Claudia Gusmano
Alice Bassi
Overview
Alice is heartbroken and hopelessly single. But after befriending a charismatic astrology guru, she looks to the stars to find her perfect match.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 2 seasons
- Episodes
- 12 episodes
- First aired
- Oct 27, 2021
Cast
6 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Stars Align for a Rom-Com That’s Charming, If Not Quite Celestial
I’ll admit it: I went into An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts with low expectations. Not because I have anything against astrology—though I’ve never met a horoscope that predicted my own life with any accuracy—but because Netflix’s international rom-coms often feel like they’re following a formula written in the stars themselves. Boy meets girl, miscommunication ensues, a quirky side character delivers the third-act wisdom, and voilà: a love story that’s as predictable as Mercury retrograde.
But here’s the thing about formulas: sometimes, they work. And sometimes, they work because the people executing them actually care.
This is a show that wants to be liked. Not in the cynical, algorithm-chasing way that so many streaming originals do, but in the way a friend might hand you a book they loved and say, “I think you’ll get it.” It’s light, it’s frothy, and it’s unapologetically sentimental. That’s not a bad thing.
In fact, it’s kind of refreshing in an era where even rom-coms feel the need to prove their depth by tacking on a tragic backstory or a social-justice subplot. An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts doesn’t bother with any of that. It’s a show about love, heartbreak, and the messy, illogical ways people try to make sense of both. And if it leans a little too hard on astrology as a narrative crutch?
Well, even the stars have their flaws.
The premise is simple: Alice (Claudia Gusmano), a thirtysomething Milanese woman, is freshly single and struggling to move on from her last relationship. Enter Tio (Lorenzo Adorni), a flamboyant astrologer who becomes her unlikely guide to the cosmos—or at least, to the dating pool. Tio’s advice is equal parts wisdom and nonsense, but that’s kind of the point.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.3/10
"A charming and lighthearted romantic comedy with astrological twists that resonates despite its predictable plot."
The series wins over audiences with its relatable protagonist and witty humor, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of romantic comedies. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, its reliance on familiar tropes and occasional pacing issues prevent it from standing out as truly exceptional.
What viewers praise
- Relatable protagonist Alice’s journey and struggles with love and self-discovery strike a chord with many viewers, making her an endearing lead.
- Witty and engaging humor The series balances romance and comedy well, with sharp dialogue and situational humor that keeps the tone light and entertaining.
- Astrological theme The unique astrological angle adds a fresh twist to the romantic comedy genre, offering fun insights and personality-driven storytelling.
- Strong chemistry The on-screen dynamics between the main cast, particularly Alice and her love interests, feel authentic and engaging.
- Comforting and bingeable Its easygoing pace and feel-good vibe make it a great choice for casual viewing or unwinding after a long day.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The storyline follows well-worn romantic comedy tropes, leaving little room for surprises or deeper emotional impact.
- Pacing issues Some episodes drag, particularly in the middle of the season, making the narrative feel uneven at times.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting characters often lack depth, reducing their impact on the story and leaving some arcs feeling incomplete.
- Over-reliance on tropes The series leans heavily on clichés, which can make it feel formulaic and less original than it aims to be.
- Mixed emotional depth While the humor works well, the series occasionally struggles to balance comedy with genuine emotional moments.
Recommended for
Romantic comedy lovers Fans of astrology-themed stories Lighthearted series bingers Claudia Gusmano admirers Feel-good TV seekers Italian series enthusiasts
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s Italian Astrology Rom-Com: Behind the Scenes of An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts
Netflix’s An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts (2021) charmed audiences with its blend of zodiac-driven romance and Italian wit. The series, originally titled Guida astrologica per cuori infranti, follows Alice Bassi (Claudia Gusmano), a 30-something TV producer whose love life spirals after a breakup—until she leans on astrology to navigate her chaotic relationships. latestnetflix.com's read is that while the show’s premise is lighthearted, its behind-the-scenes details reveal a production that leaned into its quirky charm and cultural roots.
From Page to Screen: The Series’ Origins
Created by Bindu De Stoppani (credited as Bindu De in some sources), the series adapts the novel of the same name by Silvia Zucca 
. The shift from book to screen retained the story’s core: Alice’s journey through heartbreak, guided by her best friend’s astrological insights and her own misadventures with love. The Italian setting—likely Turin, though unconfirmed—adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the series’ fantastical astrological themes in a relatable, modern European backdrop .
Casting the Zodiac: Meet the Leads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLND59cCjAw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O48gSeQGMC8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ1DWB7KsZk
The ensemble cast brought the show’s astrological themes to life, with Claudia Gusmano anchoring the series as Alice. Her chemistry with co-stars Lorenzo Adorni (Davide), Michele Rosiello (Tiziano), and Alberto Paradossi (Carlo) became a focal point, with trailers teasing their romantic entanglements . Emanuela Grimalda, as Alice’s eccentric astrologer best friend, provided comic relief, while Lucrezia Bertini rounded out the core group as Alice’s sister .
Trailers for Season 1 hyped the cast’s dynamic, showcasing Gusmano’s expressive performance as Alice’s emotional rollercoaster played out against the backdrop of Turin’s urban landscape . While no behind-the-scenes footage or interviews have surfaced to reveal on-set antics, the chemistry in promotional clips suggests a cast that embraced the show’s playful tone.
Season 2 Hype: What’s Next for Alice?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iTvDy4935I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr4MC4uOXfc
The series’ popularity led to a second season, confirmed by a trailer released in 2022 . The teaser hinted at new romantic complications for Alice, though specifics about plot twists or returning characters remain scarce. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest deeper dives into the supporting cast’s storylines, particularly Tiziano and Carlo’s rivalry for Alice’s affection . Without official episode breakdowns, fans are left speculating based on recaps and trailers .
Why the Show Resonated
Astrological Guide’s appeal lies in its blend of humor, romance, and astrology—a niche that resonated with viewers craving escapism post-2020. The series’ Italian roots, from its language (dubbed or subtitled for international audiences) to its cultural references, added a layer of authenticity that set it apart from typical rom-coms . While no awards or critical accolades have been widely reported, the show’s cult following speaks to its charm.
The Limits of the Scoop
Despite its popularity, behind-the-scenes details are thin. No interviews with the cast or creators have surfaced in the available evidence, leaving questions about on-set dynamics or directorial choices unanswered. The lack of official press releases or in-depth production notes means much of the series’ backstory remains a mystery—including whether the cast leaned into their characters’ zodiac traits for inspiration.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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