Romantic comedy

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Romantic comedy (also known as romcom or rom-com) is a sub-genre of comedy and romance fiction, focusing on lighthearted, humorous plot lines centered on romantic ideas, such as how true love is able to surmount all obstacles.^[1] Romantic comedy evolved from ancient Greece humor, medieval romance, and 18th-century Restoration comedy, later developing into sub-genres like screwball comedies, career woman comedies, and 1950s sex comedies in Hollywood.

Over time, the genre has expanded beyond traditional structures, incorporating unconventional themes, challenging gender roles, and addressing adult topics while maintaining its core focus on romance and humor. A common convention in romantic comedies is the "meet-cute", a humorous or unexpected encounter that creates initial tension and sets up the romantic storyline.