Married At First Sight

The premise of Married at First Sight is simple: get matched to a complete stranger by a group of relationship experts and meet your future spouse on your wedding day.
Since Married at First Sight premiered in 2014 — the Lifetime series is a remake of a Danish reality show of the same name — the notion of watching strangers get married has captivated audiences and launched a couple of spinoffs. And surprisingly, MAFS has a pretty impressive success rate. Who would have thought?
So, how does Married at First Sight work?
The show features three to four couples who are matched up based on "scientific matchmaking" and they agree to get married when they meet — at the altar. After their wedding, the couple then spends a night together before flying out for their honeymoon. After the honeymoon, the couples must then live together as husband and wife for eight weeks when they must then chose whether they want to stay together or break up.
As of April 2019, the social experiment has an overall 24 percent success rate.
Married at First Sight cast:
While the couples change season after season, the panel of experts tasked with "arranging" the marriages has stayed pretty consistent.
- Dr. Joseph Cilona (Season 1-3) — The clinical psychologist is also a personal coach and psychology expert and some of his specialties include "Breaking long-held relationship patterns and negative habits" and "Finding and keeping a love relationship."
- Dr. Logan Levkoff (Season 1-3) — A sexologist has also appeared on TV shows including The Today Show and The Rachael Ray Show, and has hosted CafeMom’s show, Mom Ed: In the Bedroom and Shape Magazine's video series, "The Sexpert."
- Dr. Pepper Schwartz (Season 1- ) — The sociologist has been on the reality series since the very beginning, Dr. Pepper received her PhD in sociology from Yale and has authored 25 books on the subjects of love, sexuality, and commitment.
- Greg Epstein (Season 1-3) — Proving that religion is a very important part of the MAFS process is the humanist chaplain, who currently works at Harvard University.
- Calvin Roberson (Season 4- ) — The pastor and marriage counselor works closely with his wife when he is not on the reality series, operating the successful marriage coaching organization, Married and Naked.
- Rachel DeAlto (Season 4) —The relationship expert was only on MAFS for one season, which makes sense since all three couples on Season 4 filed for divorce.
- Dr. Viviana Coles (Season 9) — The couples therapist replaced Dr. Jessica Griffin, a psychologist, who found love with a former MAFS contestant.
Is Married at First Sight real?
While there are skeptics of the process (and those who believe the entire show is scripted), many contestants have reassured viewers that Married at First Sight is very real.
"It was 100 per cent real. It was very straight lace. Everything had a process, everything was being done, but as soon as you were married, you were left to your own devices as a married couple for a few weeks." Clark, who appeared on the UK version, explained. "I felt like there should be more to it. I felt like there should be more actions around helping develop the relationship – there was no support [from production] in helping to develop the relationship."
Which Married at First Sight couples are still together?
The process worked for a handful of couples, who are still together:
- Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner (Season 1)
- Anthony D'Amico and Ashley Petta (Season 5)
- Jepthe Pierre and Shawniece Jackson (Season 6)
- Danielle Bergman and Bobby Dodd (Season 7)
- Stephanie Sersen and AJ Vollmoeller (Season 8)
- Kristin Killingsworth and Keith Dewar (Season 8)
There are also a few former contestants who found love since appearing on the show.
Married at First Sight spinoffs:
Following the success of MAFS, the series has debuted handful of spinoffs, including Married at First Sight: The First Year, Married at First Sight: Second Chances, and Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island. Season 1 couple Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner also got their own series, plus international versions MAFS haven premiered in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and more countries.
Latest Married At First Sight News and Updates

Morgan and Binh From 'MAFS' Have Their Work Cut Out for Them (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Why Did Dr. Viviana Leave 'Married at First Sight'? Fans Have Questions

If You Love 'Married at First Sight Australia' Here's Where to Watch It

Woody and Amani from 'Married at First Sight' Welcome a Baby Boy

Chris Collette Is No Longer 'Married at First Sight' but Is He Currently Dating Miss Right?

