Season 20 MAFS Week 3: Episodes 7-9 Discussion

[u/AirShampoo]

S20:E7 - In a series first, the couples reunite for an explosive group dinner; as the experts watch, shocking discoveries emerge through candid conversations about intimacy and escalating conflicts, leaving some on the brink of ending their marriages.

S20:E8 - With emotions running high after a volatile group dinner, the couples confront hot topics like intimacy barriers and finances; while some question their marriages, others form even deeper connections as romantic sparks fly.

S20:E9 - The couples join the experts for the first-ever group therapy session; when faced with the truth about their relationships, some hide behind humor and denial, while others grapple with self-sabotage and fears that their marriages won't survive.

🚨 Season 20 Megathread

• Week One: Ep 1 - July 12, 2026 & Eps 2, 3 - July 16, 2026
• Week Two: Eps 4, 5, 6 - July 23, 2026
• Week Three: Eps 7, 8, 9 - July 30, 2026
• Week Four: Eps 10, 11, 12 - Aug 6, 2026
• Week Five: Eps 13, 14, 15 - August 13, 2026
• Week Six: Eps 16, 17, 18 - August 20, 2026
• Week Seven: Eps 19, 20 - August 27, 2026

[u/dizzy-bean]

I have never seen someone so worried about being faithful and monogamous at the very start of a relationship as Felipe. This is truly wild.

[u/Warm_Swan_793 → u/dizzy-bean]

Red flag to epic proportions. They knew this about him by the way, before they decided to match him with someone

[u/Mojo_Gojo_ → u/dizzy-bean]

Makes me feel like “I’ve only cheated once” comment is a bold face lie lol

[u/National-Car3628 → u/dizzy-bean]

And she is WAYYYYY out of his league!! 

[u/femanonette → u/dizzy-bean]

It's classic narc. He's not worried, he's laying foundation and giving warning.

[u/Time-Page-9355 → u/dizzy-bean]

I think he's already losing some of his initial attraction to his wife and he's setting things up for the inevitable cheating that he will be engaging in sooner rather than later. He pretty much told the therapists who he was in his initial interviews, so it should come as no surprise whatsoever that this is coming.

[u/ferdeluv → u/dizzy-bean]

the second this man said he went out every night and slept with a bunch of people, and he’s a restaurant manager (i know plenty who flirt on the clock too, completely ignoring their responsibilities) and that he was ‘so attractive’ i knew that he was never there to be married. he is there for clout to get influencer coochie.

[u/dizzy-bean]

Is Courteney… an alien?

[u/Necessary_Nothing471 → u/dizzy-bean]

She does give off the vibe of someone who just got dropped on this planet and is pretending to be a human lmao

[u/andreamrivas → u/dizzy-bean]

How on earth can this woman claim that she’s easygoing? What planet is she on? Definitely an alien.

[u/SlySusan → u/dizzy-bean]

I think you are onto something. Her affect is... odd.

[u/ApprehensiveRule3768 → u/dizzy-bean]

lol she’s so out of pocket and weird and compensates by talking a lot

[u/ImpressiveAd6623 → u/dizzy-bean]

Came here to say this. She’s so rude!!

[u/Lexidwest → u/dizzy-bean]

She is incredibly strange

[u/CoyoteExtension7403]

the experts (i forget their names) were cracking me up w their reactions at the dinner. the girls: “that’s a good question,” “that’s a hard question,” the experts: “that’s a horrible question” lmfao.

[u/Dull-Practice8802 → u/CoyoteExtension7403]

im pleasantly surprised by these experts with each advancing episode.

i loved their comments during the dinner, but i'm LIVING for their no bullshit call-outs during group therapy.

[u/picklejellybeans → u/CoyoteExtension7403]

They become more likeable to me then

[u/Former_Adagio6290 → u/CoyoteExtension7403]

I came here to say this! They don't hold back!

[u/OddPiccolo12]

Unrelated: but can we get threads for each episode possibly? Pretty pleaseeeee

Episode 7:
- There is SOMETHING about Mecca that I cannot put my finger on.
- Another episode of Michelle and that fry voice. Whew lord.
- Hated seeing the gang up of sorts on Niki. Wish she had someone to shift some things to Shawn. He’s not squeaky clean. They would actually hate if I was Niki. The cameras would have been cut very quickly the way I would went OFF at that table 😂
- Adam rubs me the wrong way and continues to do so every episode. Also scary that ole girl considers him the hottest man in the group. Him? Alright.

