Lifetime’s popular reality TV show Married at First Sight takes a step back on Wednesday April 17, to revisit the dramatic and tumultuous season 17 set in Denver, Colorado.
The Denver season of Married at First Sight introduced five couples who embarked on the daunting journey of marrying a stranger. The couples included Emily and Brennan, Clare and Cameron, Becca and Austin, Lauren and Orion, and Michael and Chloe. These individuals took a leap of faith, hoping to find love and a lasting connection. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that this particular installment of the show was veering off the course of fairytale romance and into the territory of relationship challenges and complex dynamics.
The season kicked off with a shocking twist as one bride, paired with Michael, decided to leave him at the altar, marking a first for the show. This set an ominous tone for the rest of the season, with relationships struggling to flourish amidst a backdrop of cultural differences, religious disagreements, and emotional manipulation.
One of the most talked-about couples, Brennan and Emily, faced challenges from the start. Brennan’s reluctance to move in with Emily and his admission of not being physically attracted to her created a tense and uncomfortable dynamic. Their relationship was described as “the most uncomfortable to watch,” with Brennan’s behavior bordering on mental abuse.
Another couple, Orion and Lauren, faced challenges due to cultural differences and the use of a racial slur, leading to their divorce before Decision Day. Their story highlighted the complexities of navigating interracial relationships and the impact of insensitive language.
The season also explored the struggles of Becca and Austin, whose religious differences became a significant hurdle. Despite attempts to reconcile, their marriage ultimately fell apart, with Austin’s passive-aggressive stance and Becca’s ultimatum taking a toll on their connection.
The Denver season of Married at First Sight was not without its share of toxic behavior and unusual censorship issues. The experts, Pastor Cal, Dr. Pepper, and Dr. Pia, faced criticism for their matchmaking choices, with viewers questioning their ability to create lasting matches. The season culminated in a volatile meet-up after Decision Day, where divorced couples spewed insults and further damaged relationships.
The Denver season of Married at First Sight will be remembered as one of the most dysfunctional and disappointing in the show’s history. With four out of five couples choosing divorce, the season highlighted the complexities and challenges of marrying a stranger.
Married at First Sight: A Look Back on Denver airs on Wednesday April 17, 2024 at 10.00pm Lifetime.
