The men and women taking part in the new season
SEASON 13 OVERVIEW
Australiaʼs No. 1 entertainment program and most talked about social experiment, Married at First Sight , returns Monday, February 2 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now for its keenly awaited 13th season in 2026.
The new season of the ratings powerhouse that delivers unparalleled drama, heartwarming connections and unforgettable moments, is poised to bring another rollercoaster of love, emotion, romance and drama as a new set of hopeful singles from around Australia take the huge leap of faith and embark on their marital journey in this unique pathway to finding true love.
Season 13 of Married at First Sight is set to be the most captivating and unpredictable yet. From the moment the couples walk down the aisle, to the explosive Dinner Parties and equally dramatic and emotionally charged Commitment Ceremonies, expect fireworks and jaw-dropping moments that will shape the relationships, dynamics and friendships throughout the experiment. For some, itʼs instant and undeniable chemistry. For others, the path to love is far more challenging.
New twists and turns in the experiment, a new chapter of ‘Revelations Weekʼ is introduced, and last seasonʼs new addition of ‘Final Test Weekʼ returns with a powerful twist that will challenge and spark make-or-break relationship decisions for the couples.
In 2026, our trio of experts are returning: certified sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling . They have meticulously matched our singles and will guide the participants on their quest to build genuine, long-lasting relationships.
In a must-watch destination for every MAFS fan, the groundbreaking new Stan Original series MAFS After The Dinner Party will stream exclusively on Stan. It will be the only place for viewers to find immediate participant interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, expert analysis and fan commentary.
More than a decade on, Married at First Sight continues to be the talk of the nation, capturing millions of viewers and hearts.
Take your front row seat for Married at First Sight in 2026. Prepare for an unforgettable mix of spectacular fairytale romances and explosive, unprecedented drama as televisionʼs biggest reality show returns for its most highly anticipated season yet.
Married at First Sight is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company) for the 9Network.
Considering MAFS’ dismal track record when it comes to creating long-term relationships, you really have to question Rampolla, Aiken and Schilling’s performance and just how ‘meticulously’ they go about matching the singles…
That’s the job of the producers.
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Do people still believe Nine’s BS about who matches the ‘couples’.
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You could never tell this was a Channel 9 show being written about (a real fluff piece) by a Channel 9 newspaper. 
At risk of being called out for repeating myself, the EXPERTS DO NOT match the contestants! I get sucked into watching this most years but will still call it out for the BS!
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Did anyone manage to capture a Married in-program/pop-up ident, tennis themed including “after the tennis”? Been shown a few times in recent days during the finals.
A ‘male’ and ‘female’ looking ‘bride and groom’ tennis ball, complete with ball fluffing up and V/Os in the animation.
wasn’t sure which thread either - this, pres or tennis coverage
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There has obviously been a huge amount of drama over the past 11 years. Do you regret any of the matches you’ve made?
AR: Well, yes, a lot of our matches unfortunately combust and don’t work out.
I wonder why Alssandra…
It’s clear for all to see that the ‘couples’ are not being matched to be successful (which is what the show’s aim should be) but rather to spectacularly self-destruct.
AR: Ultimately, it’s not about how many couples make it to the end.
I would have thought that’s exactly what it should be…
JA: We take duty of care very seriously on the show …
I can’t believe John said that with a straight face when there’s been example after example of MAFS fundamentally disregarding participants duty of care.
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Part of Albo’s address to Labor caucus today. You can work out what he was alluding to with the comparison.
Nothing upbeat said about the show, but given his platform, any publicity is good, I guess.
I note that Married At First Sight begins tonight and it’s a bit like that with the relationships on the other side. You know they’re going to end badly. You know there’s going to be cheating involved and they’re going to be not truthful to each other and, you know, that’s what we’re seeing played out in real-time down the other, I’m not sure if they’re down the other end of the corridor or where their meetings are taking place at this point in time, but we’ll continue to be focused. Thanks.
It’s going to be a long two months with ratings dominance but here we are…
Let the drama begin. 
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Personally can’t stand Married, but I’d be very worried if I was Ten or especially Seven.
It (and Nine’s other key shows) are the only promos that 14m Australians have seen and had on their minds the past few weeks, especially recent days.
Already social media lit up within seconds at 7:30pm tonight, it went straight to No. 1 trend on X and that’s not even as popular/reputable platform anymore.
This predicted purple patch reminds me very much of Seven 2018 (Aus Open > MKR > Pyeongchang Winter Olympics > Gold Coast Comm Games), a big MKR promo during these across months saw that ep do 1.7m metro broadcast or something, does anyone remember?
“You think you’re funny? Blow fish! … This behaviour is unacceptable, you are excused from the table”.
Shows the power of these events, lead-ins and marketing, especially close together and Q1.
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Agreed.
It sucks, but producers want drama and got their script ready (especially with the upcoming After the Dinner Party exclusive to Stan)
Do they just head down to the local Gym to scout out all these blokes?