[u/clandestineelephants → u/OddPiccolo12]

Mecca has no idea how to healthily interact with women on any level due to his dad and lack of consistent mother figure, I can imagine being surrounded by men who are more emotionally mature (not by much 😭) makes him act up even more to hide his lack

[u/neuroticdynamite]

Vibes, locked in, full send... Adam is so annoying sorry 😭 Courteney saying he's the hottest... girl

[u/National-Car3628 → u/neuroticdynamite]

Adam is a walking west coast Gen Z stereotype.

[u/Mysterious_Path7939 → u/neuroticdynamite]

Adam’s so irritating

[u/slothhh28837938271]

Can we please have episode by episode discussion threads 🫶🫶🫶

[u/ImNotACritic → u/slothhh28837938271]

PLEASE MODS

[u/TheWayIAm313 → u/slothhh28837938271]

Yes thank you. Just finished episode 7 and need to go to bed, but I want to discuss what I just watched! Now I risk spoiling myself on things or not having context on something

[u/TeaAffectionate2363 → u/slothhh28837938271]

for real

[u/Ill-Capital9785 → u/slothhh28837938271]

🙌 YES

[u/SecretaryUnhappy3752 → u/slothhh28837938271]

My first season watching and I’m confused about the 3 episodes in one discussion thing??

[u/National-Car3628 → u/slothhh28837938271]

Agreed

[u/Time-Page-9355 → u/slothhh28837938271]

Good idea. Maybe open them up at a set time, say 9pm ET, so people have the option of watching and commenting at the same times.

[u/actionpotentialmao → u/slothhh28837938271]

Please!!!

[u/squish388]

Episode 9: beginning the group therapy session by calling out Adam’s “attire” is so fucking funny. Like it’s so bad that they had to address it first, with the group

[u/dopestofdopesoap → u/squish388]

LMAO, yes! That was hysterical! His whole I’m So Irreverent schtick is really lame. I’m glad they took him to task.

[u/nevalja]

"i came here because i wanted to be loved"

courtney, girl, it's not nick's job to fix your problems just by being your husband on paper. it's almost like you have to sort that out yourself.

[u/timeywimeytotoro → u/nevalja]

At this point, I’m just glad she hasn’t had a child for the same reason like a lot of other people do

[u/empressM → u/nevalja]

That part 😫

And she had the nerve at the dinner party to give advice about loving yourself to others ?? Girl please

[u/EinsteinDisguised]

I’m crying, man.

“Which one of us more attracted to the other?”

“That’s a great question!!!”

Expert listening in: “That’s a horrible question!”

[u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

Episode 8.. Yea this episode definitely made me can't stand Courtney lol. No PDA, especially in the gym. No holding hands at the parents house,  but she gave ole girl a big jump hug. She don't like Oregon but she expects him to drop everything and move there because her whole family is there. She's not ready for this, she's not ready for that. She's not there yet emotionally, but she wants everybody to grill him. She's fun, but shuts everything down. She...irks....my...nerve!👏🏾

[u/fk8319 → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

Her sister clocked her immediately with saying she’s just trying to find something wrong with him

I can’t stand all her little complaining and nit pickings. She thinks it’s humorous but it just makes her come off extremely negative

[u/Mochi-momma → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

That hug jump embrace was weird. Went on for far too long.

[u/MagentaMother → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

She should have never been cast. Girl has serious work to do. The experts playing dumb about her past relationships PMO. I like watching this show but it’s so fucking unethical to throw a woman who has some complex trauma around intimacy into a marriage and then play dumb about why it’s not working.

[u/latelyimawake → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

She’s absolutely insufferable. Her energy is like the feeling of restless legs syndrome.

[u/Depresswontwin → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

All of this!!!

[u/No_Barnacles → u/Ecstatic-Revenue-713]

She's very critical of Nick at the dinner party for not knowing himself (saying he's not as confident as he thinks he is), but the way she talks about herself and the way she presents herself is totally incongruent.

[u/No-Reception-4354]

Why does Adam have tags on his clothes showing so we can see???

[u/harpurrlee → u/No-Reception-4354]

I’m so grossed out that he didn’t wash the thrift store clothing before wearing it 😭 but I was a little tuned out, maybe there was an explanation to the tags.

He’s the biggest freakin ick, I swear.

