The world could use some levity right now, so rather than tackle a topic of imperative importance, take a 'deep dive' with me into the world of streaming entertainment to discuss something that, while not urgent, is still worth consideration: how different body types are portrayed in leading, romantic female roles.
This past fall, there was some internet buzz surrounding Season 3 of Bridgerton when it was released on Netflix due to Penelope and Colin's spicier scenes, with some applauding actress Nicola Coughlan's bravery in portraying a romantic leading role with Luke Newton. Others were more negative about the portrayal of a "mixed weight" couple with some questioning if the "world was ready" for that on a major television show.
What that question was really asking was if the world was ready for a mixed weight couple where the woman is the one who isn't thin, because there's certainly lots of examples where the man in the couple has the larger body type (The King of Queens, Modern Family, According to Jim etc.).
The issue of the double standard aside, I found the whole season uncomfortable to watch and it's taken awhile for me to articulate why.
It's not because they have different body types. It was long overdue that a popular show had a leading lady of a different body type. It's just reality that not everyone has a 'perfect 'body, and yet people of all shapes and sizes can and do find love, and despite dominant narratives, people can find more than just one body type attractive.
The problem was, the portrayal of the relationship as a whole undermined any effort there may have been to normalize mixed weight relationships or promote positive female body type representation.
Fans in general have expressed disappointment with how the culmination of the romance was handled for various reasons.
I can only speak as a viewer of the show, rather than a reader of the books, but for me, the main irritation was that it was ambiguous whether Penelope's body type was part of Colin's resistance to courting her or not and that lack of authentic attraction just didn't make for a satisfying romance story.
In the first two seasons of the show, overtly, Penelope is considered an undesirable match because of her embarrassing family, her regrettable fashion sense and her lack of social graces and experience in courting gentleman.
In contrast, Colin was fornicating his way across Europe, 'sampling' all the typically beautiful women of the continent.
He only starts to think of her romantically after they kiss, and at that point, his sudden desire seems ungenuine, immature and too little too late.
The total treatment of a character from script and wardrobe to plot and performance, can give the impression of being fatphobic even if that isn't the intention and Coughlan and Penelope deserved better.
Coughlan's performance was brilliant. She is a talented and beautiful actress, period. No qualifier needed. I blame some of the dialogue and portrayal of Colin's character for the disappointing conclusion for the pair.
In contrast, a show that successfully depicts a mixed-weight couple is Sweet Magnolias. The fourth season was released in February, 2025.
While the sweet-as-southern-iced-tea show can be a lot to swallow, one thing I appreciate about it is how the relationship between Dana Sue and her husband Ronnie is portrayed.
The small-town charm and hospitality may draw you in but it's the modelling of positive relationships - including Dana Sue and Ronnie - that you'll keep watching for.
While some aspects of the show seem unrealistic (I don't think teenagers actually resolve conflict with the ease and emotional intelligence of 40-year-olds who have been in therapy for decades, no matter the southern manners they're taught, or that full grown men eloquently discuss their hopes, dreams and fears while playing basketball) it's got a lot to offer.
One of the things that struck me right away was that Dana Sue is a successful, respected and admired business woman that is beloved by her community, friends and family and never once is there a reference to her needing to lose weight, watch what she eats or anything else that would be apologetic of the fact the actress that portrays her (Brooke Elliott) is a plus-sized woman.
Dana Sue is simply celebrated for the wonderful, fabulous person she is. Her body is never made the brunt of a joke or the focus of attention. The only slightly stereotypical element is the fact she is a chef.
In the first season, Dana Sue and Ronnie are separated but he remains madly in love with her and devoted to earning back her trust and reconciling, showing how much he values her. He's sincere and it's endearing as you watch the couple work through their issues and come back together.
The two show real chemistry with each other and body type never enters into the equation.
Sweet Magnolias is a win for positive female body type representation - which while refreshing, is unfortunately still rare.
