When it comes to reality TV, I haven’t always been the biggest fan. I often found it too fake or cheesy and couldn’t understand how anyone consistently watched. However, during my freshman year of college (prime Covid era), I desperately needed a distraction, and Married at First Sight delivered. I gravitate more toward shows with participants that intend to get married and stick around. To me it’s more real with deeper meaning, but also has higher stakes. I love rooting for a couple and their lifetime happiness, not just a fling fueled by fame. So, if you’re looking for a distraction with heart, here is the list for you!
Married at first sight
This series was my first love. I stayed up an entire night watching season 9 and have been watching since. Three experts vigorously interview participants until they create 5 “perfect” couples based on their personalities/wants/needs/beliefs/etc. The couples then meet at the aisle! They go through an intense several-week trial of marriage before they decide if they want to stay married or get a divorce. The couples go through ups and downs while getting to know each other and learning how to live together. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience for some, while others may not feel the same. I feel that it brings out the best and worst in contestants; you really get to know each person while learning to love or hate them. Of course, it’s hard to not want each couple to end up happy and living their dream of being married. The episodes are a little long, but once you get a feel for the show it can be great for relaxing or watching while cleaning or working out!
Love is blind
This series is quite popular, but OMG it is worth talking about. All 3 seasons are filled with drama, but more importantly, love. Love is in fact blind, if you’re ready for it. Contestants meet their potential love through a wall. Literally sight unseen, as the Lacheys love to say. After getting to know each other for only a few days, contestants start picking their favorites and even proposing. The couples finally get to meet face to face after becoming engaged and spend time with each other until their wedding day. At the altar, each person makes their decision of “I do” or “I don’t”. This show is insanely addicting because you never know what will happen after everyone meets each other and those they chose not to become engaged to, some may regret their choices. For those who do get married, it’s a beautiful process. I always root for true love in the end, but I don’t mind the drama. Absolutely worth the watch.
The ultimatum: Marry or move on
If you’re looking for a TOXIC, dramatic, and unpredictable show, this is it. I can’t say morally I agree with this show’s intent, but it’s interesting to watch. So far, there’s only one season, but I’m sure another is in the making. This series is also hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey (who seem obsessed with pairing up people). A handful of couples enter with the goal of leaving with the person they came with. To test their feelings and relationship with their partner each couple “breaks up” to date the other contestants. The new singles will choose a new partner to live with and date for 3 weeks, then go back to their original partner. Their new experience is meant to show them what they may or may not be missing in their relationships and offer a learning experience of what they could be doing better. The most difficult part of this experiment is each person watching their partner dating someone else. This show feeds jealousy and frustration. Who you think will stay together don’t and who you think would never work choose each other. It is simply a rollercoaster if you’re up for it.