Episode One
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 7.30PM
The Married at First Sight experiment officially begins as the brides and grooms gather for their Bucks and Hens nights — one last chance to celebrate before marrying a complete stranger.
At the Bucks, the grooms reveal a mix of hope, nerves and unresolved baggage. There’s DAVID, a former rapper turned devout Christian; STEVEN, whose long history of online dating rejection has left him doubting his worth; and CHRIS, whose blunt preferences are already raising eyebrows. We also meet GRAYSON, chasing the same soulmate success enjoyed by former participants and close friends — Johnny and Kerry.
Over at the Hens, optimism is high at first. BEC is stepping into love with new confidence after a life-changing 20-kilogram weight loss. JULIA is open to love in any form, while RACHEL hopes to finally be seen — inside and out. But the mood shifts when GIA arrives. Her unapologetic, no-filter approach immediately clashes with Bec, sparking a heated confrontation that signals drama ahead.
Wedding bells soon follow. First to the altar is RACHEL, a warm-hearted 34-year-old from Melbourne whose infectious laugh masks deep insecurities shaped by a 14-year relationship drought and a painful seven-year situationship that left her feeling like a secret. She longs for a man who will make her feel chosen.
Her match, STEVEN, is a softly spoken marine technician from Sydney — a self-described “doctor for boats” and proud mama’s boy. Single for over a decade, Steven is weary from rejection but hopeful for a genuine connection built on kindness and humour.
Next up is high-energy nurse and social media manager ALISSA — bold, passionate and self-styled as a “slay queen.” She wants a fairytale romance with someone strong enough to meet her intensity. Enter DAVID, a 31-year-old e-commerce manager from Brisbane: charming, loyal and guided by his faith, yet tired of being overlooked as “the nice guy.”
The Experts pair ALISSA’s fire with DAVID’s calm — but sparks fly immediately. In a jaw-dropping moment at the altar, Alissa stops the ceremony, joking that she can’t marry DAVID unless he gets down on one knee. The moment lands awkwardly. Torn between pride and peace, DAVID hesitates — before ultimately relenting, dropping to one knee as the room erupts in cheers and laughter.
RACHEL and STEVEN’s wedding, by contrast, is gentle and sincere. Awkward smiles, nervous giggles and heartfelt vows set a sweet tone — but cracks soon appear at the reception. RACHEL is quietly hurt when STEVEN fails to compliment her appearance, triggering old insecurities, while STEVEN struggles to push past his nerves.
Meanwhile, at ALISSA and DAVID’s reception, the tension lingers. DAVID’s friends warn him that ALISSA’s dominant personality could overwhelm his laid-back nature. Still processing the altar moment, DAVID begins to question what lies ahead — until ALISSA surprises him with a sincere apology and a revelation that leaves him stunned: she, too, is a Christian.
As the night draws to a close for RACHEL and STEVEN, the unspoken issue finally surfaces. After an awkward but honest exchange, STEVEN apologises and offers the reassurance RACHEL has been craving. One simple compliment is enough to soothe years of self-doubt, ending their wedding day on a hopeful, heart-warming note.
The experiment has begun — and the emotional stakes are already sky-high.
I wonder what else did they expect. Oh wait, just that. Because that is good production value and that’s what people want to see, evidently.
So much for the illusion, although I guess 99% of us knew it’s BS anyway.
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EPISODE 2
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 7.30PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
Couples ALISSA and DAVID, and RACHEL and STEVEN learn where they’ll be heading for their honeymoons — with snow for ALISSA and DAVID, and wine country in Mudgee for RACHEL and STEVEN. Both couples are excited to toast their new marriages under the stars.
Meanwhile, the Experts reveal the next two matches: MEL and LUKE, and GIA and SCOTT.
First up is LUKE, a humble and hardworking farmer who put love on hold after losing his father to cancer and taking over the family farm. Five years on, he’s ready to find love. His match is MEL, a sweet girl-next-door type searching for the “blue to her pink” — and LUKE certainly brings the blue in spades.
The morning of MEL and LUKE’s wedding begins smoothly, until disaster strikes. Halfway to the ceremony, LUKE realises he’s forgotten the rings. His limo turns back in a frantic dash, while a calm and excited MEL imagines her groom waiting at the altar — unaware he’s racing against time. A chaotic car chase ensues, but MEL arrives first, forced to walk down an empty aisle. Shocked and unimpressed, her disappointment sets the tone for the day.
Despite LUKE’s apologies and heartfelt vows, MEL struggles to move past the rocky start. At the reception, she keeps her distance, eventually seeking advice from her mum. While she tries to take it on board, the damage is done. By night’s end, MEL admits she still can’t let it go, leaving LUKE questioning how long he’ll be paying for one mistake. Their wedding ends on an awkward and sour note.
Bride GIA wakes on her wedding day feeling nervous and craving calm — but that peace is shattered when her loud, high-energy friends arrive with champagne and chaos. Tempers flare, and the friends are swiftly kicked out so GIA can regain control.
