Married at First Sight

TV.Cynic · February 5, 2025, 11:11am

Episode 8 - Confessions

It’s halfway through Confessions Week, and the newlyweds face a new round of Expert tasks designed to help fast-track their relationships. For some couples, the challenges deepen their connection, while for others, they expose unsettling revelations about their partners and reveal cracks in their relationships.

This year’s brand-new Ex-Files task invites the newlyweds to delve into their romantic histories. For MORENA & TONY, it highlights a growing disconnect, while for JAMIE & DAVE, it strengthens their bond and leads to a thrilling new level of intimacy.

The Ex-Files task intensifies AWHINA & ADRIAN’S passionate, hot-and-cold dynamic, when AWHINA’S revelation sparks a harsh reaction from ADRIAN. Later, during the Confessions Letter task, ADRIAN’S evasive behaviour leaves AWHINA questioning his motives and wondering if he’s truly as innocent as he claims. Unlike ADRIAN, RHI holds nothing back during the Confessions Letter task, taking the opportunity to make her feelings about husband, JEFF, unmistakably clear.

JACQUI follows suit with a letter to RYAN, confidently asserting her worth and the exceptional qualities a man must possess to be her partner. However, instead of fostering a connection, the letter sparks tension as RYAN feels JACQUI’S confession is less about being vulnerable, and more about critiquing the ways he doesn’t measure up.

As Confessions Week comes to an end, the Photo Ranking task forces hidden truths to come out—unveiling SIERAH’S insecurities and revealing a side of JAKE that leaves ASH stunned. In the fallout, ASH makes a decision that not only sets the stage for a dramatic showdown at the upcoming Commitment Ceremony, but risks tearing her relationship with JAKE apart.

Next week

TV.Cynic · February 6, 2025, 12:14am

From NIne:

In its first week alone, MAFS has reached 6 million Total TV viewers, up +6.4% year-on-year. As Aussie viewing habits evolve, Nine remains at the forefront, with 9Now recording its largest BVOD launch audience ever at 262,000, driving growth of +30% year-on-year.

Pranks · February 6, 2025, 3:45am

The show will never have a shortage of applicants so it’s probably bullet proof. Unless they somewhat tweak the format I think the show will be with us forever.

I don’t think this juggernaut will suffer the same fate as MKR.

JohnsonTV · February 6, 2025, 4:47am

I did predict that this show will run until 2032 (the year of Brisbane Olympics) if Nine really wants it. The unknown factor though is the production cost.

JohnsonTV · February 6, 2025, 9:31pm

JohnsonTV · February 9, 2025, 12:28am

Lucinda Light, who took part in last year’s 11th season, is on the cover of Sunday Life magazine inside Sunday Age and The Sun-Herald today.

Since leaving MAFS Light has signed a major book deal and recently returned from Cyprus, where she’s part of a new UK dating show – on the expert panel, not as a contestant – hosted by Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison.

jag3146 · February 9, 2025, 3:52am

One of the good news stories from MAFS. Love Lucinda, she is a great person.

I found it interesting in the Nine newspapers that the story had this in its first paragraph…

“By now, many Australians will be familiar with the formula of popular reality TV show “Married at First Sight” , aka MAFS . Men and women who have been paired by the show’s producers meet for the first time at the altar.”

I can be very over critical of MAFS while “secretly” watching it (my partner hates it) By now I should know what to expect and accept it as it is, a ratings juggernaut for Nine that they push to the limits of decency. What I don’t like though, is the “lie” they keep repeating that the couples are paired by the “experts”. I know we on here know the truth but I doubt the average viewer does. The three people on the show may be experts in their field but selecting the cast is not one of their tasks. I do though like all three of them.

JBar · February 9, 2025, 4:36am

They are “experts” in melodrama.

