithin’s Day. The series navigates their evolving relationship amidst life’s milestones, both joyful and tragic.
Streaming on Netflix
It’s a Sin
Set in 1980s London during the AIDS crisis, It’s a Sin, created by Russell T Davies, combines moments of warmth and joy with the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Following the characters’ lives illustrates both the vibrant and tragic experiences of their youth as they build relationships in a challenging environment.
Streaming on Channel 4 and Disney+
Normal People
Normal People, based on Sally Rooney’s novel, presents a raw depiction of love and intimacy through the relationship between Marianne and Connell, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal. The series effectively conveys the emotional depth and complexity of their connection, underscoring the challenges of communication and vulnerability.
Streaming on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Disney+
Maid
In Maid, Margaret Qualley plays Alex, a young mother navigating poverty after leaving an abusive relationship. The realistic portrayal of her struggles, including childcare and housing instability, underscores the broader societal issues related to domestic abuse and economic hardship.
Streaming on Netflix
The Dog House
Channel 4’s The Dog House highlights the heartwarming yet poignant journey of matching rescued dogs with new families. The series illustrates not just the emotional rewards for the dogs but also the often unspoken needs of the humans looking to heal through companionship.
Streaming on Channel 4
Grey’s Anatomy
As a long-running hospital drama, Grey’s Anatomy consistently delivers emotional narratives that resonate deeply. The show’s ability to juxtapose the beauty of human connection with the harsh realities of life and death ensures a steady stream of tear-jerking moments.
Streaming on Disney+
Long Lost Family
On ITV, Long Lost Family showcases the emotional reunions of separated family members, illustrating the societal impact of separation and the profound joy of reconnection, leading to deeply emotional moments for both participants and viewers.
Streaming on ITVX
When They See Us
This limited series by Ava DuVernay portrays the intense injustices faced by the Central Park Five, dramatizing their wrongful conviction and subsequent fight for justice. The visceral storytelling and powerful performances resonate with themes of systemic racism, fostering a profound emotional response.
Streaming on Netflix
This Is Going to Hurt
This Is Going to Hurt, based on Adam Kay’s memoir, offers an unfiltered look at the challenges faced by NHS staff, portraying the emotional toll of working within the healthcare system and the personal sacrifices made by those on the frontlines.
Streaming on BBC iPlayer
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty encapsulates the trials and tribulations of teenage love, exploring the complexities of relationships and personal growth during a pivotal summer, making it a relatable tear-jerker for audiences.
Streaming on Prime Video