Groom SCOTT, meanwhile, arrives excited to meet his bride. After a tense morning, GIA and her man of honour make amends and head to the venue — only for GIA to discover she’s having a beach wedding, triggering another meltdown. But the moment she and SCOTT lock eyes, everything changes. Their chemistry is instant, with laughter, warmth and mutual attraction carrying them through the vows.
At the reception, the connection deepens — but GIA is holding onto a secret. She’s a mum, and terrified that revealing the truth might scare SCOTT away. Before she can find the right moment, her uncle lets it slip to SCOTT’s parents. Forced to come clean, GIA braces for the worst. Instead, SCOTT surprises her, embracing the news and welcoming the idea of becoming a stepdad. Both are left hopeful, smitten, and believing they may have found something truly special.
EPISODE 3:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 AT 7.30PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
As newlyweds, GIA and SCOTT wake up in bed together, their chemistry undeniable, as they excitedly learn they’ll be honeymooning in tropical Townsville. It’s a stark contrast to MEL and LUKE, who wake in separate rooms after failing to connect on their wedding day. MEL’s disappointment deepens when she discovers their honeymoon destination is remote Louth Island in South Australia.
Next to enter the experiment is BEC, a brash 35-year-old from Adelaide who feels reborn after a 20-kilogram weight loss and is determined to find a husband. She’s matched with DANNY, a 34-year-old self-described English “geezer” who loves bespoke suits and is feeling increasing pressure from his mum to settle down.
On their wedding day, DANNY proudly tells his groomsmen he’s bought his bride a diamanté crown brooch so she knows she’s his queen. At the altar, sparks fly immediately — until DANNY’s vows take a bizarre turn, joking about being bailed out of prison. The comment rattles BEC, leaving her questioning his intentions and walking away from the ceremony deeply unsettled.
Meanwhile, sceptical groom CHRIS enters the experiment, openly doubtful of the Experts’ process. He’s matched with BROOK, a six-foot-tall fashion model who, despite her looks, has struggled to find loyalty in love. CHRIS is stunned when BROOK towers over him at the altar, bluntly questioning his height before sealing the marriage with a hug instead of a kiss — leaving guests, and CHRIS, shocked.
At the receptions, dynamics begin to shift. BROOK softens after a reassuring chat with CHRIS’ mum and decides to give her new husband a chance. BEC confronts DANNY over his vows, eventually realising she may have overreacted. At their reception, she apologises — only to brutally reject his crown brooch as “heinous,” throwing it over her shoulder as DANNY laughs off her brutal honesty.
Honeymoons reveal deeper divides. On Louth Island, LUKE struggles to win MEL over, earning insults and a night banished to the couch. In Townsville, GIA and SCOTT’s attraction only intensifies, while BROOK and CHRIS quietly build momentum in the Hunter Valley.
But in Fiji, cracks emerge for BEC and DANNY. After a night of intimacy, BEC is glowing — but DANNY admits the sexual chemistry isn’t there. As his affection cools, BEC bravely confronts him, only to be left heartbroken. Alone, she breaks down in tears, facing the painful reality of feeling undesired by her new husband.
EPISODE 4:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AT 7.30PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
Across the country, the newlyweds settle into their honeymoons and begin deepening their connections. In the Hunter Valley, cynical groom CHRIS reluctantly admits that BROOK is everything he asked for. In Townsville, GIA contemplates intimacy with husband SCOTT after more than two years of celibacy, while ALISSA and DAVID find creative ways to enjoy their mountain getaway despite DAVID’S knee injury.
While some couples are thriving, others struggle. In South Australia, LUKE hopes a pizza-making class will bring him and MEL closer after their rocky start, but his efforts fail to impress and MEL grows increasingly doubtful they’ll ever connect. In Mudgee, RACHEL and STEVEN enjoy a wine tasting until a poorly received comment from STEVEN about RACHEL at the football sparks tension. As STEVEN becomes defensive and RACHEL tries to explain her reaction, the situation escalates, ending with RACHEL in tears and STEVEN confused about where he went wrong.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, two new singles enter the experiment. Fifty-one-year-old REBECCA, a devoted single mother who put love on hold to raise her son AUSTIN, is now ready for a second chance at romance. She’s matched with STEVE, a newly 50-year-old father of four daughters, who is also looking for a partner to share the next chapter of his life.
From the moment they meet at the altar, the connection between REBECCA and STEVE is undeniable, with guests noting the striking similarities in their vows. At the reception, REBECCA’S infectious laugh wins over the room, and her son AUSTIN gives STEVE his seal of approval.
In Fiji, BEC and DANNY hope a sunset dinner will ease the tension lingering since DANNY admitted to a lack of chemistry. But the calm quickly unravels when BEC accuses DANNY of staring at another woman. Despite his attempts to defend himself, BEC storms away from the table. When she returns, the arrival of the honeymoon box heightens emotions. Although BEC initially praises DANNY’S humour and kindness, she soon revisits her concerns. As DANNY questions whether BEC was ready for the experiment, BEC leaves once again, furious.