JohnsonTV · February 9, 2025, 6:41am

Richard Sauerman, who was paired with Andrea Thompson last season, recently posted the list on Instagram explaining that the MAFS contract is 37 pages long with these clauses listed in a highlighted box on page one.

According to Richard, the MAFS contract includes the following stipulations which he refers to as ‘the seven rules of the game’:

You may or may not be shown in a way that you consider favourable or unfavourable.

You may be shown in a way you consider to be embarrassing.

You and your Partner may not result in a successful or compatible match.

You may receive a lot of public attention, including on TV, in newspapers, social media and by paparazzi and other commentators, that may be untrue, negative or unwanted.

You are not guaranteed financial rewards or fame by participating - this is a program where the main goal is to find love.

Your appearance on the Program may result in others seeing or treating you differently in your personal, work or professional life.

You may experience these things during and after your participation in the Program and its broadcast in both Australia and internationally.

Pranks · February 9, 2025, 7:50am

Yet so so many go on it and complain at the other end. I mean, how many seasons have we had now? It’s a lottery if production want you as a villain or whatever. You can’t come out the other end and complain, zero sympathy.

Drew_1981 · February 9, 2025, 8:17am

Just caught up on the first week.

I have to say I think this year the “experts” have probably done their best matching so far in any season. The people they have paired all have stuff in common like being a twin, not having a dad, having jobs teaching kids, being bullied and now overcompensating as an adult, the ones who said I don’t care about looks getting someone average and the ones asking for tall tatted sensitive guys getting just that.

But I feel like the negative things and the hang ups haven’t been aired because they know that’s what will ultimately make these couples clash.

I don’t believe that 2 of the couples have already dated out of 10,000 applicants or whatever they said the probability of that is low, so scripted or deliberately picked.

Also this year seems like all the men have the issues. Also Paul comes across as ethnic but he’s French?

TV.Cynic · February 9, 2025, 10:08am

Episode 9 - Commitment Ceremony

As Confessions Week comes to an end, the couples face the next phase of the experiment: the very first Commitment Ceremony. While some couples look forward to celebrating their newfound connections, others are bracing themselves for some stern feedback from the Experts, or facing the difficult decision of whether to stay and work on their relationship or leave the experiment for good.

Before the first couple take their seat on the couch, TIM makes a shocking return to the experiment, leaving KATIE and the group shocked. The mood in the room lifts when the Experts welcome the first couple on the couch, CARINA and PAUL who reveal the intimacy they’ve shared and the Experts comment on the progress they’ve made together so early on in the experiment.

JEFF and RHI take the couch next, and Expert Alessandra notes the unprecedented nature of both RHI and JEFF, and CARINA and PAUL having dated prior to coming to the Experiment. JEFF and RHI admit they’re taking things slow as their one month romance previously fizzled and they don’t want the same thing to happen again. They both reveal stay and are hopeful their relationship keeps moving in a positive direction.

When ASH and JAKE take their seat on the couch, ASH is hesitant to bring up the comments JAKE made about the other brides during the Photo Ranking Task but is struggling to deal with it on her own. The group are horrified to hear the comments JAKE made, and Expert MEL holds JAKE to account for the hurtful things he said. Despite ASH’S decision to stay and wanting to give JAKE another chance, the Groom reveals he has written leave, feeling betrayed by ASH confiding in other members of the group behind his back.

JAMIE and DAVE are all loved up, gushing about their relationship and waste no time telling Expert MEL how comfortable they feel with each other. Next, SIERAH and BILLY admit finding comfort in each other during vulnerable moments over the past week. Both couples reveal they’ve written stay.

JACQUI and RYAN are up next, and the mood quickly sours as RYAN confronts the Experts, claiming they ignored he and JACQUI’S wishes when they matched them. Expert JOHN wastes no time and discovers their complaints revolve around their everyday needs whilst living together and not fundamental incompatibilities. Expert JOHN emphasises the connection they both share and encourages them to overlook their minor hangups. They both reveal their decision to stay and continue in the experiment.

