What Is A TV Rom-Com?

A Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com) is exactly what it claims to be, a comedy whose plot involves a romantic story. The story usually includes people reuniting after many years of separation, or two folks from different worlds, or backgrounds, are somehow thrown together and discover they have more in common than they thought. A big lie, or some sort of deception, often is used initially to bring the couple together. This often becomes a final plot point that undermines the relationship – until it is ultimately restored in some dramatic way. These almost always have a happy ending, and the same plot is often repeated in different settings with different actors.

For instance, the prince of some small European country literally runs into the single girl from some city in America, where they fall in love. Of course the monarchy opposes the prince wanting to marry a peasant, and does their best to discourage the relationship, before ultimately falling for her charm like the prince. This story has been repeated dozens of times, some better than others.

When I say TV Rom-Com, I am referring to the made for TV films so common on networks like Hallmark, Lifetime, and Great American Family (GAF). This can now include streaming networks like Amazon and Netflix. The difference, the TV variety usually have a much smaller budget, and bypass the movie theater, appearing directly on the network. They often cast local talent and shoot in less expensive locations. Its doubtful you will ever see a Tom Cruise or a Scarlett Johansson in a TV Rom-Com. But to me, that is their appeal. I want the focus to be on the story, not the million dollar actors.

I Like Rom-Coms!

I must admit, I do like a good Rom-Com. Sometimes, I just want a happy ending – mindless eye candy that will keep me occupied for 90 minutes. With the right actors, and plot, they can be quite enjoyable. But bad acting, or an overdone plot, or just a bad film, can ruin the experience. After watching hundreds of them, I still don’t see myself as an expert. But I have noticed one thing. The actress in the romantic lead seems to make or break the film. The male lead, generally can be handled by anyone. In fact, it seems there are only 4 or 5 men who are cast in Rom-Coms – and I am only slightly exaggerating. And just to be clear, I am talking about made for TV films. Blockbuster films like Pretty Woman, while it might fit the genre, have a completely different purpose in life, and often a budget several times larger than the average TV Rom-Com. This also explains why you see very few “movie stars” cast in these films. They would overwhelm the story. We want to imagine ourselves in the roles, and that is harder to do with major stars. At least that is my opinion.

When I was in college, I interned in the publicity department of MGM/UA. This led directly to my first job in advertising, working for an agency that specialized in film advertising and promotion. During the 4 years with both, I saw literally hundreds of films, some many times. We would have private screenings for the staff, for critics, and public previews to generate buzz. I learned very quickly that there are a lot more bad films than good. I had to train myself to have very low expectations for every movie. That way, you are never disappointed. Go in with high expectations, and you will almost always be let down. This of course applies to Rom-Coms. Don’t expect much, and you might just enjoy your time!

Christmas Rom-Coms

Hallmark should get credit for growing the holiday Rom-Com genre. There are now several networks and streaming services competing for eyeballs, but Hallmark is the clear leader. They were the first to really expand, especially at Christmastime. Its unlikely that you will see or hear anything about the Birth of Jesus, or the visit of the shepherds, or even the star of Bethlehem. What you will see is all sorts of meet-cutes, when the couple first meets under unusual or funny circumstances, all revolving around the Holiday season. You might see Santa, and there might be a little Christmas magic, but don’t expect Jesus or faith to play any role. Of course, there are always exceptions

My Top Five “Hallmark” Rom-Com Actresses

Keep in mind, this list is focused on actresses that are primarily known for TV Rom-Coms, they may have done many films, but may not not be considered “movie” stars. They must be living and active, releasing a film or TV show in the last 24 months. So this list excludes folks like Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, and Julia Roberts. But does include Rachael Leigh Cook, an actress with an impressive resume, but is known mostly because of Rom-Coms, and continues to appear in them frequently. Those are my rules, so deal with it!

Actresses I Would Like To See More Often In Rom-Coms

These are women that may have appeared in a Rom-Com, or not, that I think have a lot of potential. Or they could become movie stars and move on, or decide to become professional fulltime agitators for their favorite cause. You really never know. In no particular order.

