After the success of Being Mary Jane (2013–2019), which she created, wrote, and produced as BET’s first-ever one-hour scripted drama series, Mara Brock Akil she left the active showrunning role on this series ended just as Love Is entered production, and she co-created, wrote, and executive-produced the semi-autobiographical series Love Is, drawing inspiration from her relationship with her husband, Salim Akil.
When it comes to the cast, the Oprah Winfrey Network’s romantic drama series features a talented ensemble that brings the love story of Nuri Summers and Yasir Omar to life across two timelines. Michele Weaver stars as Nuri Summers in 1997, alongside Will Catlett as Yasir Omar. In the 2017 timeline, Wendy Davis(NAACP Winner) portrays the older Nuri, while Clarke Peters plays the older Yasir. The supporting cast includes Idara Victor as Angela, Tyrone Brown as Sean, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing as Ruby, and Kadeem Hardison as Norman.
Recurring characters help make the series feel fuller and more engaging to the series, including Tammy Townsend as Nuri’s mother, Carol; Loretta Devine(NAACP Winner) as Yasir’s mother, Betty; Tim Reid( best known for WKRP in Cincinnati ) as Sean in the 2017 timeline; Vanessa Bell Calloway(NAACP Winner) as Angela in 2017; Lucius Baston as Lionel Woods; Tosin Morohunfola as Keith; Michael King as Will; Jef Holbrook as the Bookstore Manager; and Robert Crayton as Big Bob.
Love Is can be a little confusing at first because it jumps between two different timelines. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the romantic drama aired for one season on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2018.
Inspired by the real-life relationship between Mara Brock Akil and her husband, Salim Akil, the series follows the journey of a successful Black Hollywood power couple. Moving between the present day and the 1990s—when their love story first began—it explores the highs, the lows, and everything in between, making it a heartfelt and deeply personal romance.
Episode 1(Nuri and Yasir)
Nuri introduces Michele Weaver as Nuri Summers and Will Catlett as Yasir Omar. Set in 1997, the premiere follows Nuri, a hopeful sitcom writer struggling with rejection and career setbacks, and Yasir, an unemployed director, as they meet by chance outside a Hollywood audition. In the present-day timeline, the older Nuri and Yasir look back on the unexpected encounter that sparked their love story.
Episode 2: (First Date)
In the second episode, First Date, Yasir finally takes Nuri out on their official first date. Though money troubles and a few awkward moments linger, the evening blossoms into something special as their emotional bond grows deeper.
Episode 3: (Her Questions)
In this episode, Nuri and Yasir’s plans together take an unexpected turn when Yasir faces yet another setback. Shocked to find Ruby suffering after surgery, he misses his date with Nuri. As Nuri looks into the situation, she stumbles upon a surprising discovery that changes everything.
Episode 4: (The Cover-Up)
The Cover‑Up titled episode unfolds as secrets begin to surface. Yasir is forced to confront the reality of his career, finances, and his feelings for Nuri. With the fear of losing her looming, he opens up to Ruby and makes a heartfelt plea to prove his commitment to Nuri.
Episode 5: (Acceptance)
In The Drop, secrets come to light and begin to shape the couple’s early relationship. Nuri heads off on a ski trip with Keith, where he surprises her with a confession that changes the mood. Back in Los Angeles, tensions flare between Nuri and Yasir over her decision to go, but the heated argument unexpectedly deepens their bond.
Episode 6: (Supportive)
At work, Nuri clashes with Angela, leaving her frustrated and uncertain. She turns to Yasir, who helps her see the situation more clearly and reminds her of the value of her friendship with Angela.
Episode 7: (Not Valentine’s Day)
The couple begins to navigate the challenges of merging their lives, but things take a turn when Yasir meets Nuri’s mother for the first time. Their differences come to the surface again as they clash over how much Valentine’s Day really matters.
Episode 8: (Rose)
When Nuri and Yasir spend time with Yasir’s son Deonte, tensions rise as Yasir voices concerns about how his son is being raised. The visit sparks conflict, while elsewhere Angela’s career takes an unexpected turn with a new professional opportunity.
Episode 9: (A First Script)
“Nuri experiences a breakthrough in her career just as cracks begin to show in her relationship with Yasir. Amid the tension, she opens up with a deeply personal confession that changes the course of their connection.
Episode 10:∙ (Love Is Engagement)
An old flame reappears, hoping to rekindle things with Nuri, while Yasir finally secures a place to stay. At the same time, Sean opens up to Yasir with a personal revelation. Just as Nuri takes a leap by asking Yasir to marry her, she uncovers a shocking truth about his script that changes everything.