Meet the Couples in 'Married at First Sight' Season 15

'Married at First Sight' Season 15 Is Happening — Here's Everything We Know

Mark Reveals Some Harsh Truths About Lindsey at the 'Married at First Sight' Season 14 Reunion (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Mark Reveals When He Knew to Say Yes on Decision Day on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

'Married at First Sight' Fans Don't Know Who to Root for on Decision Day

Olajuwon Still Has His Doubts About Katina on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Olajuwon Addresses Those Controversial Marriage Expectations from 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE)

'Married at First Sight': Chris Details Leaving the Show, Says Alyssa Was "Checked Out" (EXCLUSIVE)

Mark From 'Married at First Sight' Was Spotted Working at This Fast-Food Restaurant

Rumors Point to the Future of Jasmina and Michael's 'MAFS' Relationship (SPOILERS)

'Married at First Sight' Fans Eager to Learn the Outcome of Season 14 Will Have to Wait

Katina Sheds Light on the Off-Camera Fight Between Lindsey and Olajuwon on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE)

'Married at First Sight' Star Katina Opens up About Her Marriage to Olajuwon (EXCLUSIVE)

Katina Clears up Rumors That She Wasn't Initially Attracted to Olajuwon on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE)

Lindsey Might Be Missing a Key Ingredient in Her Marriage on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Steve Struggles With the L-Word on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

There Are a Few Differences Between the Australian and U.S. Versions of 'MAFS'

Will 'MAFS' Couple Jasmina and Michael Decide to Stay Together Come Decision Day?

Is Decision Day the Only Time 'MAFS' Couples Can Get Divorced on the Show?

Alyssa Is at the Center of 'MAFS' Season 14's Juiciest Drama (EXCLUSIVE)

Alyssa Says Her Wedding on 'MAFS' Was "One of the Hardest Nights" of Her Life (EXCLUSIVE)

Alyssa Reveals Her 'MAFS' Wedding Woes — "There Were Many Red Flags" (EXCLUSIVE)

Woody and Amani Are Joining Other Former 'MAFS' Stars as New Parents

Alyssa and Chris Still Together After 'Married at First Sight'? — "I Wanted to Find My Person" (EXCLUSIVE)

Alyssa and Chris From 'MAFS' Are Already off to a Bad Start — What About the Others? (SPOILERS)

Steve Wants Noi to Be an Adventure Seeker Like Him on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Lindsey Says She Is Ready to Weather Any Storm With Mark After 'Married at First Sight' (EXCLUSIVE)

Katina Still Has a Problem With Lindsey on 'MAFS' Season 14 (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Steve and Noi Seem Nearly Perfect for Each Other on 'Married at First Sight' Season 14

Noi's Family Is Worried About Her Future With Steve on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Mark and Lindsey Seem Like the Best Match on 'Married at First Sight' Season 14 (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

'Married at First Sight' Star Jamie Otis Wants More Diversity, Same-Sex Couples on the Show

'Married at First Sight' Foots the Bill for Plenty During the Wedding Planning Process

Alyssa Has Backup Wedding Dresses Just in Case on 'Married at First Sight' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Jasmina on 'Married at First Sight' Season 14 Has High Hopes (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Who Is Lizzie Sobinoff's New Boyfriend After 'Married at First Sight'?

Johnny and Bao Have Different Ideas About Who She Is on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

'Married at First Sight' Will Return for Season 14 — Meet the New Cast

Rumors Suggest Myrla Is Dating Her 'MAFS: Houston' Co-Star

Rumors Are Spreading That Brett of 'Married at First Sight' Has a Boyfriend

Rachel and Jose's Future Is Sealed on Decision Day on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Myrla and Gil Surprise Fans on Decision Day on 'Married at First Sight' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Who Makes It Through Season 13 of 'MAFS' Still Together? (SPOILERS)

Did Ryan Cheat on Brett on 'MAFS'? That Depends on Your Definition of Cheating

‘Married at First Sight’ Fans Are Convinced Two Cast Members Are Dating Each Other

Where Is 'Married at First Sight' Filmed? These Cities Are Worth Visiting

Johnny and Bao's Intimacy Takes a Dive on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Johnny and Bao Might Not Be Sexually Compatible on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Will Ryan and Brett Ignasiak from 'Married at First Sight' Stay Together on Decision Day?

