Plot Synopsis

FAMILY OR FIANCE is a one-hour reality series that follows newly engaged couples whose families have voiced paralyzing concerns -- both real and imagined -- over their proposed marriage, will bring their families to live together under the same roof. The stakes have never been higher as they take on activities designed to strengthen their bond, unpack their differences, and show the betrothed couple in a whole new light. Will the week of experimental "family time" confirm their families' concerns and lead to a breakup? Will the families discover enough common ground to give their blessings? If all else fails, how will the couple face the future knowing that their families may never accept their partner?

At the heart of the series is relationship expert Tracy McMillan, who serves as the voice of reason as the couples confront their family's concerns. She works with the newlyweds-to-be on ways to strengthen their bond, unpack their differences and reveal their true selves to their families--for better or worse. At the end of the final day, families are given the chance to speak now or forever hold their peace leaving each couple to decide once and for all if they're truly ready to say, "I do."

On Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network premiered a one-hour sneak peek of the series, with the official series debut schedule for four days later on Saturday, March 9 at 10pm on OWN. In the series opener, "Ashaki and Chris: The Young & The Reckless," a reformed ladies' man asks his girl to marry him, but both of their families remain skeptical of his ability to remain committed. And after further revelations and stories surface, the couples' seemingly unbreakable bond begins to fracture.

After an 8.5-month break, FAMILY OR FIANCE returned with new episodes on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In the mid-season opener, "Cindy and Jamiah: Families in Feud," with only seven days until the wedding, two desperate fiances attempt to find peace within their feuding families; they are completely ill-prepared when their relatives unite with one common purpose: to declare they are not ready for marriage

After a 4.5-month break, new Season 1 episodes of FAMILY OR FIANCE premiered on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The couples and extended families live under one roof for three days and participate in activities designed to strengthen their bond, unpack their differences, and show some very complicated relationships in a whole new light. In the end, will the experience confirm the families' concerns, leaving these couples to reconsider their unions? Or will it provide the families with a renewed understanding and persuade them to give their blessings to the couple's happily ever after? In the summer premiere, "Chase and Eric: Wildin' Til Wedding," a couple with a long history together attempts to mend their broken relationship after a heartbreaking betrayal. While finding the strength to forgive, they also realize that other toxic familial relationships may be contributing to their unhappy union.


The 20-episode second season of FAMILY OR FIANCE premiered on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Hosted again by relationship expert Tracy McMillan, the new season continues to follow engaged couples who bring their disapproving families together for three days under one roof. In this social experiment, the couples and extended families participate in activities designed to strengthen their bonds, unpack their differences, and show some very complicated relationships in a whole new light. In the end, the families' concerns may make the couples reconsider their unions, or revelations might cause any concerns to fall away. In the season opener, "Shae and Will: Drama With the In-Laws," tempers flare when an engaged man tries to force his parents into accepting his much younger fiancee, even though she may be the reason that his last marriage ended in divorce. His mom makes it clear that she has no interest in a new daughter-in-law.
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Season 3 of FAMILY OR FIANCE debuted on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Opran Winfrey Network, with relationship coach Tracy McMillan returning for the new season. The 10 one-hour episodes feature engaged couples and their families trying to get on the same page before walking down the aisle. The new season kicks off with an episode featuring Shanika and Justin, a young couple ready to wed but unresolved family issues have put the celebration on hold. While Shanika attempts to reconcile with her estranged brother, Toney, information about her past, and a shocking story about a prior pregnancy and baby that disappeared, causes Justin and his family great concern. Shanika's family is convinced that Justin might have second thoughts if he knew about all of the lies that Shanika has told in her past, and they are ready to expose it all.