All Hail the New Rom-Com Queen Issa Rae

Back in 2018, Crazy Rich Asians propelled to box office and the romcom reigned supreme once again. Except, while there has been a resurgence, romcoms were never dead. They’ve just been redefined.

With current networks like Hallmark Channel, Freeform, and even Netflix, the staggering evidence proves that viewers still love romantic comedies. Even at their corniest.
However, as Kate Winslet said to Eli Wallach in The Holiday, “I like corny. I’m looking for corny in my life.” So despite unknown levels of corny, we’re excitedly looking forward to not one BUT two Issa Rae’s romantic comedies this year, which is helping shape the renaissance of the modern rom-com.

First is Stella Meghie’s The Photograph, which also stars Knives Out and Uncut Gems‘ Lakeith Stanfield. Out this Friday, Valentine’s Day, it looks like it’ll make you cry but also reassure that love can reign sumpreme.
The Photograph is followed up by The Lovebirds which is in theaters on April 3rd. Alongside Rae in the frenzied murder-mystery rom-com is Kumail Nanjiani from The Big Sick and the forthcoming Marvel’s The Eternals.

Two different romcom styles, one multifaceted queen, watch the trailers below.

Apart from this is the return (FINALLY) of the beloved HBO series Insecure, now in its fourth season, on April 12th. Similarly to rom-coms, Insecure is adored by fans and with good reason.
This sentiment adds to our belief that the rom-com lives on and we now have a new queen, all hail Issa Rae.