Johnny Makes up for Ghosting Bao on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

What Is José’s Job From ‘Married at First Sight’? It Actually Sounds Pretty Cool

José Wants a Joint Bank Account With Rachel on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Jamie Otis' Recent Instagram Post Has Fans Worried for the 'MAFS' Star's Sister

Bao and Johnny's Honeymoon on 'MAFS' Is Over — Literally and Figuratively (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Vincent Has Big Plans for His Future With Briana on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

The 'MAFS' Couples Are Headed to Their Honeymoon — but Where Are They Vacationing?

Viewers Were Shocked When They Learned What Happened to Myrla's Dad on 'Married at First Sight'

Danielle Gets Candid About Her Struggles as a Mom of 2 on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

'MAFS' Star Jamie Otis Says She Is Ready to Fight for Her Marriage With Doug Hehner

Bao and Johnny's Past on 'MAFS' Goes Deeper Than a One-Sided Crush (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Johnny and Bao Open up to Their Friends About the 'MAFS' Experiment (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Will Johnny and Bao's Marriage Survive the Season Finale? Fans Think They're Headed for Divorce

How Did Bao and Johnny Meet? Bao Says It Was "Meant to Be" (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Can You Guess Where Season 15 of 'Married at First Sight' Is Being Filmed? Here's How to Apply

There Have Been More 'Married at First Sight' Divorces Than Successful Marriages

'MAFS' Season 13 Kicks Off With a Peek Into How the Experts Work Their Magic (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Jephte and Shawniece Have Come a Long Way on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)

Will Baby Make Three for Jess and Austin on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam'? (EXCLUSIVE)

Meet the 'Married at First Sight' Season 13 Cast From Houston

Ashley Is Having Her Baby on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam' (EXCLUSIVE)

Virginia and Erik Are Trying to Figure Things out on ‘Couples' Cam’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Here's Where Everyone From 'MAFS Australia' Season 6 Is Now

The 'MAFS' Reunion Showed How Early Chris Had Doubts About Paige

'MAFS: Unmatchables' Might Be Niraj's Last Chance at Dating (EXCLUSIVE)

Did Clara and Ryan From 'Married at First Sight' Stay Together? (SPOILERS)

Virginia and Erik Faced Glaring Compatibility Issues From Day One of 'MAFS'

Chris Professed His Undying Love for Paige on Decision Day — Is the 'MAFS' Couple Still Together?

Which 'Married at First Sight' Season 12 Couples Are Still Together? (SPOILERS)

How Will Jacob and Haley Fare on the 'MAFS' Season 12 Decision Day? (EXCLUSIVE)

'Married at First Sight' Fans Are Peeved That Decision Day Is Being "Dragged Out"

Pastor Cal Tells Castmate Evan-Nicole that 'MAFS: Unmatchables' "Won't Be Easy" (EXCLUSIVE)

What Did Ervin, the "Runaway Groom" Get up to After Leaving 'MAFS: Unmatchables'?

This 'Married at First Sight' Spinoff Is Basically 'MAFS' Meets 'Queer Eye'

Briana and Vincent's Future Could Be in Danger on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE)

Erik and Virginia Have a Huge Hurdle to Overcome on 'MAFS' (EXCLUSIVE)

Miles and Karen May Be Expanding Their Family on 'MAFS: Couples' Cam'

Which Parts of 'Married at First Sight' Are Actually Real? Here's What We Know

'Married at First Sight' Relationship Expert Dr. Viviana Coles Keeps Her Marriage Private

If Dr. Viviana Coles Can't Fix Chris and Paige on 'MAFS,' Then Nobody Can

Who Exactly Is Pastor Dwight From 'Married at First Sight'? Chris Calls Him Out on Facebook

The Rumors About Paige Being Pregnant on 'MAFS' Are Freaking Fans Out

'Married at First Sight' Stars Deonna and Greg Are Parents to a Baby Boy

Pastor Cal's Wife Is His Partner in All Things on 'Married at First Sight'

Lizzie From 'MAFS: Australia' May Trust the Experiment More Than Anyone Else
