Key Highlights
- The ninth season of “Love Is Blind” on Netflix did not result in any couples getting married.
- Fans have expressed disappointment with the show’s lack of genuine romance and increased scrutiny over its production values.
- The show has maintained high viewership despite criticism, but recent seasons have faced backlash from fans.
- Contestants’ political beliefs and background checks have also become a point of contention for viewers.
The Decline of “Love Is Blind”: A Tale of Disappointment
In the reality dating series’ ninth season, not one couple ended up getting hitched. This shocking conclusion has made some fans question whether Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” is worth their time.
The show debuted on Netflix in February 2020 with its refreshing premise: Can people fall for each other without seeing each other? The idea resonated especially during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, as contestants speed dated from their isolated “pods,” engaging in hours-long conversations that sometimes led to proposals within days.
The Show’s Evolution and Criticism
However, season nine cast members like Kalybriah, Nick Amato, Madison Maidenberg, Anton Yarosh, and Megan Walerius gathered for a reunion episode, signaling the show’s decline. Kadidjha Traore, among many fans who posted about their disappointment on TikTok, cited the success of season one fan favorites Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton as “the poster child of loving being blind.” She stated that “as the seasons went on, ‘Love Is Blind’ kind of has deteriorated.”
While the show hasn’t faced a dip in viewership during its five-year run, it continues to face intense scrutiny from fans. On the Reddit page dedicated to the show, fans dissected season nine’s trajectory across hundreds of posts in more than a dozen threads. TikTok users have also analyzed the couples, with some videos racking up millions of views and thousands of likes.
The Challenge of Reality TV Production
Keeping viewers engaged is part of the challenge of reality TV, according to Claire Fallon and Emma Gray, co-hosts of the “Love To See It” podcast. “The thing about a reality television show is that while producers can intervene and do a lot to shape that narrative, you are still dealing with real people at the end of the day,” said Gray.
Fallon added: “A lot of fans understandably want a season that has good drama, a couple of villains, and then at least one love story that’s sort of uplifting that makes them feel inspired and like they can live through the romantic happiness of the people in that relationship. And if you don’t have all of those components really firing on all cylinders, especially when people have such high expectations of a show, people are going to start to feel disappointed with the product.”
The creator of “Love Is Blind” maintains that the experiment worked as intended: Chris Coelen told Netflix’s publication, “Tudum,” that in season nine, at least one member of each couple felt their love was not strong enough to overcome the challenges of the real world, and they chose not to get married. He argued that this is how the experiment is supposed to work.
Controversies and Casting Issues
This season, which took place in Denver, faced backlash over casting choices. Several online questioned the motivation and maturity of those selected for the show, as well as whether their backgrounds were adequately vetted. A storyline involving Patrick Suzuki, who was turned down by his match, Kacie McIntosh, drew particular criticism.
McIntosh ended their engagement shortly after they met in person, but to the cameras, she said it was because she didn’t think her “attraction” to him would grow.
Contestants Nick Amato and Annie Lancaster also garnered backlash for discussing what they would do if their future kids were gay. Amato said he feels being part of the LGBTQ community is a “fad,” and Lancaster expressed that she wouldn’t be thrilled about it, prompting an apology on his Instagram account.
Future Implications
The season nine reunion airs at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) and aims to address fan concerns while maintaining the show’s core premise.
While some viewers like Rikkii Wise found enjoyment in mess and drama, others remain disappointed. Wise stated that “people have found love on the show,” but questioned whether it truly matters if couples can’t overcome real-world challenges.
The future of “Love Is Blind” remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its production values, casting choices, and ability to deliver satisfying storylines. As reality TV continues to vie for viewership in an oversaturated market, the show’s journey will be closely watched by both fans and industry experts.
