The relationship between Edward “Big Ed” Brown and Liz Woods remains one of the most polarizing and documented sagas in the history of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise. From their initial meeting on The Single Life to their final, explosive separation during Happily Ever After? Season 8, their journey was defined by a cycle of over 10 breakups, intense verbal altercations, and multiple failed attempts at reconciliation.
The Origins: Meeting at Encontro North Park
The story of Ed and Liz did not begin with a K-1 visa or an international flight, which set them apart from many of their franchise peers. Instead, their romance began in San Diego, California. At the time, Ed Brown was a regular customer at Encontro, a restaurant where Liz Woods worked as a manager.
Following his highly publicized and disastrous breakup with Rosemarie Vega in the Philippines, Ed returned to the dating scene on the inaugural season of 90 Day: The Single Life. He identified Liz as a potential partner, despite a significant age gap and vastly different life stages. Liz, a twice-divorced mother, was initially hesitant but eventually agreed to a date.
Their early courtship was characterized by a lack of romantic chemistry from Liz’s perspective and an aggressive pursuit by Ed. One of the most infamous moments of their early relationship involved an extremely awkward attempt at a first kiss, which Liz physically dodged. Despite this initial friction, the two eventually entered a committed relationship, marking the beginning of a multi-year period of instability that would play out across several spin-offs.
The Pattern of Instability and Public Conflict
The defining characteristic of the Ed and Liz romance was its "on-again, off-again" nature. According to the couple’s own admissions during various "Tell All" specials, they broke up and reunited more than a dozen times between 2021 and 2024.
The Leaked Phone Call
A pivotal moment that changed public perception of the couple occurred early in their relationship when a recorded phone call was leaked online. In the recording, Ed was heard using verbally abusive language toward Liz, criticizing her and demanding she leave his home. This incident sparked widespread calls from fans for TLC to remove Ed from the franchise. However, the couple eventually reconciled, claiming they were working through their issues in therapy—a theme that would recur throughout their tenure on the show.
The Move to San Diego and Engagement
In late 2021, news broke that Ed and Liz were engaged. Ed proposed with a significant diamond ring, and the couple moved into a home together in San Diego. This period was meant to signify a new chapter of stability, but it was quickly overshadowed by jealousy and trust issues. Ed frequently accused Liz of being unfaithful or questioned her motives for being with him, while Liz often expressed frustration over Ed’s need for control and his refusal to prioritize her daughter, Riley.
The Arkansas Transition and the Final Downfall
By the time the couple appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?, they had decided to leave San Diego behind. Ed, citing a desire for a lower cost of living and to be closer to his family, convinced Liz to move to Bentonville, Arkansas.
This move was presented as a "last chance" for the relationship. They purchased a home together and began planning a wedding. However, the geographic shift did not resolve the underlying personality conflicts. Liz found herself isolated in Arkansas, away from her support system and her career in the restaurant industry.
The "Taco Pasta" Incident
The final straw for the couple occurred during the filming of Season 8 of Happily Ever After?. What began as a mundane disagreement over a meal—spicy "Taco Pasta"—spiraled into a relationship-ending fight. Ed prepared the meal for Liz’s daughter, Riley, but when the child found the food too spicy, Ed became defensive.
The disagreement escalated when Ed told Riley to stop being "disrespectful," which Liz interpreted as an unnecessary and harsh reaction toward her daughter. The resulting argument led Ed to make a unilateral decision: he called off their wedding without telling Liz directly. Instead, he informed his officiant and family first, leaving Liz to find out second-hand that her relationship was over.
The Therapy Attempt: The Last Resort
Prior to their final split in 2024, the couple participated in 90 Day: The Last Resort. This spin-off gathered several troubled couples from the franchise at a resort in the Florida Keys to undergo intensive therapy with professionals.
During the retreat, Ed and Liz dealt with several core issues:
- Ed’s Defensiveness: Therapists pointed out Ed's tendency to deflect blame and use humor to avoid serious emotional conversations.
- Liz’s Low Self-Esteem: Liz admitted that her history of failed relationships made her feel she deserved the treatment she received from Ed.
- Communication Barriers: The couple struggled to discuss their future without resorting to ultimatums.
While they left the resort appearing stronger and committed to their marriage plans, the progress was short-lived. The behavioral patterns established over three years proved too ingrained to be fixed by a few weeks of televised therapy.
