Some people enjoy fast romances and happy endings in two hours. Couldn’t be me for sure. For me, Valentine’s Day is for the slow burns. The lingering looks, the almost moments, the relationships that take seasons to finally make sense. I live for those TV shows. I love me some why won’t they just say it already?! moments, but then again, that’s what makes the story so fulfilling at the end. It keeps you invested episode after episode.
So if you’re looking for slow-burning TV series to add to your TV streaming session this Valentine’s Day, I’ve got an exciting list to share with you. These are my personal favorites, so I know for a fact that they will not disappoint you. Here we go!
Lucifer
The first time I watched Lucifer, the tension between Lucifer and Chloe was just through the roof, not gonna lie. The I care but I won’t say it energy was just so high. Painful in the best way if you ask me. Every episode feels like two steps forward and one step back, yet it worked. What I really enjoyed about watching them is that I’ve seen how their connection grew naturally, through trust, disappointments, and everything in between. Plus, Tom Ellis is seriously eye candy, let’s be real.
The Rookie
Okay, if you know, you know… Chen and Bradford are everything. At first, it’s like, okay, chill, just do your job. Just like a typical workplace setting series. But then, you start noticing the little things, like the subtle respect they develop for each other. As I watch them, I keep thinking that their connection could actually happen in real life, not just on TV (yeah, I’m a solid shipper.)
But what I really love is that their connection and chemistry are not forced. You’ll actually know that they’re developing feelings for each other with the subtle gestures they make. Ahh, just thinking about it makes me giggle. The Rookie can be watched on ABC and select streaming services if you want to watch it.
The Mentalist
Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon… their slow burn is a masterpiece of “almost but not quite.” At first, you won’t see it because I didn’t. Haha, kidding aside. But as the seasons go on, their tiny moments on screen start piling up, and the next thing you know, you’re already pushing them to be together. As someone who loves solving cases, what I love about this show is that the romance between them never overshadows the cases they solve. It’s just so satisfying.
CB Strike
Subtle and frustrating, that’s how I’ll describe Strike and Robin. I literally loved every bit of this show because of the dark, twisty cases that made me think so hard. But as a romance sucker, I wouldn’t lie when I tell you that the slow-burning romance between Strike and Robin kept me hooked. It felt really earned because it’s wrapped in the plot naturally.
Suits
Here I am, saving the best for last. Harvey and Donna. Need I say more? Their chemistry is so obvious to everyone except them (classic, for sure.) The years of shared history, sarcasm, and loyalty made every moment feel huge, so whenever I see them doing stuff together or having a banter, I feel really giddy because of the subtle yet so obvious flirting, if that makes sense… I mean, I get Harvey’s occasional ego explosion, but even with all that, you can see how much he relies on Donna. I just can’t help but grin every single time.
Slow Burns Are Totally Worth It, Especially This Valentine’s Day
After watching all these shows and writing this article, I realized something. I love slow burns way more than I thought I did. I can literally stay up all night for another will-they-or-won’t-they moment. This Valentine’s Day, I say skip the instant gratification and enjoy the slow build because trust me when I say it’s worth every second. Happy heart’s day!
