The Most Haunting Moments on Every Season of Love Is Blind

As someone who has watched more than my fair share of reality TV shows, I must say that the emotional rollercoaster that is Love Is Blind never ceases to amaze me. The stories of Clay and AD, Jeramey, and Chelsea and Jimmy are all too familiar examples of the highs and lows that come with love found in unconventional ways.

Across the six American seasons of Love Is Blind, there have been numerous tense instances, with even more expected in its international spin-offs, as well as its upcoming seventh season on October 2. The show’s concept is somewhat unnerving to start – choosing engagement within a week, followed by deciding on marriage shortly after. As the married hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey put it, “Will you get married, or will you decide to part ways permanently?

Instead of relying solely on this artificial dichotomy for love and marriage, it’s wiser to consider a middle ground. This could involve nurturing the relationship beyond the spotlight to assess its long-term viability before making a lifelong commitment. However, reality TV isn’t designed to be sensible or logical, and many participants on these shows admit that they’re there precisely because their traditional methods of finding love haven’t led them to lasting happiness.

The Netflix reality series has various unsettling elements beyond just its haunting aspect. For instance, it upholds a traditional monogamous heterosexual lifestyle and has faced numerous lawsuits over accusations of hazardous work environments, disregard for participants’ mental wellbeing, and sexual misconduct (all allegations that the show’s production companies have refuted). In simpler terms, while it can be enjoyable, it doesn’t come without moral complications.

Despite initial doubts, the program has experienced an unprecedented rise in popularity. For instance, during the latest season, it surpassed Nielsen’s streaming viewership ratings for the first time, amassing 2.11 billion minutes of watch time in just one week. This means that eager viewers are anticipating the seventh season, which follows a cast from Washington, D.C., as they seek their own happily-ever-afters. In preparation for the upcoming episodes, we’ve compiled a list of the most memorable moments over the past four years—moments filled with the birth of villains, dogs being given Merlot, and a heartbroken man-child’s dramatic exit on a jet ski.

Jessica gives wine to her dog, whom she maybe loves more than her fiancé (Season 1)

The most haunting moment of the first season of Love is Blind did not occur between two humans. It transpired between a human and a canine, when Jessica lowered her goblet to allow her pooch, Payton, to lap up some red wine. The backlash was swift and loud, if lighthearted; Jessica was already receiving criticism for her handling of her relationship with the decade-her-junior Mark, and viewers may have been on the lookout for flaws. Jessica later told Entertainment Weekly that doggie happy hour wasn’t a regular occurrence in her home, chalking the moment up to her overall discomfort while filming, and adding that her discomfort with the entire set-up of the show led to an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. According to her Instagram, not only is Jessica now married (though not to Mark) with a baby, but Payton recently celebrated her 10th birthday. Instead of a nice Merlot, though, she marked the occasion with a jog on the beach.—Eliza Berman

Shake asks if he could put Deepti on his shoulders (Season 2)

Despite being part of the reality show “Love Is Blind,” where the aim is to fall in love without seeing each other, Abishek (known as “Shake”) prioritized physical appearance over emotional connection. In the pods, rather than nurturing relationships based on feelings, Shake boldly discussed his dates’ physiques, even querying one about her size and telling another that he preferred dating fitness enthusiasts. His most revealing moment was when he questioned Deepti, a future fiancée, about her weight, asking if she was slim enough for him to lift at a music festival. For Deepti, this inquiry signaled the beginning of their troubled relationship. “Shake doesn’t grasp how Love Is Blind operates,” she lamented later. “The objective is discovering who we are as individuals—not ‘Can you carry me?'” The pair did get engaged, but their relationship was fraught with issues stemming from Shake’s superficial judgments, self-loathing (as well as being sizeist, misogynistic, and seemingly racially prejudiced, having only dated white women before Deepti and later expressing disinterest in her and comparing her to his aunt) and ultimately ended when Deepti left Shake at the altar. Post-breakup, Deepti dated another Love Is Blind contestant, Kyle Abrams (who split with her in 2023), while Shake made an appearance on House of Villains. —Cady Lang

Zanab, Cole, and the Cuties (Season 3)

A closer examination is necessary for this particular case. For those interested in understanding how a miscommunication over a simple exchange like two mandarins might reflect the challenges partners face in aligning their perspectives, check out this article.

Bartise and Nancy’s abortion conversation—and Bartise in general (Season 3)

I still remember—with harrowing clarity—the abortion conversation between Bartise and Nancy. In a conversation outside of the pods and in the real world, walking red flag Bartise says that people should only be allowed to have one abortion in their lifetime. They get one “pass.” Nancy vehemently disagrees. “I have no say in anyone’s body. If you need to have an abortion, have it,” she says. It’s refreshing to see a reality star speak so plainly about abortion—and just as tiring to see Bartise use this debate as ammo when Nancy meets his family for the first time (supervillain behavior). His sister starts sobbing. His family is in tears over Nancy being pro-choice! And though this should have been a topic covered in the pods, I’m glad they discussed it at some point. It should surprise no one that these two didn’t end up together. —Meg Zukin

Colleen takes Matt to be her lawfully wedded husband (Season 3)

“I do” are the words that viewers wait all season to hear. Even when a couple’s potential for lifelong bliss seems doubtful, it’s hard not to get caught up in the moment. A rare exception was Colleen’s decision to marry Matt, after a courtship marked by his scolding, tantrums, and general air of possessiveness. As the camera zoomed and the heart-pounding percussion kicked in, she told him: “You are my person, 1000%, and I will be there for you no matter what… Matty, I do.” By all rights, that vow should’ve been punctuated with the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme song. But hey, the marriage has apparently lasted, so what do I know? —Judy Berman 

Zach chooses Irina (Season 4)

When criminal defense attorney Zack proposed to event planner Irina in the pods, it was the record scratch heard around the world—or at least among Love Is Blind viewers. The choice felt doomed from the start. Zack, who was caught in a love triangle with Irina and program manager Bliss, felt spectacularly incompatible with Irina. He was quirky, if a little corny. He was a hopeless romantic. His favorite song was Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” Irina, famously, was none of those things: she assumed the role of Mean Girl Supreme with a ferocity that would make Regina George blush. In the end, the couple didn’t last very long (the relationship went cold a mere few days outside the pods), and post filming, Zack admitted he regretted his initial decision. But, in perhaps one of the juiciest redemption arcs of the show, Zack ended up tracking down Bliss and proposing to her—and they’re still growing strong. In fact, Zack and Bliss are expecting their first baby this spring, the first couple to announce a pregnancy from the show. A true rom-com ending! —Rachel Sonis

Chelsea and Kwame’s Calvin Klein photoshoot (Season 4)

Kwame adores Chelsea, who has a deep affection for Calvin Klein. So, one might wonder why Kwame would object to his future spouse fulfilling her dream of posing in Calvin Klein lingerie during their engagement photoshoot. The photographer was informed that the shots would have a sensual ambiance, with various settings such as beds, windows, and couches. The outcome: two coordinated underwear sets, free promotion for Calvin Klein (albeit somewhat awkward), and images revealing more of their future in-laws than they intended. These lovebirds are truly blessed! —J.B.

JP scandalized by the sight of… makeup (Season 5)

In the pods, JP and Taylor rapidly developed feelings for each other, but their relationship hit a roadblock following the revelation, as he became unusually quiet during their vacation in Mexico. One night, Taylor, growing increasingly frustrated, confronted him about his distance. It was then that she discovered his issue lay with cosmetics – specifically, the heavy makeup Taylor wore to look her best for their initial encounter. He felt it made her seem insincere and fake. “It was like you were pretending,” he complained, mentioning the thick foundation, false eyelashes, and traces of makeup on his jacket. Is it more disturbing to end a relationship over cosmetics with someone you’ve declared your soulmate, or to be shocked by a woman wearing heavy makeup on a platform that celebrates artificiality? Taylor decided not to wait around and find out. The following morning, she ended the engagement and left early. —J.B.

