Since its 2014 premiere, the TLC reality hit 90 Day Fiancé has become a household favorite with countless spinoffs and stories of international love. The series gives viewers an up-close look into how people from across the world attempt to build a life together, but there are some aspects of the show that continue to be criticized.
Aside from the entertaining drama that comes with the reality show genre, 90 Day Fiancé and its spinoffs are a representation of government processes, which can be hard for viewers to grasp. The show is definitely subject to typical reality television critiques, but some bring politics and the American persona into the mix.
Suspicious Intentions
When it comes to reality dating and relationship shows, one of the biggest complaints fans have is the constant wondering of cast members' intentions. With social media platforms having potential career opportunities, it's not uncommon to find reality stars just looking to boost their follower count.
In addition to social media opportunities, the more significant question of intentions involves 90 Day Fiancé cast members perhaps using their significant others to get a ticket into the US. This is discussed in basically every relationship on the show and, unless some real drama ensues, is dull and unworthy of air time.
Scenes Can Seem Scripted
Another unfortunate aspect that frequently becomes a topic of discussion of reality television is the question of just how real it is. Some 90 Day Fiancé red flags are too heinous and conveniently timed moments, which takes away that sense of authenticity.
The language barriers between couples may play a role in the sometimes robotic-sounding exchanges, but cast members such as season 4 stars Chantel Everett and Pedro Jimeno, now of the spinoff The Family Chantel, have blowups with his family that just seem too outrageous to hold any water.
Unresolved Storylines
A big attraction to the 90 Day Fiancé franchise is to see these journeys and all of their ups and downs until the end. However, something that frustrates viewers to no end is not having a resolution to a couple's story, whether they ended up together or went their separate ways.
For example, Narkyia and Olulowo of 90 Day Fiancé season 4 left fans wondering about the relationship's fate after it became obvious Olulowo was in fact not a Nigerian prince. Another cliffhanger from season 4 was the frustratingly apparent catfishing of Yolanda by Williams, which was never resolved on the show.
Affording Constant Travel
It's understood that reality stars make money through their appearances, but many viewers criticize their constant ability to travel and how, if they weren't on the show, these relationships probably wouldn't even move forward.
The immense expenses accumulated from each relationship for travel are absolutely unrealistic aside from some very rare, and lucky, cases. The memorable Darcey Silva's ex, Jesse Meester, has become an influencer and gets paid to travel in luxury, but viewers question whether he'd have that envious job if it weren't for appearing on 90 Day Fiancé.
Frequent Lack Of Employment
One strange aspect of the show that fans hone in on and criticize is that what the stars of 90 Day Fiancé do for a living is often nothing, which only further exacerbates the questions regarding finances. Natalie Nafzinger of season 4 and season 5 explains her struggles with money throughout her appearances, but travels back and forth to Morocco.
Colt Johnson, who made his debut in season 2 of 90 Day Fiancé, noted that he was a software engineer, a profession that typically yields a moderately high income. However, his need to live with his mother and be frugal with his first wife, Larissa Dos Santos Lima, tells a different story that hasn't gone unnoticed by fans.
Cultural Naivety
Americans definitely aren't the most popular nationality when it comes to cross-cultural interactions. However, this street runs both ways when it comes to 90 Day Fiancé. Fans laugh at some cultural miscommunications, but some cast members hold assumptions of their partners based on stereotypes, which can be annoying to viewers.
Many cast members of countries outside of the United States assume that Americans are all wealthy and can spend obscene amounts, which strengthens the suspicious intentions factor. On the other hand, Americans of the show present many faux pas in foreign countries and make viewers cringe in a bad way.
Exploiting Toxic Relationships
While viewers do love to see the drama and fighting among the cast members, especially on the beloved 90 Day Fiancé: The Couples Tell All, it can get to a point where the toxicity of the relationship just makes them uncomfortable.
Audiences expect a lot of dysfunctional couples as their two worlds collide, but producers tend to show more toxicity than the cast's journey through the K1 Visa process. In addition, viewers tire of the toxic relationships of 90 Day Fiancé at times because of their inevitable demise.
Quick To Forgive Deception
Whether big or small, everybody has secrets, and sometimes 90 Day Fiancé reveals leave viewers thinking that the relationship can't possibly get past it. Brittany and Sumit were both found out to still be married, but their separation and mid-divorce statuses were forgivable. On the other hand, couples making up after betrayals frustrate viewers and seem fake.
Audiences couldn't believe Alina's quick-to-forgive attitude when she learned of Steven's social media exploits and sexual status in season 7. These relationships make fans scream at their televisions for the sake of the innocent party and are super frustrating.
Focus On Negative Interactions
Another exhausting staple of reality television is the bulk of what airs focuses on negative interactions, and 90 Day Fiancé is no stranger to chaotic cast members. While the drama and exposure of scandalous secrets draw many viewers in, they also watch for the relationships and notion of star-crossed lovers.
When entire episodes jump from fight to fight and deviate from the premise of navigating through the K1 Visa process, it turns into just another basic reality show with couples constantly fighting. The lack of romance in comparison to volatility tarnishes the ultimate goal of the show, to find love.
Depiction Of The Immigration Process
Probably the biggest criticism 90 Day Fiancé fans have about the show is how it portrays the K1 Visa and immigration process. Even though the show is predicated on this obstacle the couples must overcome, it gets very little air time. The extensive process, meetings, and financial aspects get pushed to the background of the drama.
Producers show the stars learning whether visas get approved or denied, but rarely show the real process leading up to the milestone notices. Because this seems unimportant to producers most of the time, viewers criticize their apparent disregard of what the show is supposedly about.