Relationship Goals (2026) Review: Do Love and Ambition Win Together?

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source: tv.lk21

Published: February 9, 2026 | Edited: September 21, 2026

Synopsis:

Relationship Goals (2026) is a romantic comedy directed by Linda Mendoza, produced by DeVon Franklin. It is an adaptation of the NYT bestseller book Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex by Pastor Michael Todd. Duration 93 minutes, PG-13 rating. Released on February 4, 2026 on Amazon Prime Video.

Leah Caldwell is a genius TV producer in New York who is one step away from making history as the first woman to lead the number 1 morning show in NYC. That dream is shattered when her own ex-boyfriend, Jarrett Roy, suddenly appears and becomes a direct competitor for the same executive position. The difference is, Jarrett now claims he has totally changed, thanks to the self-help book "Relationship Goals" by Michael Todd. He is more mature, more spiritual, more accountable. Leah is totally skeptical at first — she is focused on her career and does not want to repeat past drama. While their work rivalry gets hotter, Leah's circle of friends actually reads the book and starts fixing their own love relationships. Leah is then trapped between two choices: maintain her ambition to break the glass ceiling, or give a second chance to the love she once left behind. In essence, this is not just about getting back with an ex, but about whether love and ambition can win together.

Positive criticism was given to the chemistry of Kelly Rowland and Method Man, the combination of these two stars is valuable. Linda Mendoza is clever at making tense office scenes feel intimate. The costumes, visuals, and pacing are much fresher than typical faith-based films that are often pale.

The negative criticism is if you are looking for a heavy plot twist, this is not the film for it. Its structure is very formulaic — you can already guess the ending from the first 30 minutes. The score on platforms is only 4.6/10, mostly because viewers expected a laugh-out-loud comedy, while this is more of a sermon about purpose and healing.

This film stars: Kelly Rowland, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert and more.

In my opinion:

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It seems I have gotten quite a lot of romantic comedy films this year. And it seems the standard for romantic comedy films is never far from the formula. This film is not a cheap rom-com. This is a faith-based + workplace rivalry rom-com. The vibe is like Think Like a Man meets The Morning Show.

Although it was performed very well by its artists, this film is too very simple, the story is too on the track like any romantic comedy film that already exists. So there is no surprise at all I think. However, there is still good value in this film. Good and neat visuals and audio, good cinematography and good chemistry from Kelly Rowland and Cliff "Method Man" Smith.

There is a good message in this film. Love is not only to be felt, not only something that needs to be fought for. But love must have a purpose. And don't forget, love is a blessing from God, always involve Him and be grateful for your lives. This film is suitable to watch if you like a rom-com that is cozy, clean, and has a message — not for those who want toxic drama or hot scenes.

For me this one is 6.5/10.

Knowledge Center:

Second Chance Romance: Growth vs. Nostalgia Trap. Rekindling love after a breakup can succeed when it's built on intentional change, not just memories. Healthy reunion requires accountability, new boundaries, open communication, and present-focused love — not fear of being alone. Are you building something new, or just reliving what you once had?

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In my KC this time I will discuss about second chance romance. Can getting back with an ex succeed? Ooh la la... It seems this topic is really connected to the film Relationship Goals, where Jarrett says he is a "changed man" thanks to a self-help book. But psychologically, when is getting back together growth and when is it just a nostalgia trap?

What is Second Chance Romance? In relationship psychology, it is called relationship rekindling. A relationship that is repeated after a breakup. A study from Kansas State University found that almost 50% of adult couples have gotten back together with an ex at one point. But only those who make an intentional change survive. Then what is the difference between GROWTH vs NOSTALGIA TRAP?

GROWTH — Healthy Path (Like what Jarrett tried to do):

1. Self-awareness. Both have done personal work, reflecting on why they failed before. Not just missing each other.
2. New Foundations. There are clear new boundaries, new communication, and trust rebuilt from scratch.
3. Present-focused. You like him for who he is now, not the memory of 2019 (for example).
4. Mutual Accountability. Both acknowledge old wounds, not blaming each other.

NOSTALGIA TRAP — Risky Pattern:

1. Idealizing the past. Only remembering the beautiful things, forgetting why you broke up.
2. Fear-based. Getting back together because of loneliness or fear of not getting someone better.
3. Pattern repeats. The same conflicts repeat, no real behavioral change.
4. Emotional shortcut. Looking for quick comfort, lazy to do the growth work.

6 points you must ensure when you are on the GROWTH — Healthy Path:

1. Clear Intention. You both can answer why you want to get back together now, beyond the word "I miss you".
2. Accountability. No blame-shifting. "I was wrong in this part" not "you made me.. bla bla bla.."
3. Open Communication. Able to talk about heavy topics without being defensive.
4. New Boundaries. There are new agreements about respect, expectations, and trust.
5. Independent Growth. You have grown separately, and now you consciously choose to be together, not forced.
6. Professional Support. Open to couples therapy or counseling. A therapist helps differentiate growth vs longing.

There is a question I ask you before getting back together.

"By getting back together, are you building something new now — or just trying to revive what you once had?"

If your answer is "building something new, with new boundaries and a new version of ourselves", a second chance can be stronger than the first.

If your answer is, "just trying to revive what you once had?", that's a nostalgia trap.