The advent of television in the 1980s and 1990s further democratized romantic drama, allowing for more diverse storytelling and representation. Shows like The Wonder Years (1988-1993), This Is Us (2016-present), and Outlander (2014-present) have pushed the boundaries of the genre, exploring themes like family dynamics, mental health, and non-traditional relationships. Television's episodic format has also enabled more character development and narrative complexity, allowing audiences to invest in characters over an extended period.