7.6
Where can I stream Dear John legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Dear John in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
Dear John
1986·Show
Dear John fingerprint
Funny, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension3
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Hopefulness6
- Nostalgia6
- Wholesome5
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
- Situational Comedy9
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Cringe Humor6
World
Everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and dialogue
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing5
- Music Composition5
- Cinematography4
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy9Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life
Its world is built around everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Pop Culture5References and cultural commentary.
Craft
MediumStandout performances, storytelling, and dialogue
The performances, storytelling, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
LowFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography4Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | ||
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | ||
| Episode 2 | ||
| Episode 3 | ||
| Episode 4 | ||
| Episode 5 | ||
| Episode 6 | ||
| Episode 7 |
About
Dear John is a British sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. Two series and a special were broadcast between 1986 and 1987. The title refers to 'Dear John' letters, girls to their boyfriends breaking off a relationship. John discovers in the opening episode that his wife is leaving him for a friend, and he is forced to find lodgings. In desperation, he attends the 1-2-1 Singles Club and finds other members mostly social misfits.
In 1988, an American adaptation of the same name was produced by Paramount for the NBC network, starring Judd Hirsch. It lasted for four seasons.
British SitcomPost-Divorce ComedySingles Support GroupCharacter-Driven HumorSocial MisfitsDialogue-Heavy80s NostalgiaWholesome Yet WryComfort Watch
Actors
Crew
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Titles like Dear John
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: Dear John
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with Dear John
Dear John1986 · Show
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006)Fisk (2021)Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)Cuckoo (2012)Crashing (2016)Cougar Town (2009)Tires (2024)Cheers (1982)Mad About You (1992)Frasier (1993)The Golden Girls (1985)Becker (1998)Coupling (2000)Modern Family (2009)Meet the Parents (2000)8 Simple Rules (2002)Friday Night Dinner (2011)Aynen Aynen (2019)Friday (1995)Outnumbered (2007)Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair (2026)Happy Endings (2011)Still Game (2002)Will & Grace (1998)Samantha Who? (2007)The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)Mean Girls (2004)Chaman Bahaar (2020)Grounded for Life (2001)Cedar Rapids (2011)Outsourced (2007)What About Bob? (1991)Platonic (2023)Frasier (2023)Hostel Daze (2019)The European Side (2004)The King of Queens (1998)English Teacher (2024)Welcome to the Sticks (2008)The Vicar of Dibley (1994)Grumpy Old Men (1993)The Best Man's Wedding (2000)Hello Ladies (2013)Mumford (1999)Wedding Crashers (2005)Barefoot in the Park (1967)Private Benjamin (1980)In & Out (1997)Adults (2025)Grace and Frankie (2015)Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)The IT Crowd (2006)The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)Malcolm in the Middle (2000)Dostana (2008)Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004)Not Dead Yet (2023)Motherland (2017)The Odd Couple (1968)Younger (2015)1 Man 1 Woman 2 Children (2013)Tootsie (1982)Roseanne (1988)Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Dear John
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dear John worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does Dear John have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 14 episodes of about 30 minutes each.
When did Dear John air?
S1S2
It ran from 1986 to 1987 and has ended.
What language is Dear John in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does Dear John use?
Digging Yourself DeeperThe Good Old British CompCrouching Moron, Hidden BadassMail-Order BrideNo Name GivenJerk JockDivorce Assets ConflictHave I Mentioned I Am Sexually Active Today?Taking the KidsAnnoying LaughUrban Legend Love LifeCitizenship Marriageand 16 more
TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for Dear John, including Digging Yourself Deeper, The Good Old British Comp, Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass.