‘Love is Blind’ Season 9 reunion: Breaking down breakups, Sparkle Megan’s reveal and Joe’s love triangle

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This article contains spoilers for Season 9 of “Love Is Blind,” including the reunion special.

The latest season of Netflix’s popular dating show, “Love is Blind,” was incredibly chaotic and unpredictable – a total whirlwind! It was honestly a bit of a mess.

This season of the dating show was a first – no couples got engaged! The show involves single people dating each other by talking through private pods, where they can’t see each other. Couples only meet face-to-face after deciding to get engaged.

The ninth season of the show featured contestants from Denver. Throughout the experiment, six couples initially got engaged, but that number later decreased. Kacie McIntosh and Patrick Suzuki were the first to break up, even before the cast’s trip to Mexico. Their awkward display of mixed signals – affection followed by rejection – left Patrick, and many viewers, unsure if she was ending their relationship. Kacie had previously told producers she didn’t see a future with him, and confirmed this to Patrick with both kisses and a declaration that she wouldn’t be joining him on the Mexico trip.

As the season continued, both Nick Amato and Annie Lancaster, and Joe Ferrucci and Madison Maidenberg, ended their relationships before getting married. After leaving the isolation of the pods, these couples often fought, with different ways of communicating and drinking contributing to their disagreements.

A major theme this season revolved around work, social class, and how those factors impacted the couples’ relationships. Megan Walerius, who often discussed her wealth and entrepreneurial career, ultimately ended her relationship with Jordan Keltner, a service manager. A key point of contention was work-life balance and responsibilities, especially concerning children. As Jordan explained during a heated discussion, he simply didn’t have the flexibility to take time off for leisure activities, referencing the needs of his young son, who was a significant part of their relationship.

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Patrick Suzuki, who appeared on the Netflix reality show about dating, discussed his relationships with both Anna Yuan and Kacie McIntosh, including why he and Kacie ended things.

Ali Lima and Anton Yarosh often talked about the pressures of their jobs and finances. Both have demanding schedules working overnight – Ali is a nurse, and Anton works in transportation and logistics, similar to Jordan. Ali wondered if Anton could financially support her while she went back to school, and he agreed. She then jokingly asked if she’d still be able to afford Botox, which Anton responded to with some hesitation.

Both Ali and Anton, and Edmond Harvey and Kalybriah Haskin, arrived at their weddings, but the brides ultimately called off the marriage at the altar. This led to discussions online about how potential cast members are selected, with many believing Edmond wasn’t emotionally prepared for the show’s demands.

Ever since the first episodes came out earlier this month, fans have been buzzing online, sharing their opinions and theories about everything that happened on the show and behind the scenes in 2024. Some think Nick and Annie’s breakup was faked for the cameras, while others have been offering their own interpretations of the cast’s behavior. There’s also been a lot of speculation about Megan’s new baby, with rumors suggesting he wasn’t fathered by her ex, Jordan. Megan later confirmed that her son, Brooks, was born to her and her current partner, Paul, during the reunion show.

The Love is Blind reunion, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, became available on Netflix Wednesday. It began with a performance by Myles Smith and was filmed in front of a live audience of fans—one of whom famously reacted with disbelief to something Kacie said, creating a viral moment—as well as family members of the show’s participants, like Kalybriah’s mother who maintained a very serious expression.

Kaitlyn Huamani, a staff writer, and Maira Garcia, a television editor, discussed the controversial season and its eventful reunion show.

I was really surprised to hear Jordan Keltner mention that he and Megan Walerius had been talking after their breakup, and even more shocked to learn from him that she recently welcomed a baby! It’s definitely big news, according to Netflix.

I often watch episodes of “Love Is Blind” here and there, but Season 9 really stood out. While the show aims to create lasting marriages, this season didn’t result in any couples tying the knot. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all! The drama and conflicts between the couples were captivating, and I always appreciate the show tackling difficult topics like race and social class. Those conversations, even when they get heated, feel real and important for anyone in a serious relationship.

Jordan and Megan’s journey into step-parenting adds another complex layer to their relationship. As someone who’s been both a parent and a child of divorce, I know firsthand how challenging and time-consuming these situations can be – I remember the difficulties of switching between homes as a child. It’s never easy, and looking back, I have more empathy for everyone involved. Kaitlyn, what made you keep watching this season?

I definitely think a season is more captivating when the couples are more complicated, and this one was no exception! It’s always incredible to me how deep of a connection people can form in just 10 days while getting to know each other in the pods. But it’s equally surprising how quickly those connections can fall apart once they face real-world challenges.

I watched the first six episodes without knowing anything about the contestants until they were revealed. This immediately showed me that many of the couples weren’t a good fit, but it also made the season more interesting. From the start, I thought Kalybriah and Edmond had potential, but things clearly changed for them once they met in person.

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Watching Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” – where people get engaged before ever seeing each other – is surprisingly insightful, though also a bit chaotic, if you go in knowing as little as the contestants do.

I was really eager to watch the reunion because the season finale left me with so many unanswered questions. Kalybriah hinted that she might be open to getting back together with Edmond, so I’m curious if they’ve tried again since the show finished filming. I also want to know why Kacie still has her engagement ring and hasn’t given it back. Plus, I’ve heard rumors that Megan had a baby – is it true?

What were you hoping to get some resolution on in the reunion, Maira?

