Given the shocking outcomes inMarried at First Sightseason 18, there are signs that upcoming seasons could have new twists.Married at First Sightseason 18featured five couples' journeys to marry a stranger that was selected by a panel of “expert” therapists. Five couples have been featured on the hit reality show since season 10. The original seasons had three couples, while seasons 8 and 9 showcased four. Camiile Parson and Thomas McDonald, Juan Franco and Karla Juarez, Madison Myers and Allen Slovick, Michelle Tomblin and David Trimble, and Ikechi Ojoré and Emem Obot got married this season.
Historically,Married at First Sighthas had a low success rate. Of the 69 duos (including season 18’s) matched, only13 of those pairs are still together.But it is important to note that those long-term marriages have been solid ones, andMAFSbabies have even come out of some. A lot has changed within the show over the years and there are hints that it will be changing again asscandal, poor casting, and producer interferencehave taken a hold of the now-Lifetime network series. Peacock streaming platform will be taking over the show in 2025.
Unprecedented
An unprecedented situation took place inMAFSseason 18. Michelle’s husband, David, and Allen’s wife, Madison,formed an off-camera forbidden relationship that they consistently lied about.They started out as gym buddies before viewers' eyes, but evolved behind the scenes into a romantic connection. David missent a sexy text meant for Madison to Michelle, which sparked Michelle’s intuition that David and Madison had something sinister going on.
While they lied to Michelle’s face initially, they came clean to theMAFSseason 18 group about wanting to pursue each other at the expense of their marriages. This means the pair not only cheated on their partners but also swapped spouses. Given the unparalleled scandal and its repercussions, it seems clear thatMarried at First Sightis now going for high drama matches with less interest in the success rate and cast well-being.
MAFS Participants Could Be Presented With Options
Married at First Sightwill beleaving Lifetime for Peacock network in 2025with the arrival of season 19, so that is an indication that the format and intention of the show could change as well. IfMarried at First Sightdoes want to dial back on the number of failed couples, they could restrategize to find ways to make more successful matches. AsDear_Art3697pointed out on Reddit:
That said, an idea could come to fruition wherethe full reliance on the experts matching the couples could scale back, and the participants could have a hand in matching themselves. They could be presented with their potential match’s answers to some poignant questions that don’t give away their identity physically. Reading over different match bios could eliminate some of the obvious important factors that the experts overlook while matching which have often led to failure.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
The MAFS Experts Could Dig Deeper With The Potential Cast
The Experts Need To Switch Up For A Fuller Picture
To avoid casting more clout chasers, like Ikechi, season 16’s Gina Micheletti, and season 17’s Cameron Frazer, the experts could start doing a deeper dive into the cast’s background and motivations.
The experts have proved they are bad at detecting deception, red flags, and potential cast pitfalls, so having a more thoughtful and well-rounded look at each cast member would do the show good.
Figuring out who wants to genuinely get married, who is mature enough for a forever partner, and who has the responsible aspects of an adult life are points which need to be upheld.
Without a different approach in futureMarried at First Sightseasons, fans will be met with more of the same. Low success rates, early ending marriages, and cast who are on the show for the wrong reasons are somethingMarried at First Sightshould detract from, as it tears down the premise of the show. The cast being presented options and the cast being scrutinized harder are actionable twists that could take place in future seasons as the show transitions over to Peacock.
Married At First Sightairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
