20 TV Shows That Featured Plus-Size Black Women as Main Love Interests

Television has slowly evolved from casting plus-size Black women solely as comedic sidekicks to featuring them as desirable romantic leads. These characters navigate complex dating lives while managing their careers and personal growth with confidence. Writers and producers are finally recognizing that these women deserve to be the center of their own love stories rather than just supporting players. The following series showcase dynamic performances where curvaceous Black women find love and partnership on their own terms.

‘Survival of the Thickest’ (2023–)

Mavis Beaumont navigates a messy public breakup and attempts to rebuild her life as a newly single stylist in New York City. The series centers on her journey toward self-love and professional success while she juggles various romantic suitors. Michelle Buteau delivers a charismatic performance that highlights the desirability and complexity of plus-size women in the modern dating scene. Her character refuses to compromise her standards or her body image for the sake of a relationship.

‘The Parkers’ (1999–2004)

Nikki Parker pursues her education and her professor with equal amounts of determination in this energetic sitcom. The show highlights her unshakeable confidence and bold fashion sense as she relentlessly chases the man of her dreams. Professor Oglevee initially resists her advances but the dynamic between them serves as the central romantic tension of the series. Nikki remains an iconic character who never apologizes for her size or her intense style of loving.

‘Living Single’ (1993–1998)

Khadijah James serves as the grounded heart of a group of friends living in a Brooklyn brownstone. As the editor and publisher of her own magazine she balances her professional ambitions with a complex dating life. Her romance with childhood friend Scooter remains one of the most memorable relationships in nineties television history. Queen Latifah brings strength and vulnerability to a role that redefined the leading lady archetype for sitcoms.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

Mercedes Jones starts as a powerhouse vocalist who often fights for the spotlight she rightfully deserves. Her romantic life gains significant traction later in the series when she enters a relationship with Sam Evans. This pairing challenges high school social hierarchies and showcases her as a desirable romantic partner rather than just a sidekick. The show allows her character to experience love and heartbreak without making her weight the primary focus of the conflict.

‘Good Girls’ (2018–2021)

Ruby Hill turns to a life of crime to pay for her daughter’s medical treatments and maintain her family’s stability. Her marriage to Stan creates one of the most supportive and realistic partnerships on television. They face moral dilemmas and legal threats together while maintaining a deep romantic connection and mutual respect. Retta portrays a multi-dimensional woman who is equally capable of tenderness and ruthlessness when protecting her loved ones.

‘Claws’ (2017–2022)

Desna Simms runs a nail salon that serves as a front for organized crime while caring for her mentally ill brother. Her romantic entanglements with high-stakes criminals drive much of the plot and reveal her desire for a partner who can match her ambition. Niecy Nash commands the screen with a performance that emphasizes her character’s sexuality and power. The show celebrates her figure through bold fashion choices and storylines that position her as the ultimate prize.

‘Queens’ (2021–2022)

Hazel attempts to reclaim her hip-hop glory years after her famous group disbanded. She juggles a music career comeback while navigating a complicated romantic relationship that tests her priorities. The series addresses the unique pressures women face regarding age and image in the music industry. Hazel demands respect in both the boardroom and the bedroom as she rediscovers her own worth.

‘First Wives Club’ (2019–)

Hazel Rachelle and her friends band together after their marriages fall apart to find strength in sisterhood. The character navigates the ups and downs of divorce while exploring new romantic possibilities with younger men. This adaptation allows the women to be sexy and successful while dealing with the realities of starting over. The show places a heavy emphasis on their desirability and the joy of finding love on their own terms.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Becky Williams rises through the ranks of Empire Entertainment to become a formidable executive within the music industry. Her character enjoys several romantic storylines that treat her with the same care and drama as the other leads. She eventually finds love and gets married in a ceremony that highlights her personal growth and happiness. Gabourey Sidibe brings wit and intelligence to a role that refuses to be sidelined by the larger melodrama.

