Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on BINGE, and in the US on fuboTV and Paramount Plus Premium. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 3,233 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch it for Joseph Fiennes — stay for everyone else around them. Available now on BINGE — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Shakespeare in Love is worth clearing space for. The jokes in Shakespeare in Love land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy. Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow lead a cast with the timing to make it work. Shakespeare in Love came out in 1998. Shakespeare in Love earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Shakespeare in Love. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Joseph Fiennes's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.