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Reality TV dating programs are intended for individuals seeking romantic connections. While some are more effective than others, it’s worth noting that not every relationship born on these shows endures. Interestingly, a reality show known for its high rate of successful marriages isn’t actually a dating program.

As a devoted fan, I must say, while couples from shows like The Bachelor and Love is Blind have managed to keep their relationships alive, it’s actually the competition show Big Brother that boasts one of the highest marriage success rates.

Big Brother Seems To Play Matchmaker

In a nutshell, the show titled “Big Brother” is a reality contest where sixteen individuals reside in a house throughout summer, vying for a monetary reward. The house is equipped with cameras in every room, and participants must wear microphones at all times, even during sleep. This means they’re being recorded day and night, and viewers can stream live footage of the house (except for brief interruptions for competition setup) around the clock. Essentially, everything that happens inside the house is visible and audible.

Not all players in the game are single; some of them have partners, children, and even grandchildren. However, every season also sees some blossoming romances among those who are unattached. In fact, it was Big Brother that introduced the term “showmance” to describe a romantic relationship between two reality TV personalities while they’re on air.

It appears that some relationships formed during the show seem fleeting, ending once it concludes. However, many have managed to endure long past the show’s end, suggesting a higher success rate than most traditional dating shows might boast. In fact, if we consider the number of lasting couples, Big Brother could be considered more successful in fostering romantic connections compared to typical dating programs. Interestingly, there are instances where couples didn’t begin their relationship within the show but developed one afterwards.

The Big Brother Marriages to Date

Over the course of the series, an impressive six pairs who found each other on Big Brother have managed to keep their marriages strong. Considering we’re gearing up for season 27, it might not seem like a significant number at first glance. However, when you take into account that this reality show isn’t primarily designed for matchmaking and doesn’t acknowledge unmarried but steadfast couples, these statistics make for quite a heartening tale of love blooming within its walls.

The pair who’ve been together for the longest period initially crossed paths 16 years back on the same show. Although some enduring unions have emerged from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”, it’s worth noting that a significant number of successful relationships stem not just from the same season, but also from connections formed later among other contestants within their network.

The reality TV series “Love Is Blind” has been quite successful so far, with 11 married couples from eight seasons still together. Despite its relatively short history, the first two couples have just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversaries. If this trend continues, where at least one marriage per season proves to be lasting, “Love Is Blind” might set a new standard for relationship reality shows.

Who are the couples that met on Big Brother, got married, and are still together to this day?

  • Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd – Season 11
  • Brandon Villegas and Rachel Reilly – Season 12
  • Danielle Donato and Dominic Briones – Season 13
  • Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo – Season 18
  • Cody Nickson and Jessica Graf – Season 19
  • Chris “Swaggy C” Williams and Bayleigh Dayton – Season 20

Additionally, there are many pairs that found love within Big Brother and remain unmarried despite their long-standing relationships. Some of this season’s couples show promise of becoming part of the lasting love stories.

  • Derek Xiao and Claire Rehfuss – Season 23
  • America Lopez and Cory Wurtenberger – Season 25
  • Makensy Manbeck and Matt Hardeman – Season 26
  • Tucker Des Lauriers and Rubina Bernabe – Season 26

Why Does Big Brother Do So Well in the Romance Department?

Funny enough, I’ve found myself unwittingly tuning into a hidden dating series with “Big Brother” – every season seems to unfold a budding romance between two single, youthful housemates. It’s a unique blend of chance and the intimacy that arises when people get to know each other in this unusual setting. They discover aspects they would have otherwise missed and learn the importance of understanding someone without prejudice or preconceived notions.

Host Julie Moonves has discussed the show’s knack for uniting people and fostering enduring relationships. During the special 25th Anniversary Edition of Entertainment Tonight: Big Brother in 2023, she expressed, “Our series has seen more successful marriages than The Bachelor because when you are secluded from society, you form deep connections and get to witness every facet of an individual.

In this reality show setup, cameras follow cast members round-the-clock and viewers have live access at their convenience, leaving no room for secrecy or dishonesty except when it serves the game’s purpose. Additionally, as comforts from home are limited, participants are mostly left to interact with each other by talking and sharing experiences, thereby fostering a situation where they must reveal aspects of themselves and build relationships.

In a relationship, many peculiarities that couples might uncover later on become apparent from the beginning. Just like in reality shows, cast members get to see everyone in their most authentic form: without makeup, during low moments, emotional upheavals, or vulnerable times. This exposure reveals hygiene habits, daily routines, and fundamental personality traits. Essentially, people encounter the rawest versions of each other.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must confess, “Big Brother” isn’t primarily marketed as a romantic reality series. However, with an impressive 26 seasons under its belt, it’s undeniable that some contestants enter the house with the hope of finding a showmance – a connection that could potentially blossom into enduring love.

Stream Big Brother on Paramount+.

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2025-05-04 05:04

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