What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Idea of You
Michael Showalter · Film · 2024
If you loved The Idea of You, start with High Potential (Drew Goddard, 2024) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Idea of You across media.
If you loved The Idea of You, you likely crave the intense friction that occurs when private passions collide with public scrutiny.
Books on the same thread
Problematic Summer Romance
Ali Hazelwood · Book
Explores: Age gap, Destination wedding, Workplace power dynamics.
Much like the power imbalances explored in The Idea of You, this story examines the complications of an age gap and professional dynamics during an inescapable, high-stakes getaway.
Love Song
Elle Kennedy · Book
Shares a thread with The Idea of You: Age Gap Romance.
This narrative mirrors the music industry setting of The Idea of You, focusing on the healing potential of a romance between a younger woman and a seasoned musician.
Romantic Comedy
Curtis Sittenfeld · Book
Shares a thread with The Idea of You: celebrity romance.
This book captures the same celebrity-meets-normal-life dynamic found in The Idea of You, specifically highlighting how creative collaboration and public perception challenge a burgeoning, high-profile romantic connection.
Half His Age
Jennette McCurdy · Book
Explores: forbidden attraction, mentor-student dynamics, adolescent longing.
If the forbidden nature of the attraction in The Idea of You kept you hooked, you will appreciate this exploration of the tension inherent in unequal, mentor-student romantic dynamics.
Series on the same thread
High Potential
Drew Goddard · Series · 2024
Explores: Unlikely Partnerships, Brilliant Outsider, Single Parent.
This series reflects the single motherhood themes of The Idea of You, featuring a brilliant protagonist whose life is transformed by an unexpected, high-stakes partnership that defies conventional expectations.
Unchosen
Julie Gearey · Series · 2026
Explores: Forbidden Desire, Secrets and Lies, Escapism.
Fans of the secret, transformative affair in The Idea of You will identify with this story of a young mother whose life is upended by a risky, forbidden romance.
Off Campus
Gina Fattore · Series · 2026
Explores: Fake Dating, Emotional Healing, Coming-of-age.
This series echoes the emotional growth seen in The Idea of You, focusing on how two individuals navigate past traumas and evolving feelings within the constraints of a specific arrangement.
Every Year After
Series · 2026
Explores: soulmates, nostalgia, long-term relationship.
This story captures the sweeping, destiny-driven romance found in The Idea of You, emphasizing the profound impact of long-term connection and the nostalgia of formative, life-altering summer relationships.
Podcasts on the same thread
Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew
Shawn Johnson + Andrew East · Podcast · 2026
Explores: vulnerability, modern partnership, public persona.
If you enjoyed the public-versus-private relationship struggle in The Idea of You, this podcast offers a real-world look at how high-profile couples navigate intimacy and vulnerability under constant observation.
Best Magazine UK: Suddenly Single
Podcast
Explores: dating after divorce, finding love, relationship advice.
This podcast provides the candid, conversational insight into dating after divorce that anchors the emotional journey of the protagonist in The Idea of You as she explores new love.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Idea of You based on a true story?
The Idea of You is a 2024 film directed by Michael Showalter. It follows the fictional romance between a 40-year-old single mother named Solène and Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old lead singer of a famous boy band. It is not based on a true story.
What is the main conflict in The Idea of You?
The main conflict in The Idea of You arises from the massive age gap between Solène and Hayes Campbell, alongside the intense public scrutiny that accompanies his superstar status. Solène finds that navigating a relationship under the constant glare of the global spotlight creates significant, unavoidable challenges for them.
How old are the main characters in The Idea of You?
In The Idea of You, the protagonist Solène is a 40-year-old single mother. Her romantic interest, Hayes Campbell, is a 24-year-old lead singer of the boy band August Moon. Their relationship is defined by this age difference and the pressures of his celebrity lifestyle.
Does The Idea of You feature a boy band?
Yes, The Idea of You features a boy band called August Moon. Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of this group, is the primary love interest of the main character, Solène. His high-profile career and status as a global superstar drive the central tension of the film.