20 Moments That Made Love Is Blind

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Amazingly, it’s been five years since the debut of “Love Is Blind,” which aired just weeks before the pandemic started and essentially introduced us to the era of quarantine dating with its concept of long-distance courtship. Over eight seasons, we’ve witnessed couples from all over the country finding love by baring their deepest selves to one another — sometimes with dramatic results.

In light of the end of season eight, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and recall some of the most outrageous instances from the show “Love Is Blind” to remind us all of how captivatingly crazy (and entertaining) this social experiment can be.

Most Devastating Beyoncé Homage

Season One

Offer your good wishes to the Love Is Blind production crew, who had a challenging task in Mexico, hiding among the bushes as Carlton Morton and Diamond Jack engaged in a heated argument on their honeymoon. Carlton only revealed his bisexuality after their engagement, which left Diamond questioning his motives for the experiment. The conflict escalated swiftly. In less than a minute, Diamond removed her engagement ring. Approximately 20 seconds later, Carlton said something about biphobia (presumably) that led him to avoid dealing with women like her. As Diamond shouted, “Watch my back for the next man,” the camera struggled to keep up with her departure. Normally, quoting Beyoncé would silence everyone, but she ended that album by reconciling with the man who wronged her. This choice is similar to how Carlton responded by tossing the engagement ring into the pool and yelling, “Watch your hairpiece, it keeps slipping.” The show’s first breakup generated much discussion even though the relationship didn’t last beyond the first day of their honeymoon. The idea of an all-bisexual season is becoming more compelling, Chris Coelen. I hope you’re paying attention to this!

Worst Dog-Mom Reflex

Season One

In the initial season of “Love Is Blind,” which aired mere weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the world to pause, watching it again feels like a surreal dream. The humor established in this season paved the way for those that followed, but one aspect that everyone approached with sincerity was Jessica Batten’s wine-loving dog. When Jessica casually shared a goblet of red wine with her golden retriever during a conversation with her fiancé, Mark Cuevas, it created quite a stir on the internet. Of course, we all know that dogs shouldn’t drink alcohol, but Jessica’s dog had a peculiar fondness for wine – a fact she admitted quietly as she leaned over to share her glass. She later expressed regret after viewers criticized her for giving her dog what could be considered poison. She attributed her actions to discomfort in discussing finances and not knowing what else to do. And so, the show’s first viral meme was born.

Realest Reality Check

Season One

In the first season, what made “Love Is Blind” unique was the suspense of not knowing beforehand which stories would or wouldn’t be shown. Unlike most dating reality shows, this one often showcased real homes and genuine spaces not pre-selected by producers. The surprising moment between Amber Pike and Matthew Barnett (or just “Barnett”) in episode seven was particularly striking because it was rare to see a home like Amber’s on such TV shows. Real people actually inhabit this house! It wasn’t a staged model home that resembled a soundstage half the time.

Essentially, Barnett gains a deeper insight into Amber when he visits her modest home in a less affluent neighborhood. While they were both aware of their differing backgrounds, it wasn’t until this visit that Barnett truly comprehended Amber’s upbringing. This exposure made him more mindful of the financial disparities between them and also led him to question his assumptions about wealth and the kind of person he might end up with. The scene where a man encounters Amber’s family home is particularly impactful, challenging his preconceived notions about class. Despite the show’s focus on Lauren and Cameron (and Giannina), such grounded storytelling adds depth to even the most trivial aspects of the series.

Best Runaway Bride

Season One

Giannina Milady Gibelli consistently deviated from the script in her reality show appearances. Her unique approach to drama included proposing to Damian Powers inside the pods, and later confessing that their intimate life was less than perfect – making for compelling television. The climax of their relationship unfolded at the altar, a common occurrence on this show. Giannina delivered her “I do” with poise, but it was Damian’s turn next. In a dramatic scene that extended across an episode break, Damian chose not to marry Giannina, expressing concerns about her unpredictability and inconsistency in her feelings towards him. Overwhelmed and emotional, Giannina left the venue on foot, pursued by a persistent cameraman who was more than just a wedding videographer. The exact distance she traveled is unknown, but at some point she discarded her heels and veil, eventually breaking down in tears on a street corner as the wedding guests quietly departed from the venue.

