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Bob Hearts Abishola

Bob Hearts Abishola

A love story made in America.

2019–2024Ended5 seasons95 episodes~21 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 60th percentile of all shows

A love story about a middle-aged compression sock businessman from Detroit who unexpectedly falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack and sets his sights on winning her over.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Bob Hearts Abishola?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Bob Hearts Abishola streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Bob Hearts Abishola?

Bob Hearts Abishola earns 3 badges, led by Preferred by Women and Feel-good.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Bob Hearts Abishola worth watching?

Bob Hearts Abishola's Midcredits score is the 60th percentile of all shows, from 6.8K ratings across 2 sources. 75% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

60th percentile

Better received than 60% of shows

70th percentile among Short58th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)58th
Approval (how many liked it)60th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

72 /100

58th percentile of all shows

68th percentile among Short56th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

75% liked it

60th percentile of all shows

70th percentile among Short59th percentile among 2010s
75% rated it 7–1025% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

6.8K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Short90th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 1% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show is a traditional multi-camera sitcom centered on a cross-cultural romance, with a noticeable laugh track and a cast that includes both charming and grating characters.

Fans praised

  • sweet cross-cultural romance with genuine chemistry between leads
  • unique Nigerian cultural representation on network TV
  • hilarious supporting cast, especially aunt, uncle, and Kemi

Detractors panned

  • overbearing, controlling lead female character and weak male lead
  • heavy-handed laugh track that kills natural humor
  • stereotypical and inauthentic Nigerian accents and cultural details

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

strong lead chemistry; some non-Nigerian cast criticized for forced accents

OriginalityDivisive65

fresh cultural angle within traditional sitcom format

HumorDivisive60

genuine laugh-out-loud moments for fans; detractors find no comedy

DialogueDivisive60

witty banter between Nigerian characters; some lines feel forced

Emotional impactDivisive60

heartwarming romance and family moments; some find it unearned

Plot and storyDivisive50

premise promising but execution called predictable and slow

CharactersDivisive45

Abishola seen as demanding/unlikeable; Bob as too passive; supporting characters praised

Sound and musicDivisive35

laugh track overwhelmingly criticized as distracting and dated

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 40 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 19 points higher than non-US viewers.

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 2024 · 13 episodes

  • S5E1

    The Dead Eyes of a Respectful Son

    Feb 12, 202419 min
  • S5E2

    Kill the Cat

    Feb 19, 202419 min
  • S5E3

    The Devil's Hot Tub

    Feb 26, 202419 min
  • S5E4

    The Heart Attack Boys

    Mar 4, 202420 min
  • S5E5

    Tayo Time

    Mar 4, 202419 min
  • S5E6

    A Tablespoon of Dad

    Mar 11, 202421 min

Watch experience

What is Bob Hearts Abishola like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
JoyfulWarm
Heaviest: throughout
Warm humor
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Resets each episode · 10% of showsOne continuous story
ToneThe show plays its characters and situations with genuine affection, never mocking its subjects or their cultures.
The rideConsistently light and upbeat, with occasional sentimental moments; no sharp mood swings across the run.
StructureEpisodes are self-contained and told in linear order with no special narrative devices.
Episode formatEach episode presents a self-contained comedic situation, typically resolved by the end, with minimal serialized elements.
Season formatThe same core cast continues across seasons with ongoing romantic and family relationships developing, though each season maintains the sitcom format.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe show leaves you smiling, reassured that love and family can bridge any cultural gap.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12% (this title): Romantic comedy 2% (this title) · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Romantic comedy: Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.

12% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeEach episode follows the sitcom_reset structure, typically centering on a comedic misunderstanding or cultural clash between Bob and Abishola, resolving warmly by the end.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% (this title) · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 10% of showsFamily bondsCommunity: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series centers on Bob's love for Abishola and how their relationship navigates cultural differences and family ties.
StanceThe show celebrates cross-cultural romantic love and the bonds that form despite differences.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
PopSupportive music · original score
SettingA Detroit-area hospital and the Nigerian immigrant community surrounding it.

Content guide

Is Bob Hearts Abishola okay for kids?

TV-PG

Bob Hearts Abishola is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (17/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at minimal (6/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Austria16
  • IndiaU
  • ItalyT
  • Spain13
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (6 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (31 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Bob Hearts Abishola have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Bob Hearts Abishola?

Cast

Billy Gardell
as Bob
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Folake Olowofoyeku
as Abishola
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Gina Yashere
as Kemi
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Christine Ebersole
as Dottie
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Matt Jones
as Douglas
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Vernée Watson
as Gloria
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Shola Adewusi
as Olu
Barry Shabaka Henley
as Tunde
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Maribeth Monroe
as Christina
Bayo Akinfemi
as Goodwin
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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