Key Milestones of the Ed and Liz Relationship
The following table outlines the major phases of their relationship as documented through the TLC lens and social media.
| Phase | Timeframe | Primary Show/Platform | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Meeting | 2020 | 90 Day: The Single Life S1 | Transitioned from friends to dating. |
| First Breakup | 2021 | Social Media / Tell All | Brief split; Ed was accused of verbal abuse. |
| Engagement | Late 2021 | People Magazine / Social Media | Ed proposed; Liz moved back in. |
| The San Diego Move | 2022 | Happily Ever After? S7 | Intense jealousy issues during engagement party. |
| Therapy Retreat | 2023 | The Last Resort | Temporary reconciliation; committed to moving. |
| The Arkansas Move | 2023 | Happily Ever After? S8 | Relocation to Bentonville to start "fresh." |
| The Final Split | 2024 | Happily Ever After? S8 | Ed canceled the wedding over a minor household fight. |
| Post-Breakup | 2025-2026 | Social Media | Liz confirmed a new relationship; Ed remained in AR/FL. |
Life After the Split: Where Are They in 2026?
As of 2026, both Edward Brown and Liz Woods have moved on to significantly different chapters of their lives. The "short-lived" nature of their romance, while spanning roughly three and a half years of actual time, felt much longer to viewers due to the sheer volume of content produced during their tenure.
Liz Woods’ New Chapter
Following the final breakup in Arkansas, Liz returned to her roots in the hospitality industry. She eventually moved back to the West Coast and went public with a new partner, Jayson. Fans have noted a visible change in Liz’s demeanor in the years following her split from Ed; she appears more settled and has focused heavily on her career and motherhood. She has largely distanced herself from the 90 Day limelight, only occasionally providing updates to her followers.
Big Ed’s Current Status
Big Ed has remained a fixture in the reality TV circuit, though his focus has shifted toward solo appearances and brand partnerships. After the split, Ed spent time in Florida and Arkansas, continuing his work in real estate and photography. While he remains a controversial figure due to his behavior on the show, he continues to leverage his "Big Ed" persona for social media engagement and public appearances.
Why the Relationship Failed: A Post-Mortem Analysis
Psychologists and relationship experts who followed the show often cited several "red flags" that made the Ed and Liz romance unsustainable from the start.
Power Dynamics and Age Gap
The 27-year age difference played a significant role in their power dynamic. Ed often took on a "mentor" or "provider" role that bordered on paternalistic, which clashed with Liz’s desire for an equal partnership. When Liz attempted to assert her independence—whether through her career or her parenting choices—Ed often perceived it as a threat to his control.
The Role of the "Tell All" Environment
The 90 Day Fiancé "Tell All" specials often acted as a catalyst for their breakups. Being forced to watch footage of their partner’s indiscretions or hearing the critiques of other cast members frequently led to backstage blowups. The pressure of maintaining a televised romance likely extended the life of the relationship beyond its natural expiration date, as the couple was incentivized to remain together for future seasons.
Lack of Foundation
Ultimately, the relationship lacked a foundation of mutual respect. The leaked audio and the frequent "Taco Pasta" style blowups indicated that neither partner felt safe or truly heard. Without that safety, the cycle of breaking up and making up became the "new normal" for them, which is a hallmark of toxic relationship dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ed and Liz ever actually get married?
No. Despite being engaged for a significant portion of their relationship and moving to Arkansas to start their married life, they never legally wed. The wedding was canceled by Ed just weeks before it was scheduled to take place in 2023/2024.
What was the official reason for their final breakup?
The immediate cause was a fight regarding Ed’s treatment of Liz’s daughter, Riley, during a dinner at their home in Arkansas. However, both have since admitted that the relationship had been failing for a long time due to a lack of trust and fundamental personality differences.
Is Liz Woods still with her new boyfriend in 2026?
Yes, based on her public social media activity in 2026, Liz remains in a relationship with Jayson. She has frequently shared that this relationship is much more stable and "normal" than her experience on reality TV.
How many times did Ed and Liz break up on camera?
The couple had over 10 documented breakups. Some occurred during the filming of The Single Life, others during Happily Ever After?, and many were revealed during the reunion specials.
Where can I watch the full history of their relationship?
Their entire journey is available on the Discovery+ and Max streaming platforms. The key seasons to watch are 90 Day: The Single Life (Season 1 and 2), 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? (Seasons 7 and 8), and 90 Day: The Last Resort.
Final Recommendation for Fans
For those looking to understand the complex history of Big Ed and Liz, the best approach is to watch The Last Resort. This series provides the most "behind-the-curtain" look at their psychological motivations and the professional assessment of their toxicity. While their romance was indeed "short-lived" in terms of its long-term viability, it serves as a fascinating (and cautionary) case study in reality TV relationship dynamics. If you are following their story in 2026, it is clear that both individuals are better off in their separate lives than they ever were as a couple.
