Online Romances Get a Dose of Reality in OWN’s All-New Love & Relationship Series “The Never Ever Mets” [VIDEO]

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today an all-new relationship series that takes online dating into the real world, THE NEVER EVER METS, which will premiere on Friday, April 19 @ 8PM ET/PT. Hosted by Ta’Rhonda Jones, known for her roles in Empire, The Real, The Steve Harvey Show, this 10-episode series features seven couples who have been virtually dating for some time and believe they may have found lasting love – only they have never met each other in person! Now, they’re meeting face-to-face for the very first time and sharing a house together for three weeks to see if their internet love can survive off the screen and in real life.

As all seven couples convene under the same roof, dating in person rather than through their computers or phones quickly proves to be the biggest challenge yet. While many couples have been years in the making, some quickly find the in-person relationship is not what they anticipated. To test the strength of their love connections, the group participates in a series of fun and flirty relationship activities, couples therapy, and for some, a trip to the “boom boom room.” But visits from discerning loved ones, meddling opinions, and tension from others in the house challenge their bonds even further. At the end of their stay, some will go home together… and some will be signing off for good.

In the premiere episode, “Offline and Off the Rails,” Josh and Shay are eager to connect after 12 long years of texting, FaceTiming, and everything in between. When the two finally meet, there is nothing that can hold them back. After speaking online for a month, Sandia thinks she may have found her Haitian Prince Charming, Chris. But when Chris starts sharing his views on women and faithfulness, Sandia worries about their future together. After five years, Dymond and Aaron H. finally share a romantic meal in person. But Dymond has many, many, questions for him… including his proposal to another woman after they decided to be exclusive.

Meet the couples:

Shay (Florida) & Josh (Tennessee) – Dating 12 Years

Josh and Shay first met on Facebook. Shay is the life of the party and Josh is a homebody. They have been dating for 12 years but have a complicated relationship. A few years ago their relationship hit a rough patch that they are still trying to recover from, especially given Shay’s trust issues. There’s a lot at stake for this couple. Both are ready to settle down, but trust and location are lingering issues.

JoAnna (Illinois) & Aaron J. (Georgia) – Dating 9 Months

JoAnna aka “Jody” and Aaron met on social media, connecting on their creative and artistic similarities. They describe their relationship as being in “the dating stage” but are both looking to define their bond better. Aaron is younger and has some insecurities, while Jody is a certified sexologist who lives a sexually open lifestyle. She has strict boundaries and concerns if physical chemistry will be present.

Dymond (Florida) & Aaron H. (California) – Dating 5 Years

Aaron and Dymond met on Facebook and the two hit it off with their mutual upbringings and great conversation. They both are in love with one another and hope to solidify their relationship with a proposal but have hit some rocky roads along the way. Dymond questions his faithfulness – especially after learning of his many female friends.

Alexis (Texas) & Dominique (Illinois) – Dating 6 Months

Alexis DM’d Dominique after he went viral on a podcast segment. Dominique considers himself a sensitive romantic with old school ways but is a serial playboy who loves to flirt. Alexis is a single mom and former military with a history of dating cheaters. Though shy, she is opinionated and has insecurities that raise concern for her and Dominique’s relationship.

Sienna (New York) & Brandan (Florida) – Dating 10 Months

Sienna and Brandan first met on Instagram after Sienna was drawn to Brandan’s travels around the world and DM’d him. Brandan was intrigued by her forward nature, and the two hit it off. Sienna is a straight-forward, independent girl from the Bronx and Brandan is a military kid who spent most of his childhood overseas. Sienna has hesitations dating a man with kids and Brandan is a social butterfly but admits he’s fearful of getting hurt in love again.

Sandia (Florida) & Chris (Florida) – Dating 3 Months

Sandia and Chris met on Instagram when he slid into her DMs. Sandia didn’t reply at first, but when Chris tried again, she responded. They have a lot in common – both are Haitian, speak Creole, are very family oriented and like to work out. But Sandia is much more conservative than Chris, who likes to flirt. Though Chris likes Sandia’s good-girl nature, personality differences and jealousy threaten to interfere with their budding romance.

Millie (California) & Gregg (California) – Dating 3 Years

Millie and Gregg met on social media, liking posts here and there and even matching a few times on dating apps. Surprisingly they live just 30 minutes from each other but have never met. Millie is high maintenance and wants an alpha male to make her feel secure so she can embrace her true feminine side. Gregg has been a player for a long time but is ready to leave it behind for Millie if she is indeed the one. Both admit they have love for each other but are skeptical if it can grow to be more than just friendship and attraction.

Meet the Host:

As the show’s host, Ta’Rhonda Jones is a voice of reason for the group, checking in with the couples week to week to see how their time together is going, addressing relationship concerns and facilitating fun team exercises. In addition to her role on The Never Ever Mets, Jones is an actress, activist, director, producer, celebrity master chef champion, fashion designer, host, comedian, rapper, song writer and philanthropist.  She is most known for her breakout role as Porsha, on Fox’s hit television show Empire, and has appeared as co-host on The Real and The Steve Harvey Show, as well as host of the carpet for E! News and the BET Soul Train Awards. She has been featured on ABC, Fox, NBC, Lifetime, and BET, among others. Jones enjoys spending her off-season as a non-profit leader motivational influencer, fashion designer, and music artist.

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THE NEVER EVER METS is produced by Bunim Murray Productions for OWN.