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cover of episode 638: Rom-Com

638: Rom-Com

2025/5/4
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This American Life
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Chapters
This chapter explores the appeal of romantic comedies, focusing on what sets the good ones apart from the bad. It highlights the importance of believable character interactions and the satisfying feeling of witnessing genuine connection.
  • Neil's love for rom-coms and his insights on what makes them work
  • The importance of believable character interactions and the satisfying feeling of witnessing genuine connection
  • The significance of the couple spending a lot of time together talking and developing their relationship

Shownotes Transcript

The one thing you know for sure when you're watching a romantic comedy is that it's going to turn out okay in the end. When you're living one? Not so much. 

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  • Prologue: Romantic comedies usually don’t get much respect.  Producer Neil Drumming explains what’s so great about them. (5 minutes)
  • Act One: Actor Daniel Radcliffe reads a short piece of fiction, “The Present,” from Simon Rich’s book of short stories, “The Last Girlfriend on Earth.” (10 minutes)
  • Act Two: Elna Baker interviews comedian Michelle Buteau about one of her first big romantic challenges. (14 minutes)
  • Act Three: David Kestenbaum retraces the steps of Steve Snyder, a man who found himself running for love. (9 minutes)
  • Act Four: Comedian Jillian Welsh tells Diane Wu about one of the most romantic—and stressful—nights of her life, a night that paralleled the plot of a rom-com in several ways. (16 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org)

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