After a week of difficulty and ups and downs, TONY and MORENA are instructed by Expert ALESSANDRA to try to strike a balance between both light-hearted conversations and deep and meaningful ones. They both reveal they’d like to stay in the experiment for another week.

AWHINA doesn’t hold back when talking about her attraction to ADRIAN but admits she’s struggling to take her walls down. ADRIAN’S comments about preferring a partner with no children is the root of the conflict in their relationship because AWHINA is a mother. ADRIAN details why he has these concerns but also admits his commitment to AWHINA and the efforts he’s making to see past them. Expert JOHN notes the chemistry the couple have exudes on the couch and congratulates them for maturely working through their issues together. The couple both decide to stay in the experiment for at least another week.

The final couple to come to the couch are KATIE and TIM. KATIE first unpacks the hurt she felt when TIM admitted there was no spark on their honeymoon, and later the disrespect of TIM’s actions when she had no contact from him. TIM tells his side of events, stating he felt KATIE was not interested in getting to know him. The group weighs in questioning TIM and Expert JOHN finds contradictory statements when TIM reveals that he’d never attempted to reach out to KATIE and instead left her living on her own in the apartments.

Despite continued attempts by the Experts to understand if TIM can take any accountability, he remains reluctant to do so. Both TIM and KATIE write leave meaning their relationship and time in the experiment is over. Despite the demise of their relationship, KATIE is leaving the experiment with a new-found confidence and belief in herself and is thankful for the friendships she made.

JohnsonTV · February 10, 2025, 10:18am

TV.Cynic · February 10, 2025, 10:23am

Episode 10 - Intimacy Week

The couples are reflecting on the first Commitment Ceremony of the experiment and TIM’S shock return on the couch. KATIE’S experience from the experiment and the couple’s exit has everyone’s attention but it’s JAKE’S inappropriate comments about some of the other wives which have sent shockwaves through the group.

Things go from bad to worse when ASH wakes up to find JAKE packing his bags. JAKE reveals he is determined to leave and quit the experiment before INTIMACY WEEK gets underway – but will he follow through with his plan?

This year, Expert ALESSANDRA has decided to up the ante on INTIMACY WEEK with some brand-new exercises for our couples. This next phase of the experiment, ALESSANDRA will be hosting a Brides’ and a Grooms’ workshop – and today it’s the Grooms turn to spend a day at home while the Brides gather to discuss their connections with their partners and be briefed on the first task of the week.

As the workshop unfolds the wives don’t hold back about their varied intimacy challenges, but it’s MORENA’S revelation that TONY recoils from her touch and is in bed every day by 5pm that shocks the group the most.

ALESSANDRA reveals a brand-new task called ‘The Ultimate Fantasy Night’. All Brides must create and design their perfect romantic date giving them a chance to take control and show their partner what they want and what makes them feel special. CARINA and JAMIE heat up the task deciding on sexy lingerie, while the others take a more restrained approach. RHI treats husband JEFF with a romantic Japanese feast inspired by their dating life before the experiment, and AWHINA opts for a sexy board game to help bridge an emotional gap with husband ADRIAN.

SIERAH decides to create a sensual massage hoping to bring her and BILLY closer together, but the activity hits a roadblock as a reluctant BILLY struggles with her upfront approach. Meanwhile, RYAN fails to deliver words of affirmations JACQUI so desperately craves in her Ultimate Fantasy Night, leaving JACQUI feeling unwanted and undesired.

It’s MORENA and TONY who are the surprise success of the night, as an anxious and nervous TONY is won over by MORENA’S Titanic themed lingerie and painting task, culminating in the creation of the “Morena Lisa”, an apology from TONY and a promising new connection.

TV.Cynic · February 11, 2025, 8:49am

I see that one of the brides has broken her contract and published her current relationship status (that is no surprise to anyone) getting around the social media ban imposed by the show. Naturally blaming the editing of the show for her portrayal. Wonder what the consequences will be.