Eventually, Gi returned to the location to confront Damian, finding him amidst the piled-up chairs in what was supposed to be a wedding venue. She asked for an explanation, leading to a heated argument. In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of Gi’s style, she ripped a piece from her wedding dress and tied it around Damian’s wrist before leaving in a fury. The pair eventually rekindled their romance off-screen, only to split up permanently after five seasons, but even four years later, Giannina stands out as one of the most memorable characters on Love Is Blind, almost embodying the essence of the show itself.

The Most Satisfying Confrontation

Season One

The love triangle between Matt Barnett, Jessica, and Amber marked the beginning of many conflicts: In the first season, Matt pursued both regional manager Jessica and ex-tank mechanic Amber inside the pods before proposing to Amber. Despite getting engaged to a trainer named Mark, Jessica continued to meddle in Amber and Barnett’s relationship at every chance, even flirting openly with her former pod partner on the beach in Mexico. This behavior led to Amber’s now-famous remark at the reunion: “You’re shady. You’re so fake. Coming to my face like we were cool, you are so fake.” Jessica admitted her mistakes and apologized directly to Amber, who didn’t exactly forgive her, but seemed content to have received the apology. During the reunion, Jessica shared her feelings about watching her actions unfold on screen, making it an unusually candid moment. Although we haven’t seen this level of honesty in several seasons, one thing is certain: For reunions to be meaningful, participants must be willing to speak truthfully, or in this case, call out shady behavior openly.

MVP (Most Vexed Player)

Season Two

In this reality show “Love Is Blind”, some characters are notably villainous, driven by a torrent of insecurity behind their misconduct. This was evident with season two’s Shayne. Amidst a tangled love triangle in the pods, Shayne found himself engaged to Natalie, but it soon emerged that his macho facade concealed a profound reservoir of self-doubt. He sought frequent validation from Natalie (“words of affirmation” – therapy language has seeped into reality TV!!!) while simultaneously flirting with Shaina on and off camera. Shayne’s cocktail of swagger and self-doubt reached a climax at the “Love Is Blind” bachelor party. While the other men enjoyed a leisurely boat ride on the Chicago River, the women, and while the men celebrated their upcoming weddings by playing baseball at Wrigley Field, Shayne failed spectacularly. He mimicked breaking the bat (jokingly, but also not) and threw it away in frustration, storming off the field, defeated. This wasn’t just a vivid portrayal of his fragile ego, but an instance of masterful producing. It was clear that the pitcher was instructed to strike Shayne out, aiming to shatter his confidence before the weddings. Debatable ethics? Absolutely! But compelling television.

Best Wedding Rejection

Season Two

In the first wedding that didn’t result in the traditional “I do” in season one, there was an undercurrent of tension, anxiety, or turmoil. However, Deepti Vempati’s wedding to Shake Chatterjee in season two marked a significant shift in narrative tone for the show “Love Is Blind.” Despite the wedding itself not going as planned, it felt like a triumph, offering a sense of victory even when things seemed bleak. By the time Deepti reached the venue, the tide had turned decidedly against Shake. Previously, his parents had hinted to Deepti that she might want to reconsider her decision. So, when she looked into Shake’s eyes without any tears or hesitation and firmly declared “No, I cannot marry you,” it was one of the most uplifting moments in the series. She even smiled as she said it! Her parents visibly relaxed with relief! The impact of this scene is incredibly satisfying for Deepti, particularly when Shake tries to act unphased and focused on his Nobu reservation shortly after. This moment showcases not only Deepti’s success but also the adaptability of “Love Is Blind.” While a positive, empowering storyline doesn’t always have to lead to marriage, it can also be found in the joy of someone recognizing a poor decision and choosing to rectify it.

