I’m Certain Married At First Sight Season 18 Will Improve The Franchise (The Stakes Are Huge)
There is a lot at stake for the Married at First Sight this upcoming season, but I believe season 18 will improve the show. I have been a die-hard Married at First Sight fan for many years and am caught up on all the on-screen and off-screen drama with the cast members and couples over the years. Married at First Sight premiered in 2014, and has aired 17 complete seasons. Season 17 was a season of several firsts that were not positive for the franchise. Firstly, cast member Michael Shiakallis was ditched by his original bride at the altar.
After the initial devastation wore off, the Married at First Sight experts rematched Michael with Chloe Brown. They began their 8-week journey while the other couples were already halfway through. Surprisingly, the seemingly well-matched pair divorced on Decision Day. Their split followed the split of all the other season 17 couples. The unfortunate outcomes in season 17 are on the heels of several seasons with a lot of failures. However, the Married at First Sight franchise can turn things around with season 18.
The MAFS Experts Have A Lot To Prove
They Have Not Matched Many Compatible Couples
In the 17 seasons Married at First Sight has tried its experiment of allegedly compatible strangers marrying each other at the altar, the success rate has been low. There have been a total of 64 couples matches, and of those 64, only 12 are still together, leaving the success rate of the show at just 18.75%. A lot of the blame for the failure of the Married at First Sight couples who didn’t stay together can be put on the experts. They are tasked with sorting through the candidates and matching the most compatible.
The experts are supposed to take into consideration moral values, physical characteristic requests, non-negotiables, pets, and more qualities of that nature. But it has become obvious that experts don’t always pay close enough attention to these things when matching cast members and it has contributed greatly to the downfall of the show’s credibility. Not to mention, there was a group dupe that took place and pulled the wool over the experts’ eyes. The season 17 cast endeavored to present themselves positively for the cameras and not authentically, and the experts never caught on (via Lifetime.)
A lot is riding on the success rate of the Married at First Sight season 18 couples, and I’m certain the experts are no doubt feeling the pressure. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec will be returning as the experts for season 18.
At this point, their jobs are in jeopardy if they fail to do their jobs better by helping the couples overcome obstacles and fail to match potentially successful people in the first place.
I know the fire is lit under them now, which can only be a positive component to improving the franchise.
The MAFS Season 18 Cast Members Will Bring The Drama
Another positive thing going for season 18 is that it appears there will be high entertainment value drama. So far, there are two unofficial trailers out for the upcoming season. One was shown at the end of the finale episode of MAFS season 17, and the second trailer was aired at the end of the final Reunion episode. Not many cast member faces were present in either video, but there were a lot of anticipation shots with cast member audio which I think seemed very enticing from a viewer’s perspective.
From what I saw, there will be one problematic cast member who might give the show an extra dramatic edge. Their voice appeared in two spicy scenes, and I think this person will present a challenge for the experts, and that will also be an opportunity for them to prove themselves.
“I’m not everybody cup of tea but I’m somebody Hennessy and Coke and in four weeks there ain’t gonna be no marriage.”
Moreover, there will be a bride teetering on having cold feet. There will also be a couple questioning their longevity, and talk of lies between one couple. The small clips from season 18 that fans have been privy to I feel are a good indication of season 18’s potential to be popular and engaging.
There Needs To Be Successful Couples In Season 18
Season 18 Has Potential
Seeing as no official trailer has been released yet, fans have a lot of hope going into Married at First Sight season 18. Season 18 will be a fresh slate for MAFS viewers after having to endure several seasons of failed couples and lackluster drama. Given that perspective, I think fans can only buckle up and enjoy the months-long viewer journey to finding out who will stay married come Decision Day and further past the Reunion and “Where Are They Now?” episodes.
There have been several seasons in a row where couples have tapped out of the journey early, which has only contributed to the show’s negative reputation and penchant for airing filler drama. I’m certain the need for a successful season has never been higher because the network wants to keep fans watching and wants to continue making many more seasons to come.
At this point, the season only has potential as no spoilers have been leaked, and the premiere date isn’t even upon us yet.
MAFS Season 18’s Reception Will Be Positive
I know Married at First Sight fans are ready to give a new season a chance. I am one of them, and the hope is that adjustments can be made between the experts’ matchmaking and guidance abilities, cast quality, and dramatic entertainment value. As a long-time fan, I am certain that other Married at First Sightfans will give this upcoming season a chance. The show’s premise is too unique and the loyal viewership is still there. Furthermore, the stakes are high for season 18, and there is every indication it will produce the season fans want to see.
