Married at First SightSeason 18 is going strong this time around. However, itseems as if the show is either trying to slowly phase outtheMAFSrelationship expertscompletelyor let fans know how crucial they really are. Regardless of what the reason might be behind their decreased screen time, it’s clear that the fans aren’t exactly happy and want them back!
TheReddit communityof the franchise has over 111k members and lately, it feels like all of them are discussing howthe whole “talking to friends” thing instead of proper couples counseling when needed just isn’t workingout anymore. One of the comments on a post went on to add: “And the whole pretending you can’t hear the conversation taking place 3 feet away is ridiculous,” – we cannot agree more.
It’s clear that the experts' absence has been generated on purpose and the producers are likely trying togauge the audience’s reaction– but it’s not exactly clear where it will go. And while there have been concerns about how the show is affected by the diminished screen time for the experts this season, there are fans who haven’t been shy about expressinghow it helps explore and bring forth other dynamics in the show.For instance, a user named @loveyabuncheswent on to say the most balanced analysis of the ongoing season:
“The friends are willing to say things the cast members and experts won’t, or at least say them more directly. But, yeah, the show desperately needs new formats and new furniture. I don’t want to see those black and white living room chairs in a fourth season.”
Fans Are Loving David’s Friend Giving a Blunt Reality Check to Michelle
As many fans have put it, there have also been perks to the friends' increased involvement, like they’re able to give the contestants an unfiltered birds'-eye-view of their relationship andintervene with a reality check when required. WhileDavidhas tried to explain toMichellewhyhe’s saving to buy a house and has only gotten shoddy treatment back, his friend saying the same thing out loud bluntly does have an effect. One fan’s thoughts about this scenario being satisfying were:
“This conversation between Michelle and David’s friend was highly satisfying, right? I’m trying to keep an open mind with Michelle, knowing she’s been paired with an incompatible match, but the persistent, close-minded criticizing of his living arrangement needs to stop. She’s renting, he’s saving!”
While having expertsDr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson,andDr. Piamanaging theMAFScouplesin a counseling capacity would surely have been useful,seeing friends do it still feels authenticand is also how many day-to-day couples often deal with their problems. At the same time, counseling is helpful, and for a show likeMAFSwhere coupleshave paired up in an unconventional scenario, even more so.
Married at First Sightis currently airing its 18th installment and is available to stream onNetflix. The next episode, “You Into Some Crazy Stuff,” is set to air on June 07, 2025, with the season’s final episode airing after the holidays on July 30, 2025.