Samaire Armstrong – Armstrong first caught my eye as the adorable Nell Bedworth, who exchanges bodies with her athlete neighbor Woody in It’s A Boy Girl Thing (2006). The body-swapping plot of course has been done before, but I found their journey to achieve success for each other an enjoyable ride. She has worked in TV, film, and even as a supporting actress in Rom-Coms, but is likely best known for her time as Anna on The O.C. (2003-06), and as the plucky prostitute/informant/love interest Summer on The Mentalist (2011-12). You can’t judge people from the characters they play, but I have this suspicion that friendship with Armstrong would be a blast. Recent Titles: My Santa (2013), Heavenly Match (2014)

Shiri Appleby – Is probably an actress you have seen, but likely don’t remember. My first experience with her was as Liz on the original Roswell (1999-2002). More recently, she was Rachel, the troubled producer on a matchmaking reality show called UnREAL (2015-18). She has dipped her toe into the Rom-Com pool, but seems to prefer the steady work of TV shows. Recent Titles: Kristin’s Christmas Past (2013), Love Surreal (2006)

Monica Barbaro – Most recently you saw her fly with Tom Cruise in the new Top Gun, her biggest role to date. My first experience with her was on UnReal, where as a contestant on the show, she was given the nickname “hot Rachel” as she did seem to be a younger, hotter version of Appleby’s character, Liz. Recent Titles: At Midnight (2023)

Poppy Drayton – For her work on The Shannara Chronicles (2016-17), I decreed that she is the prettiest Elf on the planet, and undersea as well, for her work on the live action The Little Mermaid (2018). I love her voice and accent, and you just can’t help but root for her character to win. Recent Titles: Home By Spring (2018)

Mallory Jansen – I first noticed her on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2016-17). The two Rom-Coms That I have seen were wonderful, so I think she would be awesome if she desires to continue down that road. Recent Titles: On The 12th Date Of Christmas (2020), Her Pen Pal (2021)

Victoria Justice – I know she has had a long career, dating back to 2003 with tons of credits in juvenile programming. But my first experience with her came rather recently when I stumbled across two films on a streaming service, Afterlife Of The Party (2021) and A Perfect Pairing (2022). Neither film will win any awards. The first is a typical It Is Not Your Time story, where Victoria’s character must help her friend and parents before she can “ascend” up there – kept generic so as not to offend, or endorse any religion. The second, is a fairly typical Rom-Com shot in Australia – the scenery alone makes it worth watching – simply gorgeous. She is obviously a very beautiful woman. But I just enjoy the life she brings to each part. Even when the story was weak, you are pulling for her to succeed. Both movies are forgettable, but yet you are left wanting to see more Justice in the entertainment world.

Katrina Norman – A dancer turned actress, I first saw Norman in supporting roles in Christmas In Homestead (2016), and also Home By Spring (2018). I love the energy she brings to each part, and believe she could do quite well in the Rom-Com category, if she chooses to pursue it more. Recent Titles: Charm Of Love (2020), Love On The Rise (2020)

What About Rom-Com Actors?

One thing I’ve noticed, and I’m sure some will disagree, the female lead is far more important to the success or failure of any Rom-Com. It may be why there are so few actors. It truly seems there are only about five that rotate from film to film. I’m sure that is not the case. If I had to put on my thinking cap and consider the issue, I suspect Rom-Coms are often written and/or directed by women, but certainly produced for them. The male parts often are little more than supporting actors to the female lead. That may be why there is not much variety. I am of course speculating. I have no inside knowledge. As long as the male is somewhat attractive, and there is at least some chemistry between the two, it works. The female is always the primary driver of the plot, and the key to the film working or not. A good male performance can certainly help. But as far as ranking them, I am not the man for that job. One word of advice for casting directors. If the male lead is supposed to be a professional athlete, like the QB of a professional football team for instance, at least cast someone that PHYSICALLY looks the part, ideally someone who has played a violent team sport at some point in their lives. Thank you!

Why Didn’t You Include…

There are plenty of women I did not include for a variety of reasons. Some like Texas native Taylor Cole, or Lacey Chabert of Mean Girls fame, have appeared, and continue to appear in numerous TV Rom-Coms. My focus was based more on quality and potential. These are actresses I want to see. And I am willing to sit through even a bad Rom-Com just to see their performance. There are plenty of lists and rankings, for the most “popular” Rom-Com actresses.

Some actresses are just having too much success to be bothered. In this category would be stars like Anna Kendrick, Lily Collins, Lily James, and Ana De Armas. Others, that I think would be awesome, but for whatever reason are not usually seen in Rom-Coms, or have done just a few include Rachel Bilson, Mikaela Hoover, Zoey Deutch, Nina Dobrev, Dove Cameron, Kristin Kreuk, Minka Kelly, Emily Kinney, Summer Glau, Camilla Belle, and Kate Mara.

Its the film crossover event that couples have dreamed about for years. In theaters this Christmas, a holiday rom-com that when you meet-cute, you die-cute. Its the perfect date film, with something for everyone. Learn all about the new film: Surviving The Twelve Dates Of Christmas

Final Thoughts

HarrisonWoodard.com is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for actual journalism. Ranking beautiful women is a very challenging process, and should not be attempted by amateurs. Remember, I am a professional.

