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Often described as an underrated feel-good show, the comedy-drama, Under the Vines, does justice to its name with a picturesque New Zealand backdrop as its setting. The story has two city dwellers, Daisy Monroe, and Louis Oakley, inheriting a failing vineyard while dealing with personal crises and a lack of experience in winemaking or even living a rural life.
The character arcs that have run so far in its two seasons showcased their journey of mutual support despite their unlikeness for one another and attempting to make do with their new situation.
In the meantime, its production company, Acorn TV, just released the first episode of its third season a few days back. However, it will follow a weekly release schedule. As such, viewers who have already gone through its earlier seasons and are on the lookout for similar shows to fill in the days-long gap can have a look at this curation.
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10 shows that make you feel as good as while watching
Under the Vines
A strong emotional connection, scenic landscapes, cinematic visuals, relatable characters, and a dash of genuine light-heartedness are the traits that made Under the Vines worthy of its 90% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Thus, keeping in mind the balance between its light-hearted as well as emotionally engaging storyline, here are ten other shows that should ensure a similar viewing experience.
1) As We See It (2022) - Prime Video
Running for just one season, As We See It followed three autistic roommates and their journey through life. All of them in their twenties face innumerable challenges in landing a job, finding love, and the biggest of them, keeping everything intact.
Like Under the Vines, this series also has a heartwarming plot full of friendship, self-discovery, and learning to exist. Furthermore, its sprinkle of humor and heart to the drama lends it feel-good vibes.
2) Fleabag (2016) - Prime Video
A Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series coupled with a 100% critical approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, should justify the worth Fleabag holds as a show.
Starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the titular character, a troubled yet dry-witted young woman, the plot has her navigating a complicated life filled with grief and loss after the passing of a friend.
Fourth-wall breaks, a priest as a love interest, a humorous approach to a complex love life, and an arc from self-destructive behavior to finding a purpose, should make Fleabag a worthy watch for Under the Vines fans.
3) Kim’s Convenience (2016) - Netflix
In 65 episodes spread across five seasons, Kim’s Convenience explores the life of the Kim family and their challenges in running a convenience store.
The star cast features the likes of Simu Liu and Nicole Power who gave dynamic performances in a plot filled with evolving relationships and the need for mutual cooperation, directly linking it with Under the Vines.
Moreover, complex themes such as strained family ties and tension, a tale of immigration, and a sense of belonging play out in a light-hearted yet engaging manner, adding emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling.
4) Only Murders in the Building (2021) - Hulu
A studded cast including Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, and Cara Delevingne made Only Murders in the Building and its three seasons, a standout affair.
The plot follows characters obsessed with true crime podcasts, deciding to start one of their own after coming across a murder in their building.
A satire of modern media, the show builds its narrative on a mixture of friendship, lies, and secrets, topping all of them off with Under the Vines style gentle humor along with mystery, and fourth-wall breaks.
5) Feel Good (2020) - Netflix
Engaging, heartwarming, and uplifting would be common adjectives to describe both Under the Vines and Feel Good. A character-driven story that addresses serious issues like addiction in a simple and light-hearted manner would be one of the biggest strengths of the latter.
Additionally, the two shows also land on the same page when it comes to bringing realism and relatability to the audience.
In 12 episodes across two seasons, Feel Good portrayed the evolving relationship between a stand-up comedian and recovering addict, Mae and George. An exploration of coming to terms with self-acceptance, this Netflix dramedy is a worthy watch for Under the Vines viewers.
6) Gilmore Girls (2000) - Netflix
Running for seven seasons and with a total of 153 episodes, this show featured charming characters, witty dialogues, complex relations but, most importantly, a heartfelt and emotionally connecting story.
Similar to how Under the Vines used light-hearted comedy to depict the challenges of a rural lifestyle, Gilmore Girls explored fast-paced and quirky dialogue to explore its themes.
The narrative features a single mother’s almost sister-like close bond with her daughter. As a result, the inseparable duo openly shared their experiences and struggles on matters of love and life, while also balancing their relationship with a blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments.
7) Offspring (2010) - Hulu; Prime Video
Offspring follows Asher Keddie’s character, Nina Proudman, as an obstetrician and her search for balance in a messy family. Sibling rivalries, complicated love life, an evolving workplace, and an unreliable father, form her biggest plights.
Yet, those tense moments and impossible-looking plot points get a touch of humor and light-heartedness to make it easier to digest for the viewer, an approach similar to Under the Vines.
Satisfying character developments, the power of friendship, and comedic relief stand central in Offspring.
8) 800 Words (2015) - Acorn TV; Peacock
Beyond their common production houses, Under the Vines and 800 Words both feature humor amidst challenges, the importance of supportive relationships, and quirky characters.
The show follows a columnist, George Turner’s grief and healing process following the passing of his wife. With two teenage children, he relocates to a small seaside town and attempts to start over, showcasing the changing relationships within the Turner family.
A light-hearted narrative along with beautiful landscape shots from New Zealand makes its three seasons a laid-back yet heartfelt comedy-drama.
9) The Durrells (2016) - Prime Video
In 26 episodes across 4 seasons, The Durrells opened with the story of a widow named Louisa Durrell and her quest for a better life for her four children. After moving to a distant land, the family forms new connections but has to deal with the challenges that come with trying to be a part of the local community.
Relationships between the siblings and their mother go through constant changes as comedic elements bring relief to tense moments.
A heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and personal growth amid picturesque views, The Durrells may not have to wait long before becoming a suited watch for Under the Vines viewers.
10) The Good Karma Hospital (2017) - Acorn TV; Hoopla; Prime Video
Famed for featuring a rich mix of unique medical drama, humor, character development, and cultural adaptation, The Good Karma Hospital is set around a hospital in India.
An unexpected twist opens the story for the protagonist, Dr. Ruby Walker, who takes a job in a rural South Indian hospital expecting to find tranquility but instead faces an under-resourced medical center.
Facing new and unpredictable challenges, she begins setting deep relations with the staff and, like Under the Vines, learns to make the best of the circumstances in a fulfilling and humorous narrative.
As Under the Vines season three gets through with its weekly airing schedule of a total of six episodes, the above recommendations should help viewers stay invested in alternatives and give them something to binge on.
