Netflix viewers hail 'perfect' new show that critics can't get enough of

When a new TV series is described as 'perfect' by those who have watched it, you know it's probably worth the time of day.

That certainly seems to be the case with one of Netflix's new shows that premiered on the global streaming platform yesterday (8 February).

Starring Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod, it's a romantic drama following the lives of two people as they navigate the world after their university graduation.

Netflix

It's based on a 2009 novel by David Nicholls, where every chapter of the book covers the lives of the two main characters on 15 July, St Swithin's Day, for two decades.

Scoring a very impressive 90 percent with critics over on Rotten Tomatoes, it's seemingly hitting all the right notes to become an instant success.

One fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: "I finished it it was just perfect - funny and warm whilst also being punch you in the gut heartbreaking.

"I absolutely loved it and will be needed at least 10 days compassionate leave from work whilst I mourn finishing it."

The show we're talking about is One Day, and you can watch the heartrending trailer below:

Woodall and Mod play lead roles Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley.

The show starts at the University of Edinburgh in 1988, where Dexter and Emma spend a night together.

After falling into bed together, instead of having sex they spend the night talking about how different their lives might be once they both turn 40.

The show differs slightly to the book, in that it checks in with the duo over the course of 14 years as they enjoy the '90s and early '00s.

Their friendship deepens alongside a simmering mutual attraction to each other, no matter how much they both insist they're just friends.

Every episode is around 30 minutes long, with 14 of them in total. The finale is longer, adding to the climactic viewer experience.

Reviewing the show, M.N. Miller of FandomWire said: "What you’ll love about One Day is that the chemistry between Em and Dex is mature and well-earned, whereas most romantic comedies or romances are undeserving."

Netflix

Laura Bradley of The Daily Beast said: "If the pair’s aching, simmering chemistry doesn’t reduce you to a puddle of tears, rest assured that the wrenching story certainly will."

And Matthew Gilbert, of the Boston Globe, added: "It’s not an existential meditation on anything. It’s pleasing, easy viewing, helped by having a pair of effective lead performances, a solid source in the 2009 novel by David Nicholls, and a carefully achieved bittersweet tone."

Fans of the show who want more can watch the film adaptation of One Day, released back in 2011.

It stars Hollywood heavyweight Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in the roles played by Woodall and Mod.

But you might not come away with the same satisfaction. The film scored a 35 percent rating with critics and 50 percent with audiences, meaning you've probably already watched the better adaptation of the novel.