Married at First Sight is one of the most intriguing reality dating shows on television. It ranks right up there with popular shows like 90 Day Fiance. The premise takes total strangers and matches them with their new spouse. Contestants on the show agree to get hitched and stay hitched over the course of several weeks. At the end of the trial period, they decide to stay the course or go their separate ways.
Viewers get an up-close and personal look at some intense and emotional moments between the couples. They share their ups and downs and their journey as husband and wife. While fans seem to be in the know with regards to this series, there are still some tidbits that are kept behind closed doors. These behind the scenes facts will surprise even the most avid show watcher.
Prenups Are Required
Going into a marriage with accumulated assets often warrants a prenuptial agreement. This protects parties should they decide that marriage is simply not for them.
The cast members who enter a binding union on Married At First Sight have a built-in prenup. Everyone has to sign one and it essentially says what you walk into the marriage with is what you walk out with. Considering some of the cast members' financial holdings, this is a smart way to handle a show such as this one.
The Show Sometimes Pays For Divorces
Plenty of marriages that stem from this show never make it off the ground. While some couples have managed to work through issues and stay together, others ran for the hills.
When divorce happens, the show steps in with aid. Show creator, Chris Coelan, revealed in an interview that when a couple legally parts, production assists by paying for their attorney fees, so long as the divorce happens within a specific timeframe.
The Show Producer Has A Special Investment In The Show
The man behind the show is also behind hits like The Taste, Litten Women: L.A., Wife Swap, and Don't Forget the Lyrics. When it came to Married at First Sight, Chris Coelen had a special incentive for doing the show.
He, himself, met his wife on a blind date, and because of this experience, he fully believes in true love at first glance. Considering many of the couples are still together, it seems that Coelen is not the only one who believes this.
Married At First Sight Is Actually A Spinoff
Married at First Sight seems like it is one of the most unusual and innovative reality shows to ever be made, but it is actually a spinoff of another hit reality show from across the pond.
The series stems from a similar reality show that was created by the Dutch called Gift Ved Første Blik. Following the original, several spinoffs took flight worldwide, including the American version of Married at First Sight.
The Reason Behind No Same-Sex Couples
In this day and age, it is unusual to have a reality television show that doesn't include same-sex couples. Married at First Sight is one of the few that only showcases heterosexual couples. The reason behind the decision to keep things this way is purely logistical.
The casting structure doesn't allow for members of the same gender to mingle before meeting. During the initial stages of casting, women are kept with women and men with the men. That said, the show's producer would love to try and find a way to make same-sex couples on his show work.
Matchmakers Are Used
It seems as if individuals heading into this show are going in totally blind, with no assistance at the helm. And while they are diving into a relationship without knowing a single thing about the other person, there is professional help on standby.
Contestants on the show do have access to relationship experts. These experts often help them work through their fears, concerns, and squabbles as they navigate such abnormal relationship waters.
The First Audition Had Tens Of Thousands Of Applicants
One wild fact about the show is that the first season ended up with over 17,000 applicants. It seemed that pretty much anyone and everyone wanted to get hitched that year. Individuals trying to score a spot in the inaugural season didn't even know the show's full premise, and they still turned out to try and be a part of it.
This giant pool has only grown in recent seasons. The last few installments have had over 50,000 applicants ask to be a part of the hit series.
The Search For The Perfect Applicant
Casting a show like this one is absolutely key to its success. While some contestants do things the old fashion way, filling out forms in hopes of earning a callback, others are sought out for a spot on Married at First Sight.
In order to find people who genuinely seem like a perfect fit for one another, the team has to scour the world, scouting out potential cast members. They look at dating websites and head out to bars, church groups, and mixers to land the ideal group of men and women.
Big Time Background Checks
In reality television, background checks are an essential component to the whole process. The cast members on Married at First Sight go through all sorts of checks to make sure that they are emotionally and physically up for the challenge of marrying a stranger.
Credit checks are also performed to ensure no one is entering a union with secret mountains of debt and criminal records are also looked into.
They Get A Paycheck To Say "I Do"
There are conflicting stories regarding how much money the cast members make by being on this show. One report claimed that the newlyweds got nothing because the show didn't want them to be motivated by anything other than finding love.
Other reports claimed that participants made $15,000 dollars for their first season and up to $25,000 dollars by their third season.