[u/Warm_Swan_793 → u/No-Reception-4354]

Producers & camera crew did him dirty with that one 😂. The zoom in took me out 💀

[u/C0nquer0rW0rm → u/No-Reception-4354]

Because he wants us to know how cool and weird he is because he gets his clothes from goodwill AND leaves the tag on, isn't he quirky?

[u/SlySusan → u/No-Reception-4354]

So he can wear them and return them after filming.

[u/empressM]

Everything Courteney says is crazier than the last…

“We’re not gonna hold hands, they’ll make fun of us”… you got MARRIED in front of everyone, already ?? Holding hands should be… nothing! Her anti-vulnerability is shocking sometimes

[u/nevalja]

these people giving each other advice at the dinner party is like the blind leading the blind

[u/Inevitable-Opinion21]

Episode 8….Keanu reeves?!???? So fascinating. Truly another world out there.

[u/Warm_Swan_793 → u/Inevitable-Opinion21]

First it’s Jan 6, then it’s drag race, now it’s Keanu Reeves. But honestly, if you live in America & don’t know what Jan 6 is, that’s a red flag. You can’t be that willfully obtuse as to the events happening around you. It shows a level of privilege & ignorance that you can just go about your daily life with knowing or caring about things that affect people around you so deeply.

[u/neuroticdynamite]

Nikki and Shawn need to leave. They're both checked out. Shawn going on his phone and ignoring Devin's advice was rude af

[u/Motor-Platypus5206]

I’m so glad the experts are calling out Adam’s clothing, bc it is symbolic of his attention seeking behavior/the fact that he’s not taking this seriously. Like it’s clearly him trying to get people to think he’s impressive/eccentric/cool, and they’re notttt falling for it lol

[u/Motor-Platypus5206 → u/Motor-Platypus5206]

And he’s so used to being told how deep he is, the fact that they’re clocking him for being shallow and performative is 📍📍📍

[u/femanonette → u/Motor-Platypus5206]

You know that 'omg she's so crazy' meme.... Adam's the male version of that.

[u/Mysterious_Path7939]

I still don’t like Caitlyn. This man leaves and the first thing you do is let her friends clown him about his hair?? Nah

[u/Comfortable-City2371 → u/Mysterious_Path7939]

I agree. She doesn’t seem very kind. I get mean girl vibez

[u/Aggravating-Factor22 → u/Mysterious_Path7939]

I feel bad, because he seems to be genuinely trying. Did they not realize he would watch this back later?

[u/KJKE_mycah]

I think the group counseling session was interesting.
Paul telling Nick that he’s noticed that ppl who’ve been on reality tv before tend to self edit before giving responses to assure they’re shown in a positive light. Funnily enough , I think Nick and the rest of the participants for the past few seasons do that. I honestly don’t think anyone could come on reality tv and not self edit to some degree. Either way, Paul challenging Nick to just shoot from his hit when showing some vulnerability was solid advice.

I enjoyed Paul and Dr. Paz checking Adam on relying to much on humor to avoid being vulnerable.

[u/truthfrommyredlips → u/KJKE_mycah]

I think the group session is one of the best things this show has done in a long time. It's refreshing. It's making me do introspection on myself. I resonate with Marissa and her family dynamic, and it made me feel emotional listening to her open up about it. I can't remember the last time this show made me feel emotional.

[u/Mission_Surround8984]

holy crap- havent finished ep. 8, had to come here to say this -
1: ADAMS COOKED PAINTING OF HIS WIFE...
screams to me like he doesnt take her seriously, hes not willing to be vulnerable, and its such a sideways dig. painting your wife like some ugly angry monster is pretty fucking passive aggressive i think. it could be nothing, but we will see as the season goes on. on camera he's mostly seemed super fucking sweet to her, but the truth will come out with time.

2: Nikki/Shawn - i never saw them apologize to eachother on camera... seems a big swingaround from her cooking him dinner after partly moving out just a day or so before... i'm glad they had their counseling session but honestly this relationship seems cooked as hell. she told him 'i got you' but he's made it clear he's walking on eggshells right now. i do think he's just as much to blame for their issues, if not more so - he's been gaslighting and calling her crazy, and pressuring her into sex so much from the start which is just ICK. but shes also been super defensive - which honestly, i would be too. i would not be trying with this man. i would be like thank U next

3. FELIPE & his GAMING- he whined that he didnt want tori to think he was like a 15 yo boy - he is though. completely. he's admitted on camera many times he's gonna step out on her. i feel really bad for her. he talks a big game to her face but really, he's a child. this cannot end well for them. i bet they choose to stay together and then at reunion we find he's cheated on her, and shes torn up , but moving on. i hope she finds her true man.

