Surprisingly, many of these storylines break free from the monogamous, heteronormative template. You’ll find second-chance romances, polyamorous elder triads, queer late-in-life coming-out arcs, and even platonic life-partner narratives that are more moving than many explicit sex scenes.

Plot: A grandmother in Maine starts playing online chess with a retired professor in Oregon. They spend six episodes building an intellectual and emotional bond before even considering a video call. Why it works: It focuses on the mind as the most erotic organ.

What are your favorite examples of mature romances in books or film? Let us know in the comments below!

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