Sweatiest Groom

Season Two

In a less sensational yet intriguing turn of events on “Love Is Blind,” Nick Thompson’s profuse sweating during his wedding was oddly amusing. Recorded post-breakout season and the first one following the pandemic, season two faced numerous obstacles (and controversies) that persisted throughout its run. Among these was Shake Chatterjee. Despite these hurdles, Nick and his fiance, Danielle Ruhl, managed to surmount heated vacation arguments and minor squabbles, eventually reaching the altar where Nick appeared visibly anxious, drenched in sweat, and sporting an expression of concern that might be unparalleled across television history. Is Nick’s sweating a symbol of coping with a relationship under the glare of Netflix and social media? Not necessarily; sometimes it’s just a man feeling the heat at the altar.

The Least Cute Cutie

Season Three

In a surprising twist during their relationship, Zanab Jaffrey claimed that Cole Barnett was inconsiderate about her weight concerns off-camera. Initially, it seemed like a straightforward issue, but things took an unexpected turn at the reunion. “One day, it was around 2 p.m., and we were still filming,” Zanab shares with co-host Vanessa Lachey. “I hadn’t had a chance to eat, so I picked up two Cuties – small oranges that fit comfortably in your hand. And he looked at me and asked, ‘Are you going to eat both of those?’ I replied, ‘Well, yes, that’s a serving.’ He then said, ‘We’re going out to eat later, maybe save your appetite.'” Fortunately for us, this interaction was recorded on-camera, and the reunion concludes with this footage. While Cole’s persona often comes off as paternalistic due to his use of phrases like “save your appetite,” it didn’t seem quite as malicious as some other body-shamers on the show. Given Zanab’s sensitivity about her weight, the Cuties might have been the last straw before she used her “I Do Not” speech to directly criticize Cole.

The Most Cartoonishly Painful Reveal

Season Four

In a unique predicament, Zach Goytowski, known for serenading his dates with songs, found himself entangled in a love triangle with two women – Bliss and Irina. Despite being torn, he chose to propose to Irina Solomonova, perceiving her as more affectionate, unaware of her dominating nature within the women’s lounge. Zach regretted his decision swiftly. During an uncomfortable revelation, Irina criticized Zach, commenting on his resemblance to a cartoon character and his “blank stare.” Before he could even present the ring, she called him creepy. In a sweet gesture, he asked for a kiss; she declined and settled for a hug instead. Matters worsened when Irina openly told Zach he was strange. Laughing to the cameras afterward, she admitted, “I thought he’d be a little more normal.” By the time they reached Mexico, Zach acknowledged his mistake and deemed their relationship beyond repair. (“It’s been fucking horrible.”) After returning to reality, Zach reconnected with Bliss Poureetezadi, whom he had previously rejected in the pods, over coffee – an unprecedented move on Love Is Blind. Now, they are happily married and expecting a child together! Love indeed prevails!

The Best [signal cuts]

Season Four

The live reunion for season four of “Love Is Blind” was chaotic, intense, and prolonged, but it failed to live up to its name as a truly live event. In a second attempt at streaming a cultural event (the first being Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage” stand-up special), Netflix fell short. At 5:02 PST, they announced that the live event would begin in 15 minutes. However, as it approached 6 p.m., viewers still saw a message saying the event was about to start. Meanwhile, at the Los Angeles viewing party, hosts Chloe Veitch (a three-time Netflix alum) and Chris Burns (comedian) struggled to manage an increasingly intoxicated group of journalists and reality stars, with two open bars in the room but no food available.

At last, at 6:29 p.m., Netflix announced they were ending the contest. The reunion would be pre-recorded and uploaded to Netflix as quickly as possible in a non-live format. We were informed that our viewing party would be the only ones able to watch it live. By 6:45, a somewhat delayed live stream started at the venue, and an unremarkable reunion unfolded. Notable moments included Jackie and Josh joining virtually, and Vanessa Lachey coming close to requesting a pregnancy from Love Is Blind. A positive takeaway? The night turned out to be quite entertaining on Twitter.