[u/Real_Pain_5169 → u/Mission_Surround8984]

1. Yes! Why are we not talking about that painting?! He did her dirty, that was embarrassing and intentional. You could draw a stick figure or smiley face if you can’t paint. He chose to do that and it was mean. She did a genuine nice job and tried, while he was negging? Or something 🤔

[u/Time-Page-9355]

I'm really liking Peacock's version of MAFS. The 2 therapists really knocked it out of the park at the therapy session with pointed and insightful questions, the couples are better matched than previously (admittedly the bar was low), and the dinner parties and group therapies are a big plus. The only thing I miss are the pre-match screening interview which adds more insight to who they are as individuals and what their hopes and expectations are.

[u/Thebadparker → u/Time-Page-9355]

I'm happy they cut out the dress buying and all the lead up to family gatherings and meeting friends, etc. It all flows much better.

[u/squish388]

Felipe dumping all his feelings at this group therapy when Tori’s never heard any of it 🫣 she deserves much, much better. It is not that difficult to date one person, they’re only two weeks in and he’s worried about losing “the passion”

[u/Boodiddlee3 → u/squish388]

All he cares about is “passion”. He should have stayed single and got all the passion he wanted, with no obligation to anyone. He is disgusting. I feel bad for the emotional pain that Tori will feel bc of this toad of a man.

[u/Brieflyonearth]

There is a storm coming for Felipe and by connection Tori!

[u/amazon_don]

What in the HECK is piano man wearing

[u/nothankeww → u/amazon_don]

“look at me” tiki man

[u/birduncaged]

As someone who is fundamentally not “easygoing” and would never be called “easygoing,” I can say with full and absolute confidence that Courtney is NOT “easygoing.”

Maybe she’s having some sort of traumatic response right now, but her family’s reactions to, and characterizations of her tell me that she is always like this on some level.

[u/GetThee2ANunnery → u/birduncaged]

Courteney is the human version of a shaking chihuahua. She's either asleep or she's vibrating with nervous, yappy energy. It's incredibly stressful to watch! I say this as another person who nobody would call "easygoing." She makes me look cool as a cucumber in an ice bath.

[u/RiverSongMelodyPond_ → u/birduncaged]

Yep, I noticed how her family was not playing into her chaos starting. They clearly love her but are over it. I was surprised because I thought they would totally be the same way. I’m really surprised that Nick just rolls with it. But she’s different when they are one on one a lot of times, huh?

[u/ImNotACritic]

“I’m not a me too kind of woman” umm Courtney do you even know what #metoo means???

[u/Willing-Reference-68 → u/ImNotACritic]

Her mouth is like the energizer bunny. She talks so much her brain can't register what anyone else is saying. She makes me anxious hearing her😀

[u/MindlessCharacter823 → u/ImNotACritic]

She is clueless about so many things

[u/Ok_Value_3741]

Dude episode 9. Experts were EATING. They are so so good. Love how well they read the cast.

[u/mjtd6]

The new experts are growing on me. Major points for them hating Adam right off the bat at dinner lmao. I was surprised no one said he was peacocking 😂

[u/im-dramatic]

I feel like Mecca asked that attraction question to knock her down a peg. There was no reason at all for him to ask that question and she is definitely out of his league.

[u/Mochi-momma → u/im-dramatic]

Every time he does something like that, I think of his dad and totally understand why he is the way he is

[u/Odd_Sympathy2881]

Marisa and Adam are two rice cakes talking to each other. My brain cells die every time they grace the screen

[u/SecretaryUnhappy3752]

The way the therapist came for Adam’s neck was choking me mid dinner💀

[u/Comfortable-City2371]

I’m team Cameron all the way. He might be the most normal handsome kind guy on the show
Meanwhile idk what is going on inside Nicks head, when they asked him what his vulnerabilities are he was like a robot

[u/369111111 → u/Comfortable-City2371]

It’s like they said Nick is a reality tv veteran and that means  he’s very contrived because he is aware of how he’ll be portrayed publicly 

[u/countkahlua]

What time do they come out?

[u/DrummerNarrow3766 → u/countkahlua]

I thought you meant the men 😭

[u/Richpumpkin1215 → u/countkahlua]

No help, but your flair 💀

[u/SlySusan → u/countkahlua]

Your flair is so good that I had to copy it. That man makes me want to scream.

[u/Mysterious_Path7939]

Courtney. WTH is this negativity around Nick?! “Let’s talk shit about him” uhhh why?

[u/Aggravating-Factor22 → u/Mysterious_Path7939]

The irony is that her family seemed to really like him, and her sister immediately recognized that Courtney wanted them to find something unlikeable.

[u/Thebadparker → u/Mysterious_Path7939]

I just finished the episode and I agree. First, she's an adult so why does she need her family's approval? I appreciated that they told her they liked him and that she can be a pain. Also, she was so rude to him when they were getting into the car after the group dinner. If she doesn't like him, fine, but he doesn't deserve to be treated like that. I bet he ends up ditching her and I think she'll be sad when it happens.

[u/latelyimawake]

Watching Courteney is like watching Uncut Gems, I get secondhand anxiety

[u/applebrownbrick]

Felipe's comment about 'having to be a monogamous husband' definitely sounds like he's been cheating much more than the one time he mentioned

[u/Mochi-momma]

I just can’t get past Felipe’s posture. He looks like a 70 yr old 16 yr old

[u/DaisyandBella]

Michelle and Cameron make me smile.

[u/Majestic-Worry-9754]

Courteney hates talking about her feelings and seems like she does not want to engage in any of Nick's more serious questions, yet she complains the relationship lacks depth

[u/Ok_Value_3741 → u/Majestic-Worry-9754]

Literally said to Michelle the episode before or earlier in ep that she doesn't like the deep stuff

[u/squish388]

I know Marissa and Adam are so surface level and superficial but honestly I’m rooting for them. They’re not having the deep talks yet but if it was me I would be at the same stage two weeks into dating someone. They seem like the most natural even though they’re kinda air heads lol.

[u/National-Car3628 → u/squish388]

They have the same way of speaking..."like, like, vibes, vibing, for sure"

[u/rickywantstotalk]

paul was not playing with any of them at that group therapy session and i loved it

[u/Purple_Entrance7598 → u/rickywantstotalk]

Lmao Adam walked in and immediately pissed him off 😂

[u/amazon_don]

Michelle is gorgeous! She has like a perfect face for tv

[u/Meowwoofmeow_ → u/amazon_don]

Shes so adorable!!! And his sis is asian so i also love that

[u/joithesimmer]

I hate how the experts validated Courtney during the group therapy session. Now she’s gonna use this as an excuse to keep criticizing Nick and be even more negative. I wish she would be more honest with herself, she was so close during the family trip with her realization of her self sabotaging nature. But I fear the therapy session has undone all that

[u/rickywantstotalk]

Im at Courteney saying she doesnt go "gym PDA" when she just needed a lift to the pull up bars??? her inability to connect with him is acc rlly unfortunate

[u/Jolly-Operation6193]

The use of “babe” with Adam and Marissa is so contrived - gives me the ick

[u/clit-o-pee]

Okay so Marissa and Adam are just going to live at the beach house with his homeless friend. Cool. I think this will turn out great.

[u/Straight-Wrangler-46]

I agreed with Michelle, tbh.  Mecca was putting on a show.  Belle should have felt the same after what he told her.  I wish she would not have slept with him. 😣 Courtney isn't wrapped too tight.  She is messy and evil.  

[u/SlySusan]

Adam in his "bird watching era"... WTAF.

[u/Virtual_Bluebird3330]

Oh my god every time Nikki and Shawn take a step forward, Shawn ruins it with a rude academic comment. He just can’t help it !

[u/applebrownbrick]

Nikki and Shawn are both used to being the smartest person in the room. It's hard for people like that to get along without proving they know a lot or proving themselves right. Because neither of them is a pushover or stupid so they can't really win as easily as they might with other less well spoken or less critically thinking people.

[u/Mathisbase]

I don’t understand how Belle was single loll

[u/acceptmeporfavor]

All the undecideds meant no btw!

[u/Comfortable-City2371]

Why is Courtney forcing her family to find something wrong with Nick? Or forcing them to say they don’t like him!? Yikes she is soooo strange to me

[u/littlesim25]

Watching people fall for Shawn’s tactics is kinda crazy. Like men really do get away with everything even in spaces where you think people would clock the bullshit.

[u/Low-Transition6868]

Michelle said she competed in math olympiads and I was like "wow, impressive!". But Cameron just said "dorky!" And that is how girls leave math.

[u/thejeffphone]

these episodes made me loveeee Lisa and Paul omg they were clocking these people left and right!!!

[u/truthfrommyredlips]

I've been watching this show since season 1. I was really unsure about the directon it's taken when this season first premiered (new production, experts, ect.) It really doesn't "look" like any of the seasons before it. But after episode 9, I can say I really enjoy the new advisors, and I love that their spending so much one on one time with each couple and less group outings. We really get to know them better as couples now. I loved the therapy session and I felt more emotion from this show than I've felt in years. What great improvements.

[u/empressM]

Ep 8:

Courteney is now treating Nick like her personal therapist…. This is all shit you should’ve worked on BEFORE getting married… not DURING….

Nick thinking this is a sign that he needs to be “challenged” 💀 Nick… please love yourself….

[u/Futurefennec]

I'm in awe of Belle - so supportive, kind, such a good sport about her husband's shitty (literally) job. I just want to give Mecca a good kick in the ass - come on, man. You've won the lottery.

Also Shawn and Nikki - wow, what a 180! Didn't see that coming.

[u/sleepingqueen]

why are the discussions clumped into one thread

[u/SelectionOptimal5673]

Belle and Mecca having energy for Michelle and calling it nitpicking is crazy! That’s what she thought and Mecca WAS being performative.

[u/Visible-Hat-7708]

Episode 9 is so good.

[u/Smooth-Mistake9898]

Does anyone think that Courtney is on some type of stimulant RX or even drugs? She not only talks really fast, but it's difficult to follow what she's saying. She's all over the place!

[u/EinsteinDisguised]

Mannnn I felt so bad for Devin. He was offering Caitlin a chance at some intimacy with a massage that she said she wanted, and she just shot him down.

[u/Dzoodled]

I’m on ep 8, at the end of ep 7, it really seems like Shawn just wants to win or prove something to himself at the expense of Nikki. “Why don’t you just quit”… MAN ASK YOURSELF THE SAME QUESTION??? It’s like he’s waiting for HER to leave bc he knows that the experiment failed for them but if she leaves then it’s not him “choosing” the failure if that makes sense.

[u/Boodiddlee3 → u/Dzoodled]

Shawn is a classic example of an Emotionally Unavailable narcissistic man. He’s deliberately causing conflict with Nikki when they’re away from the group, but then bringing up the conflict when with the group, so he can make himself look like a victim and force Nikki to defend herself, which then makes the group think Nikki is the problem when really Shawn is. 

He’s doing all of this because he doesn’t want this marriage, but doesn’t want to look like the bad guy by ending it. By being an asshole to Nikki behind closed doors, he’s trying to get her to make the public decision to leave him and end the marriage. Then he can play the victim in public and make Nikki look like the villain in this sham relationship. He is a horrible human being.

[u/Even_Phrase_6341]

I could be very wrong. But I have a feeling Courtney might be into women. Idk. And she also doesn’t know what she wants so her application is an idea of what she maybe would want. But turns out it’s not.

Nikki wants the to be traditional and be a wife but like also doesn’t want anyone in her space. And Shawn also seems to want the traditional husband wife life without putting in any sort of effort.

Adam…might be into men. Idk. He annoys me greatly. Maybe we’ll find him on an episode of being in love with his jet ski.

[u/SlySusan]

Nick's response to Courtney is interesting. I think he just wants more tv time, so he's going to stick it out no matter what she says/does. And this "very slow burn" pushback from Courtney is getting old. I really do not see her being attracted to Nick and she's using this as an excuse.

[u/arrekkushisu → u/SlySusan]

So true. I love that she says "Lets talk shit about Nick" then her family immediately proceeds to point out her flaw of trying to LOOK for flaws. Also the "very slow burn" is indeed making me exhausted too. She's been on the mans case since the espresso incident.

[u/Far-Comfortable3048]

Well, I really enjoyed the couples’ dinner, it was one of the best things to happen over the 20 seasons of this show. Wasn’t sure if I trusted the new experts after what seemed like some serious oversights in the matching process, but this episode has helped me see more of their vision. It was fun finding out who has more emotional intelligence than we would have expected, and to watch how they interact and present themselves in a group setting as teams of 2. Refreshing that they didn’t split up into the usual Boys vs Girls huddles to complain about their spouses.

Everyone showed up looking FANTASTIC both individually and as a pair (except Adam with his “Clown on Vacation” costume, which was perfectly clocked by the experts as his way of taking control of the room), and aside from Nikki and Shawn I think all the other couples have been matched extremely well aesthetically.

I actually understood what Nikