Married at First Sightfans are seriously hoping that season 18 will be entertaining, but I’m certain it will be a letdown and viewers will be upset.Married at First Sightseason 17ended in late April 2024. It began in mid-October 2023, making it the longest season inMarried at First Sighthistory. Since it ended, fans have had to endure an almost6-month-long hiatus of the show, with some spoilers about season 18 available in between. Season 17 saw six couples show up to the altar, with only 5 of them getting married.
Married at First Sightpremiered in 2014. The first 7 seasons highlighted the marriage journeys of three couples, while seasons 8 and 9 had four couples, and every season that has come after that has featured five couples getting married. Looking ahead to season 18, it looks like all five of the couples say I do. However, in my vast experience with the show, that doesn’t usually mean much. As an expert on the show, and with my knowledge of what could happen, I don’t think fans are going to enjoy season 18.
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MAFS Season 17 Bombed With Fans
There Were Issues With The Cast
Myself and otherMarried at First Sightfans were really looking forward to season 17 in Denver and, hopefully, watching well-matched pairs continue past Decision Day. However, season 17 bombed. It was obvious early on that the experts, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec did a poor job of matching the couples.The season hadMAFS' first runaway bride situation, which threw the season into flux. Moreover, one of the couples broke up right after the honeymoon, while a second couple broke up on the one-month anniversary, although they never had chemistry to begin with.
AnotherLifetimeMAFScouple had an annoying journey after Brennan Shoykhet lost attraction to Emily Balch during the honeymoon but only revealed why days before Decision Day, which led to their breakup. Only Becca Haley and Austin Reed said yes to each other on Decision Day, but broke up the very next day. What’s more, the victim of the runaway bride situation, Michael Shiakallis, was rematched and married Chloe Brown, only to say no to her when she said yes on Decision Day, citing he wasn’t ready for marriage.
I wanted more fromMAFSseason 17 in terms of quality connections, high-value journeys, and entertaining drama, and the season failed to deliver any of it.
I noticed there were a lot of filler scenes and editing due to Michael and Chloe starting their journey halfway through the other couple’s eight weeks because of the runaway bride. I know fans were upset by the lackluster season, and social media reflected that disdain. That has left fans highly anticipatingMAFSseason 18, but there are signs it too will not sit well with viewers.
MAFS Is Not Changing Anything From Season 17
When Major Changes Should Have Been Made
Unfortunately, I know thatnothing regarding the casting and format will changeinMarried at First Sightseason 18. The routine of having five couples will remain the same, and the show is even revisiting Chicago for a second time, which I think is less interesting than if they chose a new location. In the early days ofMAFS, the couples got to honeymoon individually and also got to find a place to live together.
These days, and what I’ve noticed hasn’t worked, is that the couples spend the honeymoon together and partake in activities and dinners together. I feelthey should be spending quality time among themselvesgetting to know one another. Moreover, all five couples will be living in a neutral living space all in the same building.
Historically, I know has hurt more than it has helped, becausethere are too many outside distractions for the couples. While it is engaging to watch the couples talk among themselves and spill the tea about the issues in their relationships, it detracts from what the couples have set out to do. The format of having the couples mingle on the honeymoon and share a building has not been a positive thing, and I know season 18 will be much the same, which will annoy fans and not bode well for the couples.
Viewers Do Not Like The Married at First Sight Experts
They’ve Dropped The Ball Too Much
I’m certain the other major contention viewers will have withMAFSseason 18 will be with the experts. The experts have consistently dropped the ball when it has come to their matchmaking, as they’ve only produced two lasting couples since season 14 alone.
I feel they’ve failed to recognize or take into consideration participants' cultural differences, non-negotiables, and appearance preferences, which has led to ill-matched couples who break up even before Decision Day.
What’s more,the experts have demonstrated their inability to help guide the couplesthrough their issues, and their aloof approach to understanding where the real problems lay in each marriage. I’ve seen the experts give bad advice, not be present when they should, and not treat situations with the attentiveness and sensitivity that the couples' problems have called for. Having the experts remain the same is a huge red flag for viewers, and I know that alone is setting season 18 up to have a negative reception.
MAFS Needs To Make Several Changes
Including Not Casting Clout Chasers
I’m certainMarried at First Sight’s future with its reception among fans is resting on the quality of season 18. Since the season hasn’t dropped yet, it’s hard to predict if any changes will in fact be made. For one,the show should have backup couplesto fill in should any of the original five call it quits early in the season.
As far as casting, there have been several notableclout chasers cast on the show, which has damagedMAFS' credibility and value. Since the system for casting via co-opting people from dating apps and through regular applicants has seemingly remained the same,clout chasers might make their way through the process because they have reality TV prospects,not because they want to get married. I don’t thinkMarried at First Sightseason 18 will be well-received by fans because not enough changes have been made from the pitfalls of seasons past.
Married at First Sightseason 18 premieres Tuesday, August 20, 2025, at 8 pm, EST.
Married At First Sight
Cast
Based on the Danish version of the series, Married at First Sight is a reality show/social experiment that gives singles a chance to find a lifelong partnership with one particular caveat: they must agree to marry a stranger arranged the moment they meet. Experts provide counseling and guidance as they help couples navigate their new marriage with their unknown partner and highlight the journey of the newlyweds from wedding to honeymoon to beginning their new lives together. At the end of eight weeks, couples will decide to stay married or divorce.
