Married at First Sight: Will Any Of These Couples Make It?
[WARNING: Spoiler Alert for Married at First Sight, Season 10, Episodes 1-3]
Anyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute STAN for the Married at First Sight (MAFS) TV show. This is one of the few shows that I prioritize as “appointment viewing.” While some members of my inner circle think it’s utterly ridiculous (the premise of the show, and how entranced it has me at times), I just cannot look away. Whether the couples hit it off and fall madly in love, or make for complete train wreck material, I’m all in.
“Whether the couples hit it off or make for complete train wreck material, I’m all in.”
For anyone that’s not familiar with the history of Married at First Sight, the experts have not really established a track record of success…not surprisingly. Out of the twenty-nine (US based) couples from prior seasons, only eight are still together. If you’re keeping score, that’s a divorce rate of 72%, compared to the national average of roughly 39%. In their defense though, two other couples did stay married for a year or longer, well beyond the length of the 8-week filmed “social experiment,” as the show refers to itself. So…hey, not bad for arranged marriages on a reality show!
This brings me to why I’m so concerned about this season’s matches. I fear that the show will dramatically worsen their already abysmal average. My trepidation started early too, like the moment they announced that there were five couples this time. They only recently ratcheted up from three, to four. I mean, where’s the ceiling on this? How many is too many? Can they get the proper support they need from the show’s counselors? Is the show just “feeding the beast” from a ratings perspective?
It’s no secret that Married at First Sight has surged in popularity in recent years, due to its move to the Lifetime Network (the perfect “match” really, in terms of demographics) and high social media engagement. I know it’s entertainment at its core…but there are real people’s lives and livelihoods at stake. Hopefully, that’s not lost on the showrunners and experts.
Regrettably, my fears were not put to rest once the wedding pictures were released. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and I was mostly thinking of two – zero chemistry. The couples either looked shell shocked in their photos, or like the interaction was forced, replete with feigned enthusiasm…more so than in past seasons. I get the feeling a number of the matches perhaps weren’t all that attracted to their partners.
Some of the awkwardness is to be expected, as I’m sure the entire experience is overwhelming and unnerving, to say the least. Essentially, you’re marrying a blind date and it will be televised, in the age of social media. It’s enough to send anybody running for the hills. The initial attraction piece though – while not the end all be all – does play an important role. It was love at first sight for many of the successful MAFS couples, like Ashley and Anthony, Bobby and Danielle, and Keith and Kristine.
Now back to my fears, as they were somewhat corroborated on the heels of the recent announcement that one of the couples has already filed for divorce. Yikes! While I’m not sure about the lapse of time between when they filmed the show versus when it airs, a divorce announcement coming just after the airing of the wedding episode is unprecedented. Most of the couples usually hang in there for the entire length of the experiment, to their detriment at times (see Kate/Luke, and Amber/Matt). I guess the writing is on the wall for this couple. Here’s a brief synopsis of my impression of all the couples, thus far.
Derek and Katie
As one of the younger couples on the show this season, the odds are against them. In the lead-up to the wedding, Derek says he’s never been in love, and Katie continues to obsess about her ex. While these are both definite red flags, I actually like this couple together. Derek has Ashton Kutcher good looks that I think will win Katie over. I’m guessing he’s really attracted to her too, judging by that kiss he laid on her at the alter (Props to them!). Initially, they both seem to want it to work and they have chemistry.
Meka and Michael
Something - the previews, perhaps - tells me that Meka and Michael aren't going to work out. The wedding day body language was not encouraging, as he seems a bit standoffish. I can't quite put a finger on it, but they just don't seem very compatible. I suspect that Michael could wind up being this season's villain based on the previews, but maybe it's a red herring. I was secretly hoping that they'd be this season's Deonna and Greg, who also got off to a slow start. Somehow I don't feel this couple will be so lucky. I hope I'm wrong…time will tell.
Austin and Jessica
I feel semi-optimistic about Austin and Jessica. I'm not seeing fireworks, but perhaps there's something there that they can build upon. “Fiery passion” does not appear to be in their immediate future, but that could very well be a good thing. I feel these two may actually have a chance, if he can keep his self-proclaimed “Mama’s Boy” tendencies at bay.
Zach and Mindy
These two don't necessarily look like a match, in my opinion. By his own admission, Zach normally goes for the standard arm candy types. Mindy is attractive, but she also appears to have much more to offer than what meets the eye. Zach’s mother previously made mention of his commitment issues (major red flag), so it will be interesting to see how things play out long term.
They do seem to have quite a bit in common, and a sincere interest in getting to know one another. Hopefully, this is a good sign that they will be open minded and willing to put in the work. Upcoming previews don't bode well for them though, as major drama appears to be brewing.
Taylor and Brandon
Now back to these two. Let's face it: The super attractive, "we look like we the stock photo that came with the frame" couple never works out on this show (see Keith/Iris, Molly/Jon). Despite their recent break up (in real time), I'm still totally interested in seeing how all of this plays out on the show. Their wedding/reception was downright cringe-worthy. I think this is going to be one of those cases where it's bad for them to have to live through it, but great for those of us that get to watch it! The entertainment value here might be unparalleled.
The honeymoon episodes come next, and these are always juicy. This is where MAFS starts to get good! Will you be watching?