‘Harlem’ (2021–)

Angie acts as the vibrant and unfiltered aspiring singer within a tight-knit group of friends in New York. She exudes confidence in her dating life and refuses to settle for partners who do not appreciate her full value. The show depicts her sexual escapades and romantic encounters with a refreshing lack of judgment or stereotyping. Her presence challenges the typical casting norms for the carefree and desirable friend in ensemble comedies.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–)

Miranda Bailey commands respect as a brilliant surgeon who eventually becomes the Chief of Surgery. Her long-term relationship and marriage to Ben Warren provides a stable and passionate anchor amidst the chaos of the hospital. The writers develop her character as a sexual being who balances a high-pressure career with a fulfilling home life. Chandra Wilson has created a legendary character who proves that authority and romance are not mutually exclusive.

‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ (2009)

Precious Ramotswe opens her own detective agency in Botswana to help locals solve problems and find justice. Her courtship with the kind mechanic Mr. JLB Matekoni offers a sweet and gentle romantic throughline for the series. The show celebrates her traditional build as a sign of health and beauty within her cultural context. Jill Scott delivers a warm performance that emphasizes the character’s wisdom and capacity for deep love.

‘Raven’s Home’ (2017–2023)

Raven Baxter returns as a divorced mother of twins who lives with her best friend to raise their families together. The series explores her re-entry into the dating world while managing her psychic visions and fashion design career. She navigates single motherhood with humor and continues to be pursued by various romantic interests. The show maintains the physical comedy of its predecessor while allowing the protagonist to mature into a confident adult woman.

‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’ (2007–)

Ella Payne serves as the matriarch who keeps her multigenerational family together through faith and patience. Her marriage to Curtis Payne is the comedic and emotional foundation of the long-running sitcom. The couple works through retirement challenges and family crises without ever losing their affection for one another. Cassi Davis portrays a nurturing figure who is also viewed as a loving and essential partner by her husband.

‘Meet the Browns’ (2009–2011)

Cora Simmons often acts as the voice of reason while dealing with her eccentric father and extended family members. Her relationship with the school principal creates a wholesome romantic arc that develops over several seasons. The character showcases a blend of religious faith and genuine human emotion as she opens her heart to love. Tamela Mann brings a grounding presence to the chaotic humor of the Tyler Perry universe.

‘The Ms. Pat Show’ (2021–)

Pat Carson relocates her family to suburban Indiana where she attempts to be a conventional mom while maintaining her abrasive comedy style. Her relationship with her husband Terry is portrayed as passionate and deeply supportive despite their cultural clashes with the new neighborhood. The sitcom presents a marriage where the plus-size wife is undeniably the object of her husband’s affection. Their chemistry anchors the show and provides a realistic look at a couple committed to making it work.

‘Tyler Perry’s Sistas’ (2019–)

Danni King works as an airline supervisor and brings a no-nonsense attitude to her circle of close female friends. She navigates a turbulent dating scene and often finds herself entangled with men who test her patience and boundaries. The character is unapologetically thick and uses her physical presence to command attention in every room she enters. Her romantic storylines are central to the drama and showcase her vulnerability beneath a tough exterior.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Cherise acts as the opinionated record store employee with expansive musical knowledge and strong convictions. Her journey involves stepping out of her comfort zone to pursue her own musical dreams and romantic connections. The show gives her a subplot that explores her insecurities and desires without making them the butt of a joke. Da’Vine Joy Randolph infuses the character with a cool energy that makes her romantic potential undeniable.

‘Shrill’ (2019–2021)

Fran serves as the fiercely loyal best friend and roommate who encourages the protagonist to stand up for herself. Her own dating life is explored with depth as she navigates relationships with women and searches for genuine connection. The series highlights her confidence and style while treating her romantic arcs with the same importance as the main character. Lolly Adefope creates a character who is comfortable in her skin and refuses to accept poor treatment.

‘Moesha’ (1996–2001)

Kim Parker begins as the boy-crazy best friend who is constantly seeking the attention of her crushes. Her character development eventually leads to her own spin-off where she takes center stage as a romantic lead. The show depicts her struggles with self-esteem and dating in high school with both humor and heart. Countess Vaughn created a memorable character whose persistence in love became her defining trait.

Please tell us which of these iconic characters you loved watching most in the comments.