Married at First Sight is heading back to Chicago for season 18.
Lifetime announced the premiere date this week, saying the relationship reality series will return on a new night, Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The new season features ten singles who marry a complete stranger, go on a honeymoon, and move in together as husband and wife during an 8-week social experiment. Once the experiment is over, it’s “Decision Day” and the five couples must decide if they want to stay married or get a divorce.
Related: Taye Diggs and Meagan Good to Play Love Interests in Lifetime’s ‘Terry McMillan Presents: Forever’
In a press release, Lifetime also shared an “explosive detail” about the new season, revealing a first for the series —- a cheating scandal that leads to a couple swap.
Season 18 of Married at First Sight is bringing back longtime experts —- Pastor Calvin Roberson, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, and Dr. Pia to help the five couples with professional advice and support through their marriages.
Keshia Knight Pulliam is also returning to host MAFS: The Afterparty, which airs after each episode and gives inside scoops directly from the participants and special guests.
Ahead of the season 18 premiere, two specials will air on Tuesday, Oct. 7, starting at 8/7c — The MAFS: Matchmaking Special, which introduces the ten singles and Kevin Frazier is returning to host the MAFS: Kickoff Special.
Married at First Sight is produced by Kinetic Content. Executive producers include Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Montré Burton, Erica Kessler, and Kenda Greenwood Moran from Kinetic Content and Cat Rodriguez from Lifetime.
The series premieres Oct. 15 at 8/7c with an hour-long episode on Lifetime.
Below are exclusive details from People, on the five couples for season 18 of Married at First Sight:
Juan and Karla
Juan (36) feels that many women view him as a piece of meat instead of marriage material based on his good looks. The Married at First Sight process appeals to him because through this unique format, his character will be the primary focal point, and he’s ready for a marriage with deep connection.
Karla (33) has worked hard to heal unhealthy patterns and behaviors and is now moving forward with a loving mindset. She’s ready for a partner who complements her in every way and one with whom she can build a happy family, just like the one she grew up in. She is excited to participate in Married At First Sight because she believes in following her heart and is open-minded about finding love in an unconventional way.
Thomas and Camille
Motivated by witnessing the joy it brings his twin, Thomas (42) is ready to embrace marriage. His previous relationship, spanning nine years, came to an end due to his reluctance to commit. He’s since focused on personal growth and realized that he often overanalyzes before taking action. Ready for a fresh approach, he sees Married at First Sight as an opportunity to leap into marriage before overthinking the decision.
Camille (32) has established stability in her career and is now looking to plan for her long-term future. She is ready to leave her independent days behind and is excited to find a husband with whom she can build a life. As a fan of Married At First Sight, she appreciates how the process removes the guesswork around men’s intentions. She trusts the experts to guide her through the experience and hopes to find her match in this process.
Allen and Madison
Allen (35) feels his genuine nature, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to making a relationship thrive makes him an ideal candidate for the Married At First Sight process, and he hopes to walk away from the experience with a wife to share his love and life with.
Single now for two and a half years and approaching age 30, Madison (29) has gained a better understanding of herself and is ready to find her soulmate. She views the Married At First Sight experiment as a way to avoid wasting more time and risking more potential heartbreak from the dating scene. She’s never been more ready to start this next adventure!
David and Michelle
Inspired by his parent’s successful marriage, David (35) aspires to find the love of his life through the Married at First Sight experiment. After learning from past relationships and discovering his individuality, he feels prepared for the commitment of marriage. With contentment and self-confidence, he believes the experts can broaden his perspective and guide him toward a fulfilling relationship.
Michelle (38) unequivocally knows she is ready for marriage, and is eager to find her soulmate in the Married At First Sight experiment after being single for the past six years. Although Michelle is open to having children, she would consider adopting or fostering due to her age.
Ikechi and Emem
Having met the experts in Houston in 2020, Ikechi (41) hopes Married At First Sight can find his soul mate this time around. The fact that his career prospects led him to Chicago at this particular time feels kismet. He’s done the work to figure out who he is and what he wants, and though he’s had some long- term relationships and dated some amazing women, the connection was never quite there. He looks forward to finding his true love in this process and feels he’s been ready for marriage with the woman he’s meant to be with for quite some time.
Now that she has established herself professionally and found her voice, Emem (34) is ready to find a partner and start the next chapter of her life. She is not interested in wasting time dating around. Married At First Sight is an opportunity she’s unwilling to pass up. As an open-minded person, Emem feels this experiment could be the perfect fit.
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