Amid the current Married at First Sight season, the Lifetime show is under scrutiny from fans who think the hit reality TV series needs to be revamped. The massive series, currently in its 16th season, follows a regulated formula for each season. The first episode usually begins with the audience’s introduction to the matches, episodes 2 through 4 document each of the weddings, episodes 5 through 7 focus on a group honeymoon, and the drama then unfolds on the couples’ retreat. Although the structure has remained mostly the same for 16 seasons, a change in pace is not the only aspect fans desire to change about MAFS.
MAFS captured viewers’ hearts through the earnest desire for a connection between couples. Although it is to be expected that not every couple on Married at First Sight would be successful, only 24 percent of couples who appeared on the show are still married today. Notable couples who are still together include Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner from MAFS season 1, AJ Vollmoeller and Stephanie Sersen from season 8, and Briana Myles and Vincent Morales from season 15, who just welcomed their first baby.
MAFS Fans Are Done With The Same Tired Storylines
Between an Instagram fan account poll and subsequent discussion on Reddit, ardent MAFS fans desire a revamp of the structure, focus, and matches on the show. In a Reddit thread started by Raiden720, the fan wrote, “for several years now…the matchups have been horrible for the most part.” The user also broke down the typical, tired structure of the show and brought up a MAFS Instagram fan poll, in which many fans responded that “pretty much almost every post said that the current format is broken, boring, and should not continue." They also said MAFS should be canceled, and take a break to revamp the show.
MAFS Fans Crave Less Drama & More Genuine Connections Between Couples
There are several reasons why fans think MAFS needs a revamp, and the experts, led by Dr. Pepper Schwartz, came under scrutiny first. MAFS fans said they watched the show for the connections, not the drama. One Reddit user Appointment-Proof said, “I feel like they're adopting the TLC model where messier = better. It's sad.” This sentiment was echoed by user sirlost33 who agreed, “While I enjoy the pulpy drama as much as the next person I’m over this show. The experts aren’t even finding people that are ready to be married let alone a good match together.”
Although reality TV shows often run on drama, fans want less manufactured tension between potential pairs and a more genuine desire to make an unconventional marriage story work. With Lifetime footing the bill for MAFS weddings, it seems unlikely that all the couples are in it for benevolent reasons. MAFS seems to be struggling with the message they want to send fans. Reddit user vanilla_finestflavor wrote, “So, as some here have said, MAFS cannot have it both ways. Either make it into the 'sweet little show' that it appeared to be at first, where there was hope of finding a real marriage, or just stop pretending and go for the outright dumpster fire.”
MAFS Fans Want More Compatible Couples
Additionally, fans desire better compatibility between couples. In line with the idea that MAFS has started to manufacture drama to follow a traditional reality TV model, fans suspect that the experts on the show, Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Calvin Roberson, aren’t really in charge of pairing the couples. Although there have been some good couples on the show, there have also been terrible MAFS couples. Instead, fans believe that producers purposefully match people who don’t share core values for purposes of dramatic intent. As Reddit user sashie_belle put it, “they put together people who have differing CORE values in life and come on we know it's producers doing this not the so-called experts.” User closethewindo added, “they need to choose people who want to be married not reality tv ‘stars’.” Clearly, fans are fed up with the change in values expressed on the show.
MAFS is a hit reality TV show that still garners millions of fan views when it airs on Lifetime. Despite its continued success, stalwart fans believe that the show needs a revamp to continue successfully in the crowded sphere of reality TV. MAFS could expand its panel of experts, including bringing back former MAFS expert Dr. Viviana Coles, and return to the practice of matching couples whose core values and life goals align more meaningfully. Additionally, MAFS could shake up its formulaic episodes to make it more interesting. The show's strong fan community wants to see entertaining and genuine episodes moving forward, regardless of complaints. Perhaps the network could consider fans' impressions in regard to revamping the show. Since Married at First Sight has been on the air for nearly two decades, it could use some creativity.
Source: Raiden720/Reddit