There are a lot of things90 Day Fiancédoes better now that it’s in its 10th season (with multiple spin-offs) – like better filming angles and transitions, more compelling storylines, andthe juicy tell-alls. There’s more drama than ever, but it’s what makes the show fall victim tocriticism of manufactured drama and fake storylines. Nowadays, when you re-visit the early episodes,there’s a stark contrast in the quality of content– or should we say couples – getting screen time.
At the beginning,90 Day Fiancéstarted out as a wholesome reality series following couples who were trying to make it work despite long-distance. There were always questions about motivations, but the challenges were simpler – visa delays, financial constraints, cultural differences, and the like.Nowadays, the storylines featured on90 Dayare more dramatic, and the couples are a lot more toxic. In addition to accusations of infidelity and abuse,contestants face criminal charges and social media scandals. The franchise offers an easy platform for constants to become famous, if they bring the drama, regardless if the relationship is genuine or not. It makes it hard to root for anyone on the show and its spin-offs, making fans long for the early days when90 Day Fiancéwas a feel-good show.
90 Day Fiance’s Earlier Couples Were More Successful
Need evidence90 Day Fiancéwas more wholesome at the start? Just look at the success rate of couples.More couples from the early seasons stay together compared to more recent ones.All butone couple from the first season remain together, and all buttwo from the second season. This helps explain why the drama was less explosive in the early days – the couples were more genuine. They were honestly trying to make their relationship work.
’90 Day Fiancé’s Angela Deem Slams Michael’s New Girlfriend in Brutal Shade
“It wasn’t that you were special.”
Perhaps part of the success of the earlier couples if that many of them have disappeared from the franchise. OG pairs likeAlan and Kirlyam Cox,Louis and Aya Gattone,andMike and Aziza Eloshwayall remain marriedwith kids, though they’re living life out of the spotlight, save for a few social media updates here and there. Even though season one’s Paola and Russ would go on to appear on a spin-off, theytook their drama offline when reportssaid they were headed to divorce.
Meanwhile, many newer90 Daystars can manage to stay in the franchise, even if they break-up, so long as their storylines are intriguing enough. Look at examples likeBig Ed, who’s had multiple female partners (though it’s a mystery how anyone tolerates him), orNatalie Mordovtseva, who left her husband Mike to pursue a career in Hollywood and isnow appearing onThe Last Resortwith her boyfriend,though she’s not legally divorced. The messier you are, the more you have a chance of turning a90 Daycastinginto a full-blown career. But it seems likethe cast on recent seasons is more interested in catching 90 minutes of fame than pursuing a 90 day fiancé.
Motivations Are More Questionable Now
Compare this to today’s90 Daystars. Not only do the seasons have higher break-up rates, but even the couples that do stay together have their motives questioned.90 Dayis more popular than ever, and it can offer its stars a decent pay check, especially if they book multiple shows. ButTLC isn’t looking for how wholesome or genuine their love story is – they’re looking for drama, since that’s what made the show blow-up.
That explains why TLC has kept Angela and Michael around, even though there was once a fanpetition demanding the network remove themdue to her onscreen mistreatment. There’s little doubtMichaelis withAngelafor the opportunity to come to the U.S. andbenefit from90 Dayclout.TLC knows what they’re doing by keeping this couple around, even though they’re always on the verge of divorce, since they stir controversy that turns into ratings.
There were always questions about the intentions of90 Day Fiancécouples – namely, if the foreigner was just using the relationship as an opportunity to come to the U.S. But this has been exacerbated, sinceanycontestant now has the opportunity to gain fame from the franchise. Fans have questioned if couples likeJasmineandGinoandAriandBiniyamonThe Last Resort’scurrent season are truly together and want to work on their relationship, orif they’re faking it for the show to secure a pay check and clout.
Gone are the wholesome days of90 Day Fiancé.The franchise’s fame will prevent it from ever having a cast like it did in its first season, since now people know what they’re getting into with the show. So long as drama sells, the over-the-top storylines and dramatic showdowns will continue.If TLC wanted to bring something back that has the same feel as90 Day’searly season, its best bet would be to launch an entirely new show with a similar plot but a clean slate. But why would they?Considering90 Day Fiancéand its spin-offs are a huge hit, TLC is likely glad it’s made the changes it has, even if it’s not the same show fans once fell in love with.
90 Day Fiancé
Using a unique 90 Day Fiance visa, overseas fiances will travel to the US to live with their partners for the first time. Each couple will have just 90 days to decide to get married or send their international mate home.
Watch on AppleTV
