Married at First Sight Heads Back to Chicago for Season 18: What We Know So Far
“Married at First Sight” is set to return to the Windy City for its 18th season, sparking excitement among fans eager to move past the disappointing Season 17. With ten new singles ready to meet and marry their matches, this season promises fresh dynamics and hopeful new beginnings. Here’s what has been revealed about the upcoming season so far.
A Return to Chicago
Season 18 marks the second time “Married at First Sight” will film in Chicago, Illinois. The first visit to the Windy City was in Season 5 back in 2017, which produced fan-favorite couple Ashley Petta and Anthony D’Amico. This successful pairing gives fans hope that the new season will replicate past successes.
Teaser Trailer Insights
The teaser trailer for Season 18 was unveiled during the second part of the Season 17 reunion. In the clip, Dr. Pia Holec, one of the show’s experts, enthusiastically welcomed her fellow experts, Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson, to Chicago. “I am so excited. Chicago is a great place to find love,” Dr. Holec stated.
Pastor Cal echoed her sentiments, adding, “There’s some really great people and they’re ready for this.” The teaser then cut to interviews with potential matches, building anticipation for the new season.
The New Couples
Viewers will meet five new couples in Chicago. According to sources like mafsfan, the experts have matched:
- Allen and Madison
- Thomas and Camille
- Ikechi and Emem
- Juan and Karla
- David and Michelle
- Potential Drama
The teaser hints at possible drama, reminiscent of Season 17, which featured a runaway bride. In the clip, a bride’s voice is heard saying, “I really don’t know if I can do this,” followed by another voice asking, “Is she really running away?” This suggests viewers might witness another high-stakes wedding day scenario.
The Need for Redemption
Season 17, set in Denver, was widely criticized as the worst season in the franchise’s history. The cast admitted to manipulating their storylines for better television rather than genuinely seeking love. Host Kevin Frazier acknowledged the issues during the reunion, promising “major changes” for the franchise.
Fan Reactions
Many longtime fans expressed their frustration on social media. One fan commented on Instagram, “Kevin, I’m disappointed with the entire Denver cast. I have been a fan of MAFS since season 1. The last 4 seasons have been a snooze. It’s time for a shake-up!!” Frazier responded, “There are some changes being made with Chicago … people really come on saying they want to get married and be in love, then don’t want to be married or in love.”
Looking Ahead
The upcoming season has a lot to prove, and the production team seems determined to restore the show’s credibility. The Chicago weddings have already taken place, with ceremonies held in August 2023 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago. This setting, combined with the experts’ renewed commitment to finding genuine matches, offers a promising backdrop for the season.
Conclusion
As “Married at First Sight” gears up for its 18th season, fans are hopeful for a return to the show’s roots of genuine matchmaking and heartfelt connections. The move back to Chicago, along with significant changes promised by the show’s producers, aims to win back viewers and deliver the successful love stories that have made the franchise popular. Keep an eye out for the official premiere date and get ready to meet the new couples as they embark on their journey to find love at first sight.