Garcia mentioned a couple of things. First, he wanted to confirm the rumors that Megan had become a parent. Since the show was filmed in 2024, a lot could have happened, and it turned out she did have a baby and kept it private. He was impressed by her ability to maintain her privacy and is happy for her. She also seems to now understand Jordan’s perspective on the sacrifices involved in raising a child. Jordan admitted he had some doubts after the show about introducing his child to a partner, emphasizing the importance of stability for his child. Overall, Jordan and Megan had a very mature conversation about moving forward after filming, and Garcia felt they were the most grounded couple on the show.

I was really invested in seeing how Kacie and Patrick – especially Patrick – would resolve things after their breakup. While the debate over the engagement ring – Ali correctly noted Netflix paid for it, but upgrades were on the contestants – wasn’t the most compelling part, Patrick primarily wanted an apology. Kacie wasn’t straightforward with her feelings, and her clumsy breakup attempt could have worsened any insecurities he had about race, dating, and feeling desirable when he doesn’t fit the typical image of men in Denver. I believe he deserved a clearer response, and I understand why he needed to know where they stood sooner rather than later.

It’s also awful that she received hateful messages online, including threats of self-harm, after Patrick responded to her TikTok. Reality shows have often been criticized for not doing enough to protect contestants from online harassment, and I hope they’re now taking security seriously. As for the bizarre competition between Chris Paul and Patrick to win the engagement ring, it seems like a strange way to avoid serious conversations – and it’s a clear nod to Nick and Vanessa’s own public relationship challenges.

I agree, CP3’s appearance was a total surprise. The whole event felt different this year – the basketball hoops seemed out of place, and the production value was much higher with the live music and elaborate stage. Plus, the Ninja Creami ad at the end was unexpected! While it’s amusing to learn a basketball legend enjoys a dating show, those distractions took away from important topics the cast could have discussed.

You’re right to note that Nick and Vanessa often miss opportunities to ask crucial follow-up questions. For example, Anton mentioned he used to have a beer after filming, which hinted he might have stopped drinking, or even be sober now. However, the hosts didn’t explore this further. It was frustrating to see that go unaddressed, especially considering how much his drinking contributed to the end of his relationship with Ali.

Some of the participants’ responses seemed overly practiced, particularly those from Nick. It wasn’t that Netflix told them what to say—they didn’t even seem able to agree on what to wear!—but a lot of people fell into using language commonly found in therapy, like terms such as “love bombing” and “dissociative.” This felt inauthentic. While Nick might have been very thoughtful about how his words came across, it seemed more like a carefully prepared statement than a truly heartfelt apology or honest reflection.

It was a relief that some people were still being real and honest in their communication – thanks to Joe and Kacie for always speaking their minds, even if it was a bit much sometimes. It was definitely more engaging than Nick just repeating that he was taking responsibility.

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Honestly, I get that everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but this whole situation with Joe, Kacie, and Madison is just…a lot. I really wrote Joe off after that awkward, tipsy moment in Mexico. It turns out Joe and Kacie actually dated briefly after he and Madison split, and Madison feels like their flirting was a major reason for their breakup. And the Eskimo sister comment? Seriously, Kacie? Apparently, that’s her way of saying they both slept with him – it was just a really insensitive thing to say. I just wish Kacie could see how her behavior and words come across as really problematic. It’s frustrating, to be honest.

Kalybriah really tried to own her part in the problems with her relationship with Edmond, even preparing notes to clearly explain her perspective. I understand being nervous when speaking publicly, especially about something personal. She made a crucial point about not wanting to be seen as the stereotypical “angry Black woman,” and emphasized that her frustrations with Edmond were justified. She felt he manipulated her by crying and downplaying both their problems and her feelings. Watching them argue, it felt like they weren’t even seeing the same situation. Thankfully, they ended things on what appeared to be good terms, offering apologies and a final embrace.

It was good to see that hug, considering how upset Edmond seemed at the wedding. It’s always strange when couples tell very different stories about what happened between them. It’s obvious there was a lot going on that we didn’t see, and it makes you wonder how much of what we see on TV is actually real. People often act differently knowing they’re being filmed, and someone like Edmond, who cares about his public image as a realtor, probably thinks about that. I’m glad Kalybriah got a chance to explain that their relationship was more complicated than it appeared. They both seem to have come out of the experiment doing well, and maybe with a better idea of what they’re looking for in a partner.

Some viewers have expressed disappointment with this season online, citing issues with the cast and even suggesting the show should end. (Good news – it’s already been renewed for Season 10!) However, I believe it’s precisely these flawed, sometimes problematic, and often unintentionally humorous contestants that make the show so compelling.

“Love is Blind” really makes you think about what you truly want in a partner and what’s important to you in a relationship. Even if it doesn’t do that, it’s still super entertaining to watch with friends – maybe while enjoying a drink, just like they do on the show with those big golden glasses!

As someone who’s been married for a while now – and maybe a little older than the average dating show contestant – I often feel like I barely escaped the pre-online dating era! I hear so much about how tough it is for singles today, and honestly, this show feels different. A lot of dating shows feel… pointless, but I like that this one forces people to have real, difficult conversations right away, without even seeing each other first. That’s what grabbed me as a viewer, and as someone who watches a lot of TV. I wasn’t disappointed that nobody walked away with a wedding date – it’s a realistic outcome – but I really hope that doesn’t become the norm for these kinds of shows.

People often question the motives of those on reality dating shows, wondering if they’re genuinely looking for love or just seeking fame online. While some contestants might be after clout, others are sincere, which is why I enjoy watching this particular show – it’s actually led to some lasting relationships. Even if the dates themselves – like drinking a Crystal Light and chicken smoothie – aren’t exactly romantic, the show offers a glimpse of what real connection could look like for someone.

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2025-10-30 13:37