There is no doubt that the American social experiment reality TV series “Married at First Sight” was a very popular show and its ratings and viewership figures over its past two seasons can very well validate its popularity.
While a good number of Americans have thrown brickbats at the show over its first two seasons, “Married at First Sight” on the FYI network still draws in the viewers because after all, experts say that fans also love watching what they hate in order to criticize it some more.
Viewers have gotten the right all the more to hit the show hard especially when none of the three couples in Season 2 ended well, with one pair immediately deciding to divorce while the two others were well on the same route after parting ways.
The first season of the show may have been a breakthrough on reality TV as it brought a lot of excitement, tension, as well as drama to viewers. However, Season 2 of “Married at First Sight” failed to prove its purpose on TV.
If it’s any consolation to the American fans of the social experiment TV series “Married at First Sight,” other couples in the show’s counterparts in Denmark and Australia are also not doing well. However, the Australian version of the show has been renewed for Season 2 last month despite a batting average of only one out of three couples during its first season.
Because of what happened to the three couples during Season 2 of the top-rating social experiment TV series “Married at First Sight” in the US, many are saying that it looks bleak that the show would be renewed for Season 3 next year.
Marriage as a science
“Married at First Sight” was anchored on the premise that compatibility can also be turned to science, which can be predetermined and measured. But because of the failure of most of the marriages in the show, the so-called scientific basis has been negated, notes the Day Herald.
Many viewers of the show also believe that while compatibility can be determined by the panelists, the connection and the feelings that develop between two strangers simply cannot be measured or created.
There were even reports saying that the show is putting tradition in the sack by doing away with chivalry, courtship, and the time-tested and proven art of romance. And many seem to agree with the notion because “Married at First Sight” appears to have put marriage on the fast lane first before courtship, which makes it both inappropriate and awkward.
Showrunner Chris Coelen, however, came to the defence of the show’s panel of expert relationship advisors and psychologists, saying that while they draw up and put together like-minded people, they cannot guarantee a successful relationship. He said that is something that two individuals have to really work on over time.
Hope springs eternal
Despite a bleak prospect for a third season, hope springs eternal for the TV series. In fact, Coelen revealed that “Married at First Sight” has already received over 20,000 applications, which opened up the possibility that the show might have its Season 3 after all.
But the FYI network is said to be taking it slow, lest they court the ire of their viewers. In fact, the Facebook page of the show is no longer updated and the page that once declared casting calls for Season 3 of “Married at First Sight” is no longer available.
While many believe that Coelen is not lying about the number of applications for the show, it is likely that a good number of applicants are just after their 15 minutes of fame on TV rather than really hoping to find a life-long partner. It would also be tough for the show panelists to sift through all those applications so the chances of a third season still remain dim.