JBar · February 11, 2025, 9:03am

More Followers.

Pranks · February 11, 2025, 9:07am

Well the most they can do is stop any future payments. I doubt they would bother perusing any legal around a contract breach, Nine wouldn’t want the attention. They would simply just be terminated. Most contestants don’t seem cash rich so you can probably see why they keep the mouth closed to ensure the funds keep coming.

I recall it was mentioned payments are somewhat staggered during filing and during the air, not sure if that’s true but would make sense.

TV.Cynic · February 11, 2025, 10:37am

Episode 11 - Intimacy Week

As INTIMACY WEEK continues, the couples wake to reflect on ALESSANDRA’S Ultimate Fantasy Night task. For some, it was a resounding romantic success. CARINA and PAUL are feeling stronger than ever after CARINA stepped outside her comfort zone in the bedroom and RHI and JEFF are still glowing after revisiting their first wedding dance. JAMIE and DAVE are equally elated, playfully teasing each other with intimate innuendos about their evening together.

However, not everyone is riding high on endorphins. SIERAH is disappointed after her carefully planned evening fell flat—her hope for BILLY to show more physical affection didn’t materialize. BILLY, however, insists that INTIMACY WEEK isn’t just about sex, reaffirming his need for an emotional connection first. For RYAN and JACQUI, the night only highlighted their ongoing struggles. JACQUI tasked RYAN with making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, but RYAN failed to deliver on the task, something RYAN disputes.

AWHINA and ADRIAN enjoyed a fun evening playing a sexy board game, but their good vibes and flirtations quickly fizzled as the couple descend into an argument over mess in the marital home. AWHINA expressed concerns about ADRIAN’s lack of effort in their relationship, worrying about the example he might set for her son.

Later, at ALESSANDRA’S workshop for the Grooms, the husbands open up about their experiences with their wives. PAUL beamed about his electric evening with CARINA, and TONY’s breakthrough with MORENA earned cheers from the group. JEFF shared how his relationship with RHI is progressing in the right direction despite their history of dating before the experiment and being in the friend zone.

BILLY expressed his desire for both emotional and physical intimacy, with ALESSANDRA offering advice on achieving that balance. Then there was RYAN, who put his foot in it - he parroted JAKE’s criticism of his partner JACQUI, calling her “crazy eyes” before bragging about their sex life in a way that left the group shocked and stunned.

After the workshop, RYAN’s comments become the topic on everyone’s lips. DAVE reveals to JAMIE he felt guilty not speaking up at the workshop and plans to confront RYAN at the next Dinner Party.

Later, INTIMACY WEEK continues to spark amongst the experiment…DAVE learns a surprising detail about JAMIE’S adventurous past, while RHI and JEFF share a passionate kiss - reigniting the spark they’ve been missing since arriving in the experiment.

Over at TONY and MORENA’s, TONY returns eager to share his excitement about the workshop, but he is met with disinterest from MORENA, who chooses to read a quote from her inspirational book instead. Hurt and frustrated, TONY doesn’t hold back saying communication and listening in a relationship should go both ways. After some time apart, TONY returns and apologises for being rude to MORENA, but it falls on deaf ears deepening the rift between them. Feeling disheartened, TONY leaves for Wollongong to clear his head, leaving MORENA alone in the apartment.

With the Dinner Party looming, JAMIE reveals RYAN’S inappropriate comments about JACQUI to CARINA, predicting an explosive evening ahead.

jag3146 · February 11, 2025, 3:37pm

I think this show helps me to realise I’m a reasonable sane person with respect for others. Ryan is a terrible excuse for a man and Morena is just a wee bit crazy. Run back to Wollongong and stay there Tony. Ryan’s partner is a wee bit crazy too.

killy06 · February 11, 2025, 8:48pm

We’re all a wee bit crazy