I am not affiliated with, related to, or in a relationship with any of the women mentioned. However, I am willing to entertain offers. My list represents my final analysis, unless new information comes available.

Just For Fun: Social Media Friend Test

First Published on My Space 2006 – Remember My Space? Updated for today.

Ever get those random friend requests where you just scratch your head? You know the ones from people on the other side of the world that you’ve never met, and have absolutely nothing in common with? Or even worse, they are just plain scary – and I fear nobody!

Well, this was written in honor of all those people. Enjoy.

So you want to be my friend? Here is a handy test to see if you are a suitable social media friend for me. Please read the following statements, and select the answer that most closely reflects your response.

1. I see you are a Christian…
   A) I too love the Lord.
   B) I’m not a Christian, but I appreciate your faith.
   C) I see you have a black cat. I’ve been looking for one to sacrifice to satan.
   D) The Earth is my god and I worship plants and nature.

2. I think you’re hot…
   A) And I can’t wait until we’re together.
   B) And I can’t wait for you, me, and my supermodel twin sister to be together.
   C) And I can’t wait for you, my roommate Stu, and my little lamb to be together.
   D) And I can’t wait until I’m released from prison so we can be together.

3. I find you interesting…
   A) And I think we have lots in common.
   B) And we have nothing in common, but what the heck.
   C) And it drives my recently paroled, insanely jealous boyfriend nuts when I have male social media friends.
   D) Well, not really. But I’m a social media whore and feel validation only when I have more than 1,000 online friends.

4. On Your politics…
   A) Man, we think exactly the same way. I couldn’t agree more with everything you write.
   B) We have differing political views, but you seem intelligent and interesting. I would enjoy sharing thoughts with you so that we both can grow as humans.
   C) The Soviet Union and Cuba are excellent examples of good government. And I will not rest until the US is a Communist country!
   D) America is a whorehouse. And everyone who will not submit to my whacky religious view should die!

5. The random stuff…
   A) You’re so funny and handsome. I’m so glad I found you!
   B) Even though I read none of your blogs, and didn’t bother reading your profile, we should be friends.
   C) I’m only 14, but with makeup and my hair fixed, people say I look 17.
   D) I’m not quite attractive enough to model or act. And the topless bars wouldn’t hire me either. But if you give me your credit card, you can see me on my webcam.

6. The random stuff #2…
   A) I too write Haiku!
   B) I always hated “Brick House” too.
   C) Its just me and my sheep on the ranch. Boy, do my sheep look good. I’ve got this one ewe I’ve had my eye on for a while. And she has a twin sister!
   D) I have this business venture. If you give me $50, I’ll teach you how to make millions. Really, I’m not kidding.

7. You look kind of familiar…
   A) Did we know each other in school?
   B) I think we had Chemistry together at SMU.
   C) Kind of like my ex-husband. If I ever find him, he’s dead! I tell you he’s a dead man!!
   D) I think we played football together. I was QB and you were the tight end. I always had a crush on you. We should hook up.

8. I see you write children’s stories…
   A) I love children. I can’t wait until I meet the right man who will be a great husband and father.
   B) As a mother, I appreciate someone who likes to write for kids.
   C) I have six children. I’ve had so many lovers I don’t know any of their fathers. Come to think of it, you look like my 4-year old Teddy. Were you in Toadsuck, Arkansas on New Years Eve 4 years ago?
   D) I love children. There are two that live in my neighborhood that are really cute. Once the restraining order is lifted, I’m all over that!

9. I see you appreciate attractive women…
   A) And Autumn Reeser is hot!
   B) And I love watching Lily Collins dance.
   C) Women should never be seen and covered head to toe with a burka.
   D) That’s a hot dress on Autumn. I ‘d love to see you in that.

10. I see you like “Its A Wonderful Life”…
    A) That movie rocks!
    B) I cry every time I watch that movie.
    C) Clarence should have let George Bailey die. Death is cool!
    D) Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) is so much sexier than his great-niece Drew.

Put the pitchforks and torches away people. This was written almost 20 years ago and reprinted here for the enjoyment of my readers, There is nothing “real” about it. Its all in good, clean fun.

Do you like 80s music? What about foreign songs? Here are a few posts you just might like. Stick around, there’s some good stuff here!

99 Luftballoons – January 1983 Remembered

My Top 5 Favorite Songs From The 1980s

Do You Believe In Love?

My Favorite 80s Music Cover Songs

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