Almost Broke the Show

Season Five

In order for the experiment on “Love Is Blind” to be successful, participants should come in with an open mind, free from past experiences and biases. Despite their personal histories of heartbreak and romantic entanglements, the show presents a unique opportunity to find love with someone entirely new who resides in the same city. However, when season-three participant Uche Okoroha revealed to his potential fiancé, Aaliyah Cosby, that he had dated Lydia Velez Gonzalez, one of Cosby’s closest friends within the pod, it irrevocably shattered the “Love Is Blind” experiment. This revelation left viewers questioning: Was Lydia on the show for Uche? Why didn’t Uche tell Aaliyah sooner? And perhaps most crucially, how did the producers allow this to happen? Unfortunately, we were never provided with a clear answer. Still, the unexpected twist catapulted “Love Is Blind” alongside the Red Wedding and “The Bad Place” in television history for its shocking impact.

Best Makeup/Worst Breakup

Season Five

In simpler terms, this scene from the reality show LIB is quite unusual compared to past episodes. The moment Jared “JP” Pierce and Taylor Rue meet for the first time after their proposal, it’s clear something is off. Instead of a warm greeting, JP forcefully kisses Taylor, which looks more like Liam Neeson and Viola Davis’ intense morning smooch in Widows. Strangely enough, their initial encounter is surprisingly quiet. JP only compliments Taylor’s appearance after she does the same to him, but Taylor chooses to move past it. The whole situation feels awkward, which might be expected given the nature of the experiment. However, we can’t tell what JP is thinking until he says that showing her freckles more is something he would change about her. When Taylor asks if there’s anything else, he mentions feeling more comfortable talking to a wall, suggesting that… he might only interact with people on his phone or perhaps he isn’t very attracted to her face.

Later in the episode, they discover the solution while lying in bed. Taylor ponders why it seems they’ve taken a step back and aren’t at their expected emotional level (which is being content in love). JP contends that Taylor is still grappling with the uncomfortable stage following the revelation – he’s been making an effort “every single day” to alter her perspective. It isn’t clear how he was managing this, but it’s not relevant here. Eventually, Taylor queries, “So, what transformed things after the pods?

As a fan, I can empathize with your sentiment. If we were to meet without makeup, you might have left a more lasting impression on me. However, it seems that my perception of you was altered by your use of makeup, making me question the authenticity of your appearance. Taylor appears bewildered, asking if the way she looked affected how I communicated with her. JP admits that he felt you were not genuine, pointing out the excessive makeup and false eyelashes. Taylor seems shocked, stating that JP didn’t know what she looked like without makeup. In response, JP mentions that some of your makeup ended up on his jacket. At this point, Taylor seems to have had enough of the situation because it’s hard for her to believe that someone who appreciates her freckles would be turned off by a little foundation and mascara. On a show where couples are breaking up over complex issues like sexuality, finances, and relationship pressures, this couple ended their brief fling due to the disagreement about your makeup use.

Best Solo Cups

Season Five

In Stacy Snyder’s inspection of Izzy Zapata’s living space, she finds an abundance of disposable dishes instead of more durable alternatives like porcelain or high-quality plastic. This discovery leaves Stacy astonished, while Izzy is puzzled as to why this bothers her so much. However, this situation isn’t simply a replay of the Amber and Barnett conflict from season one; it’s laden with unique peculiarities and underlying tensions. Unlike Amber and Barnett who are conscious of their assumptions and the need to reconcile them with reality, Stacy and Izzy struggle to communicate about their feelings towards each other. All that Stacy can express is her perception that these disposable dishes indicate a lack of respect or disregard for her comfort, whether intentional or not. Unfamiliar with the elaborate aesthetic and financial context that Stacy brings to this discussion of plastic plates, Izzy doesn’t know how to address her concerns. This seemingly minor detail in home decor sends them both into turmoil, unable to pinpoint the reasons behind their emotional response! Despite attempting explanations for hours, they might never truly understand the essence of their relationship more than the dispute over disposable dishes.

