The story of The Dating List
The Dating List follows Abby, a career-driven assistant caught in one of rom-com's oldest traps: helping someone else find love while falling for the same person herself. When her busy boss asks for a favor—locating the man of her dreams—Abby agrees, thinking it's just another task on her endless to-do list. But then she meets him. The premise is familiar enough, sure, but what makes it work is the specificity of the setup: this isn't about a girl pining from afar. It's about active sabotage of the heart, about having to watch someone you're falling for get closer to your boss while you're supposed to be facilitating the whole thing. That tension—watching Abby navigate professional loyalty against personal desire—anchors the film's humor and emotional core.
Behind the making of The Dating List
The Dating List is a Canadian production directed by David I. Strasser, released in 2020 with a runtime of 88 minutes—tight enough to keep the pacing snappy without feeling rushed. Natalie Dreyfuss carries the film as Abby, supported by Andrew Dunbar, Carmel Amit, Nathan Witte, Matt Hamilton, Hannah Levien, and Rady Panov in an ensemble cast that feels genuinely comfortable with each other. The chemistry between leads matters in romantic comedies, and Strasser's direction keeps the performances grounded rather than letting them drift into broad sitcom territory. While The Dating List didn't generate major awards buzz or dominate box office conversations (it found its primary audience through streaming platforms), it represents the kind of mid-budget romantic comedy that streaming services have increasingly relied on to fill their libraries—solid craftsmanship without pretension. The film carries no MPAA rating restriction that would limit its audience, making it accessible family viewing on platforms like UP Faith & Family and Plex Channel where it's currently available.
What makes The Dating List stand out
There's something honest about how The Dating List refuses to let Abby off easy. She can't just confess her feelings and expect a magical resolution. She's made a commitment to her boss, and the film respects that professional obligation even when it complicates the romance. That's where the real comedy lives—not in pratfalls or misunderstandings, but in the small, excruciating moments when you have to smile and help the person you care about pursue someone else. What's striking is how the supporting cast doesn't feel like window dressing. Carmel Amit and the others give the ensemble texture; they're not just there to deliver exposition. The pacing works too. At 88 minutes, the film doesn't overstay its welcome or pad scenes with unnecessary subplots. I keep coming back to the fact that this is a movie that knows what it is—a straightforward romantic comedy with a clever central conflict—and commits to that without trying to be something grander. The thing nobody mentions about solid rom-coms is that they're actually hard to pull off. You need timing, likeable characters, and enough genuine stakes to make the eventual resolution feel earned rather than inevitable.
Where to stream The Dating List online
The Dating List is widely available across streaming platforms, giving viewers plenty of options depending on their existing subscriptions. You can watch it on Prime Video, which offers the broadest reach, or through specialized channels like Love and Passion Amazon Channel and UP Faith & Family (available on both Amazon and Apple TV). If you're looking for free, ad-supported options, Pluto TV, Plex Channel, and W4free all carry the title. For international viewers, Joyn, Molotov TV, Netzkino, and Rakuten TV have it in their catalogs. You can also rent or purchase through Google Play Movies and YouTube if you prefer ownership. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page shows real-time availability across all platforms, so you can check current status before you start watching. Movie OTT tracks these availability changes across regions, making it easier to find exactly where a title is streaming right now rather than hunting through multiple apps.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where can I watch The Dating List?
The Dating List is available on multiple streaming platforms including Prime Video, Pluto TV, Plex Channel, UP Faith & Family (Amazon and Apple TV channels), Love and Passion Amazon Channel, and several others. You can also rent it on Google Play Movies and YouTube. Check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for current availability in your region.
Q: Who directed The Dating List?
The film was directed by David I. Strasser and released in 2020. Strasser keeps the pacing tight and the performances grounded throughout the 88-minute runtime.
Q: Is The Dating List based on a true story?
No, The Dating List is an original romantic comedy screenplay. The premise—helping your boss find love while falling for the same person—is a fictional setup designed to create romantic tension and comedic situations.
Q: What's the runtime of The Dating List?
The film runs 88 minutes, making it a lean romantic comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: Who stars in The Dating List?
Natalie Dreyfuss leads the cast as Abby, with Andrew Dunbar, Carmel Amit, Nathan Witte, Matt Hamilton, Hannah Levien, and Rady Panov in supporting roles.
Final thoughts on The Dating List
The Dating List is the kind of film that works best when you're in the mood for something uncomplicated and charming—a movie that doesn't demand much but delivers on its promise. It's genuinely funny without being cynical, and it treats its romantic premise with enough care to make you invested in Abby's dilemma. If you enjoy romantic comedies that prioritize character over spectacle, or if you're looking for something to watch across multiple platforms (Movie OTT makes it easy to find), this Canadian production deserves a spot on your watchlist. Not every film needs to be a prestige drama or a blockbuster event. Sometimes what you want is exactly what this film offers: warmth, humor, and a story about the messy reality of the heart.
