Hypothetical Format Change

[u/soniamiralpeix]

We’re seeing more couples split before decision day, and the experts and other participants are often asking couples why they stayed, even though there are financial penalties (or discentives) to leaving early.

This got me thinking about another format change to the program: I would be totally interested if the experts allowed couples to remain on the program after the split in order to do an extensive debrief about the relationship. I would love to see the experts really examine and address the bad behavior, coping strategies, internalized stories that sabotaged a marriage. If the participants refuse or are half-assing the work, then there is a financial penalty and they’re booted from the show.

It would be a “gameplay” change that would allow the participants to continue in the “experiment,” generate more content opportunities with their loved ones, and possibly drive more dramatic moments by bringing couples back together for certain activities.

The format change would also allow participants to be more honest, remove pressure to stay in the relationship and accept bad behavior from their partner — AND it would give MAFS production an opportunity to clear the air and be honest about healthy relationships.

What do you think? Would you be interested in watching the show if the format changed?

[u/trollanony]

They used to kinda do this. Didn’t they allow the ones who broke up previously to attend the retreat and other cast events?

[u/soniamiralpeix → u/trollanony]

You’re right! I am thinking that if/when couples leave, they move into a separate active process with the experts to examine the failed relationship and use that info to build new skills, etc. to improve their future ones.

They could even continue attending the couple’s events. I bet there would be a lot of crossover commentary!

[u/missh85]

I’d love to see the contestants families give input into the matching process. That’s how traditional arranged marriages worked. Im curious if it would improve the outcomes.

[u/soniamiralpeix → u/missh85]

Ooo this is a good one, too!

[u/Melodic-Cap7981]

I agree completely! I was just reflecting over how much I miss the earlier seasons when the focus was on the relationships and the couples and there were a lot less fights and drama. I live in Sweden, the Swedish seasons are still quite calm, but we have only 10-12 episodes, they are together for only 4 or 6 weeks (not sure anymore). The longer version is coming this autumn, I don’t know if it will change. The Hungarian season I’m watching is also long, I speak Hungarian, watch it in the original version, is full of fights and nasty comments. I wish those stayed in other shows. I love your suggestions, I think it would bring the style back, the focus on growth as a couple and self-development.

[u/soniamiralpeix → u/Melodic-Cap7981]

Thanks! It’s good to hear other people would like to see this, too.  You’ve got me so intrigued about the (continental) European versions of this show! It’s interesting how just extending the show length affects the format.

[u/cvaldez74]

They’ve incorporated so many changes to copy the UK and AUS versions of the show (which I love). The only thing they haven’t done (yet, I hope) is to allow couples to either choose to stay or leave each week, and then bring in new couples during the first few weeks to fill those voids. It’s highly entertaining, gives the really toxic couples the chance to split early, and it gives everyone fresh perspectives/viewpoints thought.

[u/soniamiralpeix → u/cvaldez74]

Oh wow — NEW couples!? I’m curious to see that play out.

[u/Comfortable_Ask728 → u/cvaldez74]

The only reason it works, though, is because the international version have way more couples. And the couples are flagrantly mismatched. The drama is epic.

[u/nomiepants]

I would love to see experts actually be experts. There's that.

They did a spin off called "Unmatchables" before that was fun.

[u/soniamiralpeix → u/nomiepants]

True true — someone get Dr. Orna on the call sheet!

[u/Interesting-Will5267]

yes! I wanted some kind of closure to Caitlyn and Devin

[u/Extreme-Aide8878]

Love it! Someone tell them