Stacy’s financial expectations (Season 5)

Jennifer Lopez may have made the case that “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” but on Love Is Blind season 5, love definitely had a cost for Stacy and Izzy. While the couple had undeniable chemistry both in the pods and in Mexico after they got engaged, they ran into friction once they entered the real world and Stacy made it clear that she expected a certain kind of lifestyle—one that involved international travel and not eating off of paper plates. Her expectations were aggravated by Izzy’s reluctance to have discussions about the stability of his job (Stacy was concerned that he received no benefits and was a 1099 contractor) and his 580 credit score, while Izzy was so frazzled by Stacy’s demands that he ended up crying in a closet. Stacy’s father, however, may have summed up the disparities in their relationship best when he memorably told Izzy: “Love is blind, but sometimes love wants to fly first class.” The couple did not end up tying the knot in the finale and broke up a week after their would-be wedding. Stacy began dating another reality dating show star, Married At First Sight’s Ryan Ignasiak, while Izzy gave love another shot (this time, with an improved credit score) on a different Netflix dating show, season 2 of Perfect Match.—C.L.

Lydia and Milton get married (Season 5)

The Lydia-Milton relationship throughout the show was challenging to observe, from start to end. Initially, it surfaced that Lydia had knowledge about Uche being on the show when she joined, which contradicted the show’s “blind” agreement concept. Uche later accused her of inappropriate behavior, an allegation she denied. Lydia subsequently discussed these issues with Aaliyah, who chose to exit the show due to the escalating drama. Throughout this turmoil, there was a bond between Lydia, 30, and Milton, 24, centered around their shared passion for rocks. When they became the only couple in season 5 to exchange rings, many viewers winced, as it seemed that Milton wasn’t ready for a lifelong commitment while Lydia appeared eager to commit to any suitable partner. However, it might be us who are joking, as just last week, over two years into their marriage (including some long-distance periods), they appeared in an Instagram post together seeking a business partnership with DoorDash. Could true love be more evident than that?—E.B.

Clay at the altar (Season 6)

At the altar, AD was prepared and eager to marry Clay, evident in her swift “I do.” However, when it came to him reciprocating, Clay dashed AD’s hopes with a puzzling statement: “I don’t believe it’s responsible for me to say ‘I do.’ But I want you to know I’m on your side.” In that moment, it seemed as though Clay was ready to take the plunge. Yet, at the crucial point of their relationship, Clay appeared to be contemplating the responsibilities and implications of marriage, aspects he had apparently not considered before. As it turned out, he wasn’t prepared to embark on this journey with AD. While his last-minute decision at the wedding served the purpose of the show, it was heartbreaking to witness AD’s disappointment. Despite her love for him and her readiness to stand by him through thick and thin, AD has since stated that the rejection during the wedding ensured their separation would be permanent. – Mahita Gajanan

Jeramey rides a jet ski (Season 6)

E. B.)

Chelsea and Jimmy’s season-long fight (Season 6)

The Ballad of Chelsea and Jimmy is one of many verses; it’s difficult to choose the greatest moment of discord between the ill-matched pair. They got off to a rocky start when she apparently did not live up to the expectation she planted in his brain that she bore even a little resemblance to Megan Fox (reader, she does!). Then there were all the fights, so many it’s almost as though they were one continuous nightmare: Chelsea’s irrepressible insecurities; Jimmy’s inability to give her the reassurance she demanded or to let go of the woulda coulda shouldas around “she’s hot but then again she’s a mom” Jessica; the fundamental disconnect over his very close relationship with a female bestie. It all came to a head at a closed-for-the-season amusement park where, after asking Chelsea if she would say “yes” at the altar, Jimmy conceded that he wouldn’t, and it all came crashing down…or did it? It would appear that the pair has, for now, found peace: they were spotted dining out together in what appeared to be relative tranquility.—E. B.

Read More

• TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
• PORTAL PREDICTION. PORTAL cryptocurrency
• Louis Theroux reveals the sweet moment he fell in love with his wife Nancy Strang as he offers rare insight into their relationship
• ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
• GAMI PREDICTION. GAMI cryptocurrency
• EUR USD PREDICTION
• KAS PREDICTION. KAS cryptocurrency
• CET PREDICTION. CET cryptocurrency
• WAIT PREDICTION. WAIT cryptocurrency
• XAI PREDICTION. XAI cryptocurrency

2024-10-03 00:06