The search for love gets a family twist in OWN’s new series, “#Somebody’s Son.” Premiering this Saturday, the show centers on Joshua, an NFL player looking for a life partner. Simple enough, right? Wrong. Enter Aunt Oma, Joshua’s Nigerian aunt, who isn’t just playing matchmaker; she’s moving in.
Based on the popular hashtag celebrating Black love, the series sets up a unique, perhaps slightly awkward, dynamic. Aunt Oma introduces Joshua to four potential partners, but these women aren’t just competing for Joshua’s affection; they also have to win over Oma, who will be living alongside them. This isn’t your typical dating show setup; it’s a pressure cooker where first impressions count double, and family approval is literally part of the floor plan.
The premiere episode, “#GameOn,” lays the groundwork. We meet Joshua, understand his quest, and get acquainted with the formidable Aunt Oma. The four women arrive, likely sizing each other up while trying to charm both nephew and aunt. Competitive challenges and bonding activities are part of the format, but the real intrigue lies in how Oma’s presence influences Joshua’s decisions and the women’s behavior. Who makes the initial cut and gets invited to stay?
It’s a fresh concept with built-in tension. “#Somebody’s Son” begins its search Saturday at 9:00 PM ET on the Oprah Winfrey Network.