Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Manhattan Love Story, which became one of ABC’s most charming yet short-lived romantic comedies that found new life on streaming platforms.
Originally premiering on ABC on September 30, 2014, this romantic sitcom was created by Jeff Lowell and starred Analeigh Tipton (credited as Lio Tipton) and Jake McDorman in a fresh take on modern dating comedy. The series ran for 13 episodes, each averaging 30 minutes in length, though only 4 episodes aired on ABC before its cancellation on October 24, 2014. The remaining 7 episodes were released simultaneously on Hulu and WatchABC.com on December 4, 2014, giving fans a chance to see the complete story. The series is currently available on various streaming platforms including Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV.
The series chronicles the journey of a new couple and explores the unfiltered internal monologues that run through their minds as they navigate the early stages of their relationship. What made Manhattan Love Story unique was its innovative concept of exposing the differences between men and women through their actual thoughts, creating a romantic comedy that felt both relatable and refreshingly honest about the dating game.
Dana Hopkins: Small Town Dreams in the Big City
Analeigh Tipton delivers a charming performance as Dana Hopkins, a young woman from a small town who moves to New York City with big dreams of succeeding in both business and love. Dana represents the eternal optimist who approaches relationships with genuine hope despite the challenges of dating in Manhattan. Tipton’s portrayal captures the vulnerability and determination of someone trying to find their place in an overwhelming city while staying true to their values.
Dana’s character development throughout the series shows a woman learning to navigate the complexities of urban dating while maintaining her authentic self. Her internal monologues reveal the insecurities, hopes, and genuine sweetness that make her instantly relatable to viewers. The contrast between her outward confidence and inner uncertainties creates much of the show’s comedic and emotional appeal.
Peter Cooper: The Native New Yorker’s Perspective
Jake McDorman brings charisma and depth to Peter Cooper, a native New Yorker who tends to approach dating with a more casual, experienced attitude. Peter’s character serves as the perfect foil to Dana’s romantic optimism, representing the kind of guy who’s seen it all in the Manhattan dating scene. McDorman’s performance balances Peter’s apparent cynicism with moments of genuine vulnerability that make him more than just a typical player character.
The chemistry between McDorman and Tipton creates the show’s foundation, with their contrasting approaches to love and relationships driving both the comedy and romance. Peter’s internal monologues often reveal a softer side that contradicts his cool exterior, showing how even experienced daters can be caught off guard by genuine connection.
When Inner Thoughts Become Comedy Gold
The series reaches its comedic peaks when the stark differences between what Dana and Peter say and what they’re actually thinking create hilariously awkward situations. The show’s unique format allows viewers to hear both characters’ unfiltered thoughts during dates, conversations, and romantic moments, creating a level of intimate comedy that few shows have attempted.
The most memorable episodes occur when their internal monologues completely contradict their spoken words, leading to misunderstandings and revelations that feel both funny and painfully real. These moments of honesty about the dating process make the show stand out from typical romantic comedies by acknowledging the games people play even when they’re genuinely interested in each other.
Supporting Cast and NYC Dating Scene
The supporting cast, including Nicolas Wright as David and Jade Catta-Preta as Amy, creates a realistic portrayal of young professional life in New York City. These characters provide both comic relief and relationship advice while dealing with their own romantic complications. The show excels at capturing the specific challenges of dating in Manhattan, from expensive restaurants to tiny apartments and the constant pressure to present a perfect image.
The series benefits from its authentic New York City setting, using the city’s energy and romantic mythology to enhance the central relationship. The supporting characters feel like real friends rather than plot devices, each bringing their own perspectives on love and relationships to the mix.
ABC Cancellation and Streaming Success
Manhattan Love Story was the first casualty of the 2014-15 TV season, getting cancelled after four airings due to modest viewership ratings. The series aired on ABC from September 30 to October 21, 2014, at 8:30 pm Eastern before its cancellation was announced on October 24. Despite positive reviews from critics who praised its charming leads and innovative concept, the show struggled to find its audience in ABC’s competitive Tuesday night lineup.
However, the series found new life when all seven remaining episodes were released simultaneously on Hulu and WatchABC.com on December 4, 2014. Many critics and fans noted that it was disappointing to see such a charming romantic comedy become the first official network TV casualty of the fall season, especially given its fresh take on the dating comedy genre.
A Sweet Romance Worth Discovering
If you love lighthearted romantic comedies that offer honest insights into modern dating, Manhattan Love Story is the perfect series to binge on Hulu or Prime Video. This innovative show proves that sometimes the most interesting conversations happen in our heads, and the best relationships develop when two people finally start being honest with each other.
Why This Underrated Gem Deserves Recognition
Manhattan Love Story succeeds because it dares to expose the thoughts we all have but never say out loud during the dating process. This cleverly crafted series offers viewers a chance to laugh at their own dating experiences while rooting for two genuinely likable people to figure out love in the most complicated city in America.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 13 episodes (1 season, only 4 aired on ABC)
Platform: Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV (originally ABC)
Release Year: 2014
Current IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Sitcom
Status: Canceled after 1 season
Protagonists: Analeigh Tipton (Dana Hopkins), Jake McDorman (Peter Cooper)
Supporting Cast: Nicolas Wright (David), Jade Catta-Preta (Amy)