Best Celebrity Look-Alike

Season Six

Lesson from season six of ‘Love Is Blind’: Avoid comparing yourself to celebrities, even if they’re as famous as Joe Alwyn (known as Mason in season eight). In the pods, Chelsea mentioned to her potential partner Jimmy that she looked like Megan Fox. This comparison seemed to impact Jimmy’s decision to propose to Chelsea instead of Jess. However, after the reveal, Jimmy admitted he didn’t find the similarity convincing. Perhaps it was unnecessary for Chelsea to compare herself to a 2010s sex symbol; perhaps Jimmy should have understood that she simply had some characteristics in common with Fox, like light-colored eyes and dark hair. In the end, Chelsea emerged victorious. Firstly, because she didn’t end up marrying Jimmy, and secondly, because Megan Fox herself defended Chelsea against the critics.

Best Use of Find My Friends

Season Six

In a world without drama, the “Find My Friends” feature on iPhones can be a fun way for users to know where their Sims are when out and about. But in reality shows like “Love Is Blind,” it could potentially end a relationship. In this case, Laura and Jeramey were already having issues, with Laura suspicious of Jeramey’s connection with his pod ex, Sarah Ann. The night before Laura was supposed to meet Jeramey’s mom, Jeramey was found cozying up with Sarah Ann at the closed bar Lost and Found in Charlotte (farewell, Lost and Found, you would have loved the Minneapolis bar scene). Laura called Jeramey out on his actions the next day, and Jeramey claimed he hadn’t left the bar. However, if his excuse was valid, he must have left his phone in his car parked lot and gone with Sarah Ann in another vehicle, while still wearing his Apple Watch, another device that uses “Find My Friends.” This explains why Laura knew Jeramey was at the North End.

Most Unexpected PSA for Allergy Medication

Season Six

Jess didn’t take her breakup with Jimmy lightly. She felt deceived by him since he made his decision at the last minute. The separation was particularly tough for her due to the presence of her daughter – perhaps this fact played a role in why Jimmy chose Megan Fox. However, her parting words deserve recognition in the Smithsonian, not just because they left Jimmy red-faced with embarrassment but for raising awareness about life-saving allergy medication. “You’re going to choke,” she warned him. “You will need your EpiPen to open up your airways, as you won’t believe what you’ve missed out on.” How many lives has she saved by educating people about the importance of EpiPens in opening airways? Pfizer, consider Jess your next spokesperson.

Best Display of Emotional Intelligence

Season Six

The part that stood out most in season six was when Clay’s mother, Margarita, directly confronted the effects of Clay’s father, Trevor’s infidelity on their marriage and Clay’s perspective on relationships. “You’re struggling with a marriage,” Margarita told Trevor. “Much of that is due to things you need to acknowledge and apologize for. No excuses; just apologize.” Trevor attempted to blame his upbringing, something Clay also echoed. However, it was evident that Trevor’s behavior mirrored the tree and the apple, as he tried to flatter Margarita to alleviate his discomfort about their broken marriage. “Tell [Clay] to meet someone like you,” Trevor suggested. “I met you, but you weren’t good to me.” This conversation was reminiscent of someone who had grown and healed from the experience.

Biggest Waste of a Health-Insurance Claim

Season Seven

The issue between Monica and Stephen wasn’t just his inappropriate jokes or his persistent discussions about sexual fetishes with his partner; it was the fact that he was sexting another woman. Monica discovered these explicit texts on Stephen’s phone, leading her to confront him about it. The problem was, he was texting this woman for hours while he claimed to be at a sleep test. He admitted to being drunk during the sleep test, which is a poor use of health insurance resources. Sleep tests can be hard to schedule, and one might wonder if Stephen cares about the co-pay or if Monica paid it for him. In any case, Monica got her money back from him, both her dignity and the payment she had made via Venmo.

Most Creative Hiding Spot for Receipts

Season Eight

During season eight, things seemed quite dull, but it appears as though the cast took note of everyone’s feedback and really delivered during the reunion, serving up drama and evidence to back it up. Madison, who had relationships with both Alex and Mason within the pods, alleged that Alex was not a genuine friend to Mason because he constantly spoke ill of him. Instead of pulling out proof from her purse, she creatively displayed it under her armpit, being the resourceful woman she is. Although the screenshots didn’t expose specific insults directed at Mason, they did reveal that Alex was quite open with Madison about his feelings towards the pod group. One has to wonder why this tension wasn’t more apparent throughout the season?

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2025-03-10 19:57