15 TV Seasons That Introduced a Polyamorous Black Character and Stuck With It

As a total movie and TV buff, I’ve noticed polyamory popping up more and more on screen – everything from open marriages to ‘throuples’ and just generally folks practicing consensual non-monogamy. What’s really cool is seeing Black characters taking center stage in these stories. I put together a little guide to seasons that really explored this, not just with a one-time plotline, but by introducing a Black character in a polyamorous relationship and letting that storyline develop over several episodes. I’ve included which season it started in, and a quick rundown of the relationship dynamics, so you can easily find the episodes if you’re interested!

‘She’s Gotta Have It’ (2017–2019)

The first season of the show centers around Nola Darling, a Black artist in Brooklyn, and her open relationships with three different partners. It follows her as she learns to communicate her needs, practice safe sex, and navigate the challenges of holidays and expectations within these relationships. The second season continues this arrangement, choosing to explore the complexities of consensual non-monogamy rather than having Nola settle down with just one person. Throughout both seasons, Nola’s partners are fully developed characters whose stories are interwoven with the polyamorous dynamic.

‘Good Trouble’ (2019–2024)

In Season 3, Malika Williams explores a polyamorous relationship, openly choosing and navigating consensual non-monogamy. The show realistically portrays this through conversations about boundaries, scheduling, and emotional well-being with her partners. Unlike many shows, this storyline isn’t a one-time event; it’s revisited throughout the season, showing how the relationship develops and changes. We also see Malika discuss and process her experiences through therapy and with her friends.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

In seasons 7 and 8, the show explores a three-person relationship between Veronica, Kevin, and Svetlana. Season 7 focuses on the everyday realities of living together – things like sharing chores, raising children, and dealing with immigration issues – as a normal part of their lives. Season 8 then looks at how this arrangement affects their finances and child custody, showing how they share both home and romantic responsibilities over several episodes.

‘The Chi’ (2018– )

Season 4 explores a new dynamic in Emmett and Tiffany’s relationship: they decide to try an open marriage after dealing with issues of infidelity. The season shows how they navigate the rules of this arrangement, including going on dates with other people and managing feelings of jealousy, all while still co-parenting and handling their finances. This storyline isn’t quickly resolved; it unfolds throughout the entire season.

‘Trigonometry’ (2020)

The first season centers around Kieran, a Black man, and his involvement in a committed three-way relationship with an existing couple. The show explores the practicalities of their lifestyle – sharing a home, telling loved ones, and balancing work – and dedicates several episodes to important topics like consent, scheduling, and maintaining intimacy within the relationship. This polyamorous dynamic remains the core of the story throughout the entire season.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011– )

The fifth season of the show features an episode called “Striking Vipers” that explores a Black man named Danny navigating a shift in his marriage towards an open relationship with his wife. The episode establishes and concludes with a yearly agreement for this arrangement, suggesting it continues long after the story ends. Unlike other episodes in the anthology series, this one focuses on the details of a committed, ongoing relationship built on clear rules, consent, and regular communication about boundaries.

‘Seeking Sister Wife’ (2018– )

As a reality TV fan, I’ve been following Dimitri and Ashley Snowden’s story for a while now. Season one introduced us to them as a Black couple exploring a polyamorous relationship – basically, they were building a life with multiple partners, and the show really dove into how they navigated that. We saw everything from how they dated and set ground rules to figuring out co-parenting. What’s really interesting is that the show kept following them over multiple seasons. We’ve seen people come and go, new relationships form, but it’s always been about a consistent, consensual dynamic. It’s not just a one-off thing; it’s a long-term, evolving family structure they’re building, and the show really shows that continuity.

‘Shameless’ (2004–2013)

Later storylines, similar to those in the American version of the show, feature committed romantic relationships involving three adults living together as a family. These episodes explore the practicalities of their lives, including shared childcare, managing finances, and accessing social services. This type of relationship appears repeatedly throughout the series, with storylines focusing on the everyday challenges of housing, work, and child custody within this unique family structure.

‘EastEnders’ (1985– )

A storyline beginning in the mid-2010s depicts a Black character navigating an ongoing open relationship, explored over multiple episodes instead of a short-term plot point. The narrative details how they share this with loved ones, establish boundaries for dating others, and deal with the reactions of their community. Later episodes revisit the arrangement during important moments or when challenges arise, consistently emphasizing consent and clearly defined agreements within the relationship.

‘Ackley Bridge’ (2017–2022)

A storyline introduced later in the season features a Black character navigating a relationship with multiple partners. The show explores the challenges and discussions around consent, societal judgment at school, and balancing commitments to work, family, and each partner. This arrangement continues throughout several episodes, with the plot regularly addressing practical issues like finances, personal boundaries, and coordinating schedules, especially around holidays, within the context of this multi-partner relationship.

‘Waterloo Road’ (2006– )

I was really fascinated by a recent storyline featuring a Black character who’s openly in a consensual non-monogamous relationship. It wasn’t just a quick plot point, but something that really impacted their life, and we saw how it played out in their job as a teacher – how they communicated with everyone involved, dealt with negative reactions online, and even just managed the logistics of it all. It unfolded over several episodes, and the effects are still being felt in later storylines. What I appreciated most was that it wasn’t treated as a shocking reveal, but just a normal, ongoing part of their life.

‘Casualty’ (1986– )

This season features a new Black character navigating a polyamorous relationship, adding complexity to their work life as a medical professional. The show explores important issues like consent, workplace disclosure, and how to handle emergencies within a multi-partner relationship. We see how this relationship is tested by difficult situations and how it affects both their personal life and their decisions at the hospital throughout the season.

‘Holby City’ (1999–2022)

In a later season, the show introduces a continuing relationship with multiple partners for a Black character. This relationship affects how shifts and patient assignments are handled, as their home life becomes a factor. Several episodes explore important topics like getting consent, dealing with jealousy, and handling practical matters like emergency contacts. The polyamorous dynamic continues throughout the season, even during intense medical storylines. We also see everyday scenes dealing with things like rent, housework, and managing different work schedules.

‘Run the World’ (2021– )

A recent TV season featured a Black main character navigating an open relationship. The show explored this journey over several episodes, detailing how they established ground rules, prioritized sexual health with regular testing, and addressed questions from their friends. As the season progressed, career shifts and travel presented challenges to spending time together, but the couple maintained their open relationship as a clear and defined part of their lives until the season ended.

‘Harlem’ (2021– )

The show’s latest season features a Black lead character exploring an open relationship, which the writers portray as a long-term decision, not just a temporary thing. Episodes deal with important topics like consent, using dating apps, and setting healthy boundaries with social media. This storyline continues throughout the season, influencing how the characters interact in their friendships and romantic lives. The season ends with the open arrangement still in place and openly discussed among the main characters.

If we left out any seasons that did a great job with this, let us know in the comments and tell us why you think they should be included!

2025-12-07 20:46