TheMarried At First Sightseason 18 cast is exploring uncharted territory.MAFSis a social experiment in which relationship experts pair singles based on the characteristics they seek in a partner. Previously strangers, the couples are introduced for the first time at their wedding. They then live together as newlyweds, all while getting to know one another. At the end of the season, each couple must decide whether to remain married or get divorced.
Married At First Sightseason 18takes place in Chicago, Illinois.The couples include Ikechi, 41, and Emem, 34; David, 35, and Michelle, 38; Allen, 35, and Madison, 29; Thomas, 42, and Camille, 32; and Juan, 36, and Carla, 33. The singles all share a common experience of being exhausted with the search for love, willing to put their fates in the hands of strangers. The returning relationship experts are Pastor Cal Roberson, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, and Dr. Pia Holec.
The MAFS Season 18 Cast Has Red Flags
Several Couples Show Early Signs Of Conflict
Season 18 includes several cast members who’ve raised concerns. Ikechi, who married Emem, previously applied to be onMarried At First Sightwhen it was casting in Houston for season 13, which aired in 2021. It seems strange that Ikechi applied three years before his eventual appearance, which suggests he could be clout chasing and motivated by the show’s fame. According to Ikechi, his first attempt resulted in no matches, raising the possibility that he changed his criteria the second time around to secure a spot among the cast.
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Thomas and Camille appear to be a seamless fit, and they were both overjoyed on their wedding day.However, as they get to know each other, Camille’s concern grows when she learns about Thomas’s past; he was in a relationship for nine years. According toPeople, the relationship ended because of Thomas' inability to commit. This information is understandably alarming to Camille, who wonders whether Thomas is ready to commit now.
Karla and Juan’s strong personalitiesset them up for potential clashes. Juan admitted he’s not an easy person to live with and needs to learn how to compromise.His mother even told him to “behave yourself so that things run smoothly.” Meanwhile, Karla gushed about how much she loved her husband before even meeting him. She and her family are extremely close, but her parents chose not to attend the wedding.
MAFS Season 18 Has Several Scandals
The Season 18 Drama Is “Unprecedented”
Married At First Sightseason 18 may be the wildest season in the show’s history.The trailer released byPage Sixalludes to a cheating scandal. Although the offender isn’t identified, David’s wife, Michelle, is seen commenting, “married people don’t sext other women,” suggesting one of the men is at fault. The possibility of cheating indicates the offender has a lack of consideration for their spouse, which is hypocritical considering the vulnerable position each cast member is putting themselves in.
As if infidelity weren’t enough, season 18 will allegedly feature thefirst-ever swap between twoMarried At First Sightcouples. In the trailer, Dr. Pia comments that “infidelity between two couples is unprecedented.”This creates the potential that the couples at the end of the season are not those who were initially matched. TheMarried At First SightInstagram seemingly confirms this, writing on September 17, “Introducing the couples of #MarriedAtFirstSight Season 18… or are they?”
Infidelity and betrayal are always frowned upon, but at the same time, the contestant’s goal on the show is to find love.
A swap between couples would turn the entire premise of the show on its head. Infidelity and betrayal are always frowned upon, but at the same time, the contestant’s goal on the show is to find love.If their true match ends up being somebody else’s spouse, the lines of appropriate behavior may become blurred in this social experiment setting.
How MAFS Season 18’s Cast Compares To Past Seasons
The Cast Is Pushing Limits
Married At First Sighthas seen numerous chaotic situations throughout the past 17 seasons.There have been divorces, runaway brides, early departures, and even arrests. But if there is a wife swap in season 18, that would be unlike anything else in the show’s history. It would suggest the cast is willing to disregard the experts’ advice and embark on their own search for love, even within the show.
TheMarried At First Sightseason 18 castis more mature than that of earlier seasons.The entire cast is in their 30s or 40s, except for Madison, who is 29.This means the couples are more experienced and aware of what they are looking for, but it also means they may be more set in their ways and unwilling to compromise. An older cast reflects the societal shift regarding marriage, as economic uncertainty pushes more people to get married at an older age.
Which MAFS Season 18 Couples Are Still Together
The past few seasons ofMarried At First Sighthave had a disappointing success rate. None of the season 17 couples are still together. Both seasons 16 and 17 saw only two couples stay together on Decision Day. Due to the show’s declining success rate, the relationship experts are widely criticized for their inability to create lasting couples.
However, based on past experiences, it is doubtful there are many, if any, success stories to come fromMarried At First Sightseason 18.
Although the success of the season 18 couples has not been confirmed, there are some promising signs.Every couple appeared to be genuinely pleased with their matches on their wedding day.However, based on past experiences, it is doubtful there are many, if any, success stories to come fromMarried At First Sightseason 18. During theMarried At First Sight: Afterparty,Karla distanced herself from her earlier enthusiasm for Juan. When asked by host Keshia Knight Pulliam if she was in love with Juan, Karla responded that she loves everybody.
The possibility of a wife swap duringMarried At First Sightseason 18 makes it especially unlikely the involved couples end up together. Emotions are high following the wedding day, and the contestants are desperate to leave the show with a new spouse. But if the relationship experts’ choices didn’t result in lasting love, it’s unlikely infidelity will.
Married At First Sightairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
