What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRoxanne
Film · 1987
If you loved Roxanne, start with Cyrano de Bergerac (Jean-Paul Rappeneau, 1990) — a film from the same story. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Roxanne across media.
What hooked you in Roxanne was the way sharp, rapid-fire wit masks the vulnerable, beating heart of an insecure protagonist.
Start with the source
The source
Cyrano de Bergerac
Jean-Paul Rappeneau · Film · 1990
Adaptation
The Truth About Cats & Dogs
Film · 1996
Adaptation
Let It Shine
Paul Hoen · Film · 2012
Books on the same thread
Cyrano De Bergerac
Edmond Rostand · Book · 2016
Shares 2 threads with Roxanne: Unrequited Love, Inner Beauty.
If you loved Roxanne, you must experience the original verse drama. It features the same poignant exploration of inner beauty and the painful, selfless sacrifice of unrequited love.
Series on the same thread
Roseanne
Matt Williams · Series · 1988
Explores: Economic hardship, Family dysfunction, Parental struggle.
Fans of Roxanne will appreciate this grounded look at the struggles of everyday people. It mirrors the blue-collar spirit and domestic realism found in the film's small-town setting.
Moonlighting
Glenn Gordon Caron · Series · 1985
Explores: Will They/Won't They, Sexual Tension, Quirky Characters.
You will adore the crackling chemistry and fast-paced dialogue here. Much like Roxanne, this series thrives on the tension between two people who mask their feelings with sharp banter.
30 Rock
Tina Fey · Series · 2006
Explores: Corporate Culture, Absurd Humor, New York City.
Those who enjoyed the intellectual humor of Roxanne will find a kindred spirit in Liz Lemon, as she navigates professional chaos and personal insecurities with a biting, satirical wit.
The Rockford Files
Stephen J. Cannell · Series · 1974
Explores: Wrongfully Accused, Ex-Con Protagonist, Underdog.
If you enjoyed the underdog charm of the fire chief in Roxanne, you will connect with this likable, unconventional investigator who operates on the fringes of his local community.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
Fans of the self-deprecating humor in Roxanne will find a similar vulnerability here, as the host uses quick wit to navigate the complexities of human connection and personal insecurity.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The rapid, hilarious group dynamics in this podcast echo the comedic timing of Roxanne, proving that high-stakes adventure is best served with a side of sharp, improvised character banter.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Roxanne based on the same story as the 1990 Cyrano de Bergerac movie?
Yes, both Roxanne and the 1990 film are adaptations of Edmond Rostand's classic play Cyrano de Bergerac. While Roxanne is a modern take set in a Pacific Northwest town, the 1990 version remains a more traditional adaptation of the original source material.
What other movies follow a similar plot to Roxanne?
If you enjoyed the premise of Roxanne, you should watch The Truth About Cats & Dogs or Let It Shine. These films share the same core narrative structure as Roxanne, which is inspired by the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac.
Does Roxanne feature the same characters as Cyrano de Bergerac?
Roxanne is a modern retelling of the play, so it features reimagined versions of the classic characters. The fire chief C. D. Bales serves as the Cyrano figure, while Roxanne Kowalski and Chris McConnell represent the other central roles from the original source material.
Should I watch Cyrano de Bergerac if I liked the humor in Roxanne?
You can watch the 1990 Cyrano de Bergerac to see the source material that inspired Roxanne. While the tone differs between the two, both films center on the classic story of a witty man who assists a handsome subordinate in wooing the woman they both love.