Dash & Lily is a Netflix limited series (8 episodes, about 25 minutes each) that dropped in 2020, based on the YA novel "Dash & Lily's Book of Dares" by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. It's a holiday rom-com that follows two NYC teens who've never met but communicate through a red notebook they pass back and forth in various locations around the city during Christmas week.
Dash is a cynical, bookish loner who hates Christmas. Lily is an optimistic, quirky romantic who loves Christmas. They leave each other dares and clues in the notebook, slowly falling for each other while navigating their own personal growth, family dynamics, and what it means to be vulnerable with another person.
Think of it as a Gen-Z twist on "You've Got Mail" but with actual teenagers, better representation, and way less problematic business rivalry.
The show nails a few things that resonate deeply with the teen (and tween) experience:
The fantasy of anonymous connection. There's something deeply appealing about getting to know someone through writing first—no awkward eye contact, no pressure to be "on." For kids who feel socially anxious or misunderstood, this hits different.
NYC as a character. The show makes New York City look magical during the holidays. Every location—The Strand bookstore, Union Square, the tree at Rockefeller Center—becomes part of their love story. For teens stuck in suburbia (or anywhere else), it's aspirational.
Authentic awkwardness. Both Dash and Lily are genuinely awkward in realistic ways. Lily has a meltdown at a party. Dash says the wrong thing constantly. They're not the polished, confident teens we often see on TV—they're messy and real.
It's actually sweet. In an era of pretty dark teen content (Euphoria, anyone?), Dash & Lily is refreshingly wholesome while still feeling authentic to the teen experience.
Best for ages 13+, though mature 11-12 year olds could handle it with some context.
Here's what you need to know:
The good stuff:
- No sex scenes (there's kissing, but it's all pretty tame)
- Minimal violence (one punch is thrown, but it's not graphic)
- Language is mild—some "damn" and "hell," occasional "bitch," but nothing that would make you choke on your coffee
- Positive messages about being yourself, taking risks, and vulnerability in relationships
- Diverse, inclusive cast and storylines (Lily's brother is gay, and it's handled beautifully)
The stuff to consider:
- Underage drinking appears in a few episodes—teens at a party, a character drinking alone. It's not glorified, but it's there.
- Mental health themes: Lily has anxiety and experiences a panic attack. Dash deals with loneliness and family issues. These are handled sensitively but might need discussion.
- Sneaking out and lying to parents: Both characters do this. It's framed as part of their journey, but younger viewers might need reminding that real-world consequences exist.
- Teen independence: The show depicts a level of freedom (wandering NYC alone, going to strangers' apartments) that's... optimistic, let's say. Good opportunity to talk about real-world safety.
This is one of the better teen romance shows out there. Seriously. If your teen is going to binge a Netflix series, this is pretty solid territory.
The relationship between Dash and Lily develops slowly and emphasizes emotional connection over physical attraction. They learn about each other's interests, fears, and dreams before they even meet. In a digital age where kids are swiping right based on photos, this is actually kind of revolutionary.
The family dynamics are nuanced. Lily's family is warm but she feels pressure to be "the good one" while her brother gets to be himself. Dash's parents are divorced and largely absent during the holidays. These aren't after-school-special storylines—they're complex and realistic portrayals that can open up good conversations.
The show handles LGBTQ+ representation naturally. Lily's brother Langston and his boyfriend are just... there, living their lives, being supportive family members. It's not a "very special episode"—it's just normal, which is exactly how it should be.
Mental health gets real airtime. When Lily has a panic attack at a party, it's not played for laughs. When Dash isolates himself, the show explores why. These moments can be really valuable for teens who are experiencing similar feelings but don't have the language for them yet.
The NYC factor is both magical and misleading. Yes, it looks amazing. No, most teens don't have this level of freedom to roam a major city unsupervised. If your kid starts asking for solo subway adventures, maybe start with a conversation about digital and physical safety
.
If you're watching together (or after they've binged it), here are some non-cringe ways to start a conversation:
- "Would you rather get to know someone through writing first or in person? Why?"
- "Dash and Lily both had to step outside their comfort zones. When was the last time you did that?"
- "The show deals with family expectations. Do you ever feel pressure to be a certain way?"
- "How do you think their story would be different if they'd just matched on an app instead?"
Dash & Lily is genuinely delightful. It's a rare teen show that parents can actually watch without cringing, and teens can watch without feeling patronized.
Is it realistic? Not entirely—most teen romance doesn't involve elaborate scavenger hunts through Manhattan. But it's realistic where it counts: in the emotions, the awkwardness, the fear of being truly seen by another person.
If your teen is asking to watch it, this is a pretty easy yes for most families with 13+ kids. It's sweet without being saccharine, romantic without being inappropriate, and it might just inspire your kid to read an actual book (the original novel is excellent, by the way).
One note: This is a limited series, so there's closure. No cliffhanger, no waiting for season 2 (though there is a sequel book if they fall in love with the characters). In the current landscape of endless content, there's something refreshing about a complete story.
- Watch it together if your teen is on the younger end of the age range—it's actually enjoyable for adults
- Check out the book Dash & Lily's Book of Dares if your kid enjoys reading
- Looking for more wholesome teen content? Check out Heartstopper for LGBTQ+ romance or Never Have I Ever for coming-of-age comedy
- Want to explore alternatives to endless scrolling? This guide to cozy games might scratch that same "feel-good content" itch
The holidays are stressful enough. If your teen wants to spend a few hours watching two awkward kids fall in love through a notebook, there are way worse ways they could spend their screen time.