Hello, everyone! Hope you’re doing well! Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the delightful series Dash & Lily, which has quickly become one of Netflix’s most enchanting holiday romantic comedies, capturing the essence of Christmas in the vibrant city of New York.
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Making its debut on Netflix on November 10, 2020, this romantic comedy series was developed by Joe Tracz and is inspired by the cherished young adult novel “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” authored by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The series features Austin Abrams and Midori Francis in standout roles that breathe life into the beloved characters from the book. Dash & Lily comprises 8 episodes, each running approximately 25-30 minutes, making it ideal for a cozy binge-watch during the holiday season. Despite receiving positive reviews and cultivating a loyal fanbase, Netflix made the decision to cancel the series after just one season in October 2021, leaving fans disappointed who were eager to see more of Dash and Lily’s journey.
The series narrates the story of two teenagers in New York City who develop romantic feelings for each other by exchanging messages and dares in a notebook at various locations during the Christmas season. What sets Dash & Lily apart is its genuine depiction of contemporary teenage romance intertwined with the timeless charm of discovering love through written exchanges and shared adventures in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Dash’s Transformation from Skepticism to Connection
Austin Abrams gives a layered performance as Dash, a jaded teenager who despises Christmas and prefers to spend the holidays alone with his books rather than facing family drama or festive cheer. The opposites attract theme plays out as the cynical Dash and the optimistic Lily exchange messages and dares in a red notebook they pass back and forth throughout New York City. Abrams skillfully reveals the vulnerability beneath Dash’s sarcastic façade, illustrating how his guarded cynicism gradually fades as he bonds with Lily through their notebook communications.
Dash’s character arc throughout the series showcases a young man learning to open up emotionally despite previous disappointments and familial challenges. Abrams infuses authenticity into Dash’s evolution from someone who shuns human connection to an individual willing to embrace emotional risks for love. His portrayal strikes a balance between humor and depth, making Dash both relatable and surprisingly romantic.
Lily’s Hopeful Spirit and Holiday Enthusiasm
Midori Francis shines as Lily, a 17-year-old idealist who believes in the enchantment of Christmas and the potential for true love through imaginative adventures. Francis embodies Lily’s sincere enthusiasm and vulnerability, crafting a character that feels both aspirational and deeply relatable. Her performance reflects how optimism can be both a strength and a potential flaw in matters of the heart.
The chemistry between Francis and Abrams forms the foundation of the series, even though they spend significant portions of their screen time apart, communicating via notebook entries and dares throughout New York City. Francis adds depth to what could have been a simplistic “manic pixie dream girl” archetype, revealing Lily’s insecurities and growth alongside her infectious joy.
When Notebook Romance Meets Reality
The series builds to poignant moments where Dash and Lily’s notebook romance must evolve into real-life interactions, leading to both magical experiences and realistic dilemmas. A whirlwind holiday romance unfolds as the skeptical Dash and the cheerful Lily exchange dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they circulate at various locations across New York City. The most engaging episodes occur when their idealized connection confronts the complexities of real teenage life, such as family pressures, social anxiety, and the fear of not meeting expectations.
New York City is utilized as an essential character in the series, with locations like The Strand Bookstore, Central Park, and various holiday markets becoming crucial to Dash and Lily’s love story. These settings offer both romantic backdrops and practical challenges as the characters navigate their evolving emotions through increasingly intricate dares and revelations.
Supporting Characters and Family Relationships
The supporting cast, featuring Dante Brown as Boomer and Troy Iwata as Langston, adds authenticity to teenage friendships, grounding the romantic fantasy in real social dynamics. Lily’s bond with her grandfather and Dash’s complicated family background enrich their characters while illuminating their differing approaches to love and relationships.
Jodi Long portrays Lillian/Mrs. Basil E., Lily and Langston’s maternal great-aunt, who provides wisdom and encouragement for Lily’s romantic journey. The series excels in illustrating how familial relationships influence our capacity for love and our willingness to take emotional risks.
Success on Netflix and Disheartening Cancellation
This new Netflix series is a charming fantasy that feels straight out of the most hopeful fanfiction aspirations. It holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting its appeal to both young adult romance enthusiasts and holiday movie lovers. The series received accolades for its authentic depiction of teenage emotions and innovative use of New York City settings.
After nearly a year of speculation, Netflix ultimately chose to cancel Dash & Lily after just one season in October 2021. This decision disappointed fans who had invested in the characters and were eager to see their relationship flourish beyond the festive season. Netflix had commissioned an 8-episode adaptation of Levithan and Cohn’s novel back in October 2019, with Joe Tracz acting as the series showrunner.
A Holiday Romance to Revisit
If you enjoy heartwarming holiday romances that celebrate the magic of New York City, youthful love, and the art of written communication, Dash & Lily is the perfect series to enjoy on Netflix. This beautifully crafted show demonstrates that sometimes the most meaningful connections develop when two individuals take the time to truly understand each other through words instead of superficial interactions.
Why This Cancelled Treasure Remains Bright
Dash & Lily resonates because it treats teenage feelings with dignity while capturing the sincere enchantment of falling in love during the most romantic season in the world’s most romantic city. This thoughtfully designed series provides viewers with an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of first love through imaginative storytelling and genuine character development, even if that journey was cut shorter than fans had hoped.
Series Overview
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes (1 season)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Holiday, Young Adult
Status: Canceled after 1 season
Protagonists: Austin Abrams (Dash), Midori Francis (Lily)
Supporting Cast: Dante Brown (Boomer), Troy Iwata (Langston), Jodi Long (Mrs. Basil E.)