Reality television fans obsessed with marriage have divided into two factions: Team 90 Day Fiance or Team Married at First Sight. Both shows offer very different views into making it down the aisle, but which one is superior? 90 Day Fiance has been a huge hit for TLC, while Married at First Sight is a ratings grab for Lifetime. A recent poll by Tylt showed that a majority of viewers are tuning into 90 Day Fiance more than MAFS, but there are still compelling elements to both shows.
#Team90DayFiance
The official program synopsis from TLC implores viewers to "follow international couples as they attempt to overcome cultural barriers and family drama while in search of true love that knows no borders. 90 Day Fiance offers a unique look into the world of international dating and matrimony. " The show features an American and a person from another country who are romantically involved and have 90 days to figure out their relationship and make it down the aisle, per the rules of the K-1 Visa. The show debuted in 2014, and has produced a number of marriages and spinoffs. It has also led to skeptics questioning the authenticity of some of the featured romances.
Anfisa and Jorge
One of 90 Day's most hated couples is Jorge and Anfisa. He is the California-based ex-con who imported his bride, Anfisa, from Russia, despite knowing that she was only interested in his money. He was busted on drug charges in February 2018. She stayed in the U.S. and went on to reinvent herself as a fitness guru and bodybuilder on Instagram.
Paola and Russ
The Colombian stunner married her Oklahoma-born husband, but struggled to assimilate into his conservative family and circle of friends. Russ also had to come to terms with his jealousy as Pao pursued her dream of modeling in Miami (some of it nude). They're still going strong. In 2019, the couple had their first child together, a son named Axel.
Robert and Anny
Dominicana Anny made it perfectly clear to her frugal boyfriend, Robert: "Show me the money!" Despite her gold-digging ways, Robert married her anyway. That might have been the best decision he could have made; Anny gave birth to their first daughter, Brenda, in 2020. Robert has a son from a previous relationship.
Loren and Alexei
This couple met on a Birthright Israel trip. New Yorker Loren gave up life in the Big Apple to move back in with her parents in Florida so she could save money to marry Alexei via the K-1 visa. Loren hoped Alexei would become a model here in the U.S., but he wasn't interested. After marrying in 2015, the couple celebrated the birth of their son, Shai, this year
#TeamMAFS
The premise of this reality series is simple: couples are chosen by a team of experts to partake in an arranged marriage. The twist? The bride and groom don't actually meet until they're at the altar. After saying "I do," the experts guide them through their first two months of marriage until Decision Day, when the couples decide whether to stay married for good, or divorce. Married at First Sight has had a spotty track record of success stories, despite its credentialed team of matchmakers. However, the drama has been first-rate.
Mia and Tristan
This couple met when the show filmed in Dallas during season 7. At first, it looked like they were a match made in heaven. That is, until the bride was arrested on their honeymoon for allegedly stalking an ex-boyfriend. Needless to say, this created trust issues for them. They split the day after the show wrapped.
Iris and Keith
Perhaps one of the cuter couples in the show's history, statuesque Iris was paired with heartthrob Keith. Both worked with kids and shared similar family values. The sticking point for them was that Iris is a virgin and shy about sex, while Keith preferred a saucier lady. On Decision Day, he surprised Iris and the experts by asking for a divorce.
Jamie and Doug
Jamie Otis was already a veteran of The Bachelor when she turned up on season 1 of MAFS. She had a full-on meltdown when seeing that the experts had paired her with Doug Hehner. However, she hung in there and the two are still happily married. They've also started a family, and BONUS! Jamie is now the host of Married at First Sight's after show.
While both series have a lot to offer viewers in terms of entertainment, Married at First Sight is the better program. There's something really uplifting about two people who have been unlucky in love bypassing all the red tape and walking down the aisle to meet each other. As viewers, we get to see these singles' excitement learning that their dating status will change in just a matter of days. It's also fun watching the process by which couples are matched. Then there are the weddings, which are especially heartfelt. Exploring relationship ups and downs is also helpful for those who may be navigating similar issues in real life. By contrast, 90 Day Fiance is a lot of shenanigans, bad plastic surgery and equally bad clothes, needless drama, and cheesy talk of soulmates. Sure, it's hilarious, but it's also exploitative. Both shows are worth a watch, but Married at First Sight is like the person you marry; 90 Day Fiance is that freaky hookup you're too ashamed to be seen with in public.