25 April, 12:00
Writer and Comic Lane Moore Picks Movies and TV Shows that Will Make You Feel Okay About Being Single
By Desi Jedeikin | Photo Credit: Amber Marlow
When it comes to learning to love being alone, Lane Moore literally wrote the book on it. In 2018, she released her best-selling book How To Be Alone, and it was pretty much the book she was destined to write considering the subject matter has been the focus of her career for quite some time. “I’m the first to admit basically my whole life is love and relationships.”
It all started five years ago when Lane created a comedy show called “Tinder Live” that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. “Tinder Live” features Lane and guests riffing on Tinder profiles and chatting with matches live on stage, in a way that is both funny and always kind. What started off as a monthly show in NYC, quickly led to Lane bringing her hit show across the world. If you weren’t already sure about her relationship bona fides, she is also the front person and songwriter for a band called It Was Romance. So who better to ask for movie and tv picks that can make everyone feel less alone and even hopeful about their search for true love?
Lane was game and nice enough to take a break from her book tour to give us a list. “It’s not surprising I love romantic comedies, but when thinking about movies or TV shows that make me feel good about being single, I was like whoa what would those even be?" Lane’s picks hit on three things that fit the bill: movies or tv shows that will make you feel hopeful that the perfect one is still out there for you, ones that remind you that strong friendships can also fulfill you, and ones where the alternative to having a relationship is DEFINITELY preferable. No matter what category they fall into, each and every pick does what any great TV show, movie or really any art does-- they make you feel seen and not so alone.
Download the Caavo TV & Movie Guides mobile app to add Lane's selections to your own what-to-watchlist today.
The Office (2005-2013)
This American adaptation of the iconic British series became a classic in its own right, largely based on the performance of Steve Carell as Dunder Mifflin's hapless leader, Michael Scott. But the heart of the show was the slow burn relationship between Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly. Waiting might be the hardest part, but if we end up in our own version of Pam and Jim, kind of seems worth it. Lane agrees.”I have a whole chapter in “How To be Alone” on Jim Halpert and this show is a major rewatch for me because again, Jim.”
Jane the Virgin (2014-present)
This surprise hit comedy tells the story of Jane, a virgin who accidentally gets impregnated during a routine doctor’s visit. The reason this outrageous premise works so well though, is because the show has so much damn heart. No matter what gets thrown at Jane, and A LOT gets thrown at her, her optimism about love is truly inspiring for those who think they’ll never find it. According to Lane this show is “Hopeless romantic porrrrrrn.”
Parks & Rec (2009-2015)
Yes, Park & Rec is a sublime workplace comedy, but it’s also got some major rom-com flair. Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt are seriously relationship goals. Leslie proves that sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince and when you do, everything will finally click. Lane found her journey inspiring. “Guhhhh Ben & Leslie. Leslie had years of crappy boyfriends before she met Ben, so that's really comforting.”
Harold and Maude (1971)
This cult classic directed by Hal Ashby stars 20 year old Bud Cort and 80 year old Ruth Gorden as an incredibly unlikely pair of lovers whose connection breaks all conventions, and will change your perception on life and love. What more can you ask for from a film? Lane is smitten with this unconventional romance. “It's just such a beautiful film and probably my all-time favorite.”
The Craft (1996)
This supernatural horror film directed by Andrew Fleming, stars Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True as a group of outcasts who bond and get deliciously witchy. This movies prove that friendships can provide as much drama as any romantic relationship, and it definitely placed a love spell on Lane. “Who needs a boyfriend when you have witch friends?”
Living Single (1993-1998)
Queen Latifah stars in this classic 90s sitcom about a group of six black 20-somethings, living and loving in their shared Brooklyn brownstone. This show was an early entry in the girl power genre, and if there is one thing that can make the ups and downs of your romantic life bearable, it’s a group of friends that can make you laugh. Lane finds it completely charming. “I love this show because in a 90s kind of world, I'm glad I got my girls.”
Dirty John (2018)
Connie Britton stars as Debra Newell a single, well-off women looking for love. When she meets Dr. John Meehan played by Eric Bana, everything seems too good to be true. And it is in a MAJOR way. This binge-worthy drama is based on real story and takes the idea of catfishing to an off the charts level. Although it didn’t discourage Lane from online dating, it did give her some perspective. “LOL, yeah it's better to be single.”
Scream (1996)
Wes Craven re-invented the slasher-horror genre with this now classic movie, which brings a serious dose of humor to all the scares, as well homages to horror movie tropes that had fans screaming with delight. The surprise reveal the person under the mask of the Ghostface Killer will have you swiping left on everyone. “Again, I'd rather be single than dead. Thanks.”
