Netflix has added a significant piece of early 2000s television nostalgia to its streaming library: all four seasons of the WB comedy What I Like About You
. The series, starring Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth, became available on the platform today, , offering a new generation – and a nostalgic revisit for millennials – to the coming-of-age sitcom.
For Bynes, What I Like About You
marked a pivotal step in her career, representing her first leading role in a television series outside of her work with Nickelodeon. The show, which ran from , to , allowed her to transition from sketch comedy and children’s television to a more mature, yet still broadly appealing, comedic landscape. The cast also included Jennie Garth, known for her role in 90210
, alongside Simon Rex, Wesley Jonathan, Leslie Grossman, Michael McMillian, Nick Zano, Allison Munn, and Stephen Dunham.
The premise of What I Like About You
centers on the dynamic between two sisters, Holly Tyler (Bynes) and Valerie Tyler (Garth). When their father accepts a job opportunity in Japan, the free-spirited Holly moves in with her more organized and pragmatic older sister, Valerie, in New York City. The resulting clash of personalities and lifestyles forms the core of the show’s humor, as Valerie’s carefully constructed life is quickly upended by Holly’s chaotic energy. The official synopsis describes the show as following two young women who push their sisterly relationship to the limit
.
While Bynes is widely remembered for her earlier work on Nickelodeon’s All That
and The Amanda Show
, many are now recognizing What I Like About You
as her funniest and most consistently charming series. The show’s appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of sisterhood, the challenges of navigating young adulthood, and the humor found in everyday life. It’s a comfort binge that resonates with audiences seeking a lighthearted and familiar escape.
The addition of What I Like About You
to Netflix comes as the streaming platform continues to curate a diverse library of content, catering to both current trends and nostalgic cravings. The show’s availability on Netflix is particularly notable given the renewed interest in Bynes’ work, and the broader trend of streaming services reviving beloved television series from the 2000s. The timing, coinciding with Valentine’s Day weekend, suggests Netflix is aiming to capture an audience seeking both laughs and a touch of romance.
Created by Wil Calhoun and Dan Schneider, What I Like About You
also benefited from a roster of notable guest stars throughout its four-season run. Appearances included Fran Drescher, Jesse McCartney, Luke Perry, JC Chasez, Jenny McCarthy, Jason Priestley, Penn Badgley, and Abigail Breslin, adding further star power and broadening the show’s appeal. The series’ ability to attract such a diverse range of guest talent speaks to its growing popularity during its original broadcast.
The show’s success wasn’t just limited to its cast and guest stars. The series’ writers skillfully navigated the challenges of a multi-camera sitcom, delivering consistently funny scripts that balanced slapstick humor with genuine emotional moments. The dynamic between Bynes and Garth was particularly strong, creating a believable and endearing portrayal of sisterly love and rivalry. The show’s ability to capture the complexities of family relationships, even amidst comedic chaos, contributed to its enduring appeal.
The arrival of What I Like About You
on Netflix is more than just a nostalgic trip for fans of the original series. It’s an opportunity for a new audience to discover a show that, despite being somewhat overlooked in its time, remains a genuinely funny and heartwarming piece of television history. The series’ themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery continue to resonate with viewers today, making it a perfect addition to Netflix’s ever-expanding library of comfort viewing.
