I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

As someone who grew up binge-watching melodramatic soap operas and network TV shows of the 90s and early 2000s, I found myself reminiscing about those good old days while watching The Perfect Couple on Netflix. This series reminded me of my dear old friend Revenge in many ways – a less serious, sassier version with a dash of comedy thrown in for good measure.


Netflix excels at producing captivating shows that spark conversation among viewers. These television series leave you eager to discuss them with anyone. Similarly, Nicole Kidman has a knack for starring in series that ignite conversations, often focusing on her stunning performances in each role. As such, it seems that Netflix and Kidman were destined for each other in the world of television entertainment. This is evident through the success and acclaim of their collaboration in the show “The Perfect Couple”.

Fans and critics alike are enamored with this dramedy book. Given that I haven’t read any books penned by Elin Hilderbrand, including this particular one, “The Perfect Couple,” my anticipation was minimal. Even if I had read the book, it’s important to note that an adaptation might not fully adhere to its original source material. My expectations were modest, but the series turned out to be one of my top favorites on Netflix.

This fun watch made me nostalgic for a certain type of television program.

Warning: minor The Perfect Couple spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

The Perfect Couple Is Soapy In The Best Way 

There’s a certain skill involved in crafting melodramas. They shouldn’t be over-the-top to the point of feeling absurd or comical like a satire, but they should still maintain that heightened emotional intensity we associate with soap operas. A prime example would be “The Perfect Couple,” which strikes the perfect balance between dramatic soap opera plots and more grounded storylines. In this type of narrative, you wouldn’t find elements such as evil twins, resurrections, or possessions. However, it does explore some classic soap opera themes, such as secret family members, infidelities, love triangles, and questionable pasts.

The show “The Perfect Couple” promptly stirred up nostalgic feelings for me about prime-time soaps I adored, such as “Revenge,” “90210,” “Devious Maid,” “Degrassi,” and “Party of Five.” These series were renowned for their intense, wild, and occasionally exaggerated storylines. They were simply captivating. Notably, “The Perfect Couple” embodies this type of television and offers a compelling rendition. Additionally, it fits into the genre of shows about the wealthy dealing with problems, another category I enjoy immensely. Remarkably, it revives a form of TV art that has been longed for on the screen.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

It Doesn’t Take Itself Seriously 

Some intriguing mystery series and dramas opt out of their comedic potential. After all, there’s usually some humor to be found in most TV dramas. This particular show, however, frequently leans towards the absurd, as demonstrated by its opening dance sequence. It seems more intent on providing entertainment rather than striving for major awards. Its goal is to become your go-to summer escape, not a series you ponder and dissect endlessly. It offers an opportunity to relax and laugh at the outlandish plot twists, making it a refreshing change from everyday life.

The show’s lack of seriousness makes it endearing. I appreciate a program that not only accepts but also satirizes its absurdity. Instantly, I was won over by it, mainly because of its playful take on what could have been a grim and brooding series. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that this Netflix drama contains numerous intentional humorous scenes that are both organic and witty.

I’d prefer if every melodrama had a solid grasp of its own genre, allowing them to both honor and poke fun at it. In my opinion, “The Perfect Couple” can be categorized as a sophisticated television series that embraces the concept of camp, doing so intentionally.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

The Perfect Couple Also Has A Very Intriguing Mystery At The Center 

This series skillfully spans multiple genres, excelling in the realm of mystery as much as it does in drama and humor. “The Perfect Couple” presents a captivating enigma from the very beginning, with the death not definitively confirmed for at least an episode. As you progress through the story, you find yourself trying to solve the crime while the series hints at various suspects.

In this series, I managed to uncover the culprit by the close of episode two, yet the motive for the crime took me aback. Moreover, “The Perfect Couple” skillfully instills uncertainty, as my initial assumptions were challenged. While the mystery wasn’t particularly profound, it was captivating enough to keep me hooked and invested in discovering who perpetrated the crime.

Additionally, I appreciated how the mystery unveiled fresh facets of the family’s hidden truths, piquing my curiosity about the various paths that could potentially implicate potential killers. What initially drew me to the series was the intrigue provided by the mystery, but the overall experience made it an absolute delight.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

It Makes Me Nostalgic For A Certain Type Of TV Series 

I’ve been quite fond of the series “Revenge” for quite some time. Unlike certain other programs, it managed to hold its ground till the end, though it did experience a few bumps along the way. Nevertheless, I felt that it ended quite satisfactorily. The show “The Perfect Couple” brings to mind a more light-hearted version of “Revenge,” although it too incorporated humor. It also reminds me of numerous other popular TV shows characterized by their dramatic nature, a touch of sassiness, and memorable female leads who are both protagonists and antagonists with an air of mystery around them.

Victoria Grayson’s running allowed Greer Garrison Winbury to match her pace equally. Many television shows fitting the soapy, melodramatic mold exist, but it appears fewer are produced nowadays compared to the past. In the early 2000s and mid-90s, such dramas were prevalent, but today they seem scarce. I recall an era filled with wealthy women acting out, unexpected murders, and unhappy relationships struggling to endure for various reasons. This nostalgia makes me yearn for those bygone days.

back then, it became highly enjoyable to immerse oneself in dramas as they often featured intense emotional storylines, making them a can’t-miss viewing event on television networks.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

The Perfect Couple Reminds Me Of The Charm Of A Great Cast 

In a striking display of talent, Nicole Kidman delivers another exceptional performance in the series “Perfect Couple”. Remarkably, every actor in this production shines brightly, with Liev Schreiber delivering an outstanding performance that I found particularly captivating, even for someone not well-versed in his work. Dakota Fanning brings a delightful energy to her role, and the entire cast adds a captivating charm to their characters. This could very well be one of my favorite ensemble performances of 2024.

I found each character captivating, and the actors delivered intriguing and enjoyable performances. There wasn’t a single miscast individual in the group.

I Finished Watching The Perfect Couple, And It Really Made Me Miss This Type Of Show

It Makes Me Want To See Netflix Create More Shows Like It 

It’s clear that Netflix offers numerous excellent international TV series, particularly Spanish ones, within the nighttime soap opera genre. Yet, I yearn for even more of these. This particular series evokes memories of classic network melodramas from yesteryears. Additionally, it demonstrates how captivating they could be with a substantial budget.

As a devoted viewer, I must admit that “The Perfect Couple” isn’t without its imperfections, yet it has undeniably been one of the most entertaining series of 2024 thus far. Here’s to hoping for a Season 2, even if the cast undergoes a dramatic transformation!

Stream The Perfect Couple on Netflix.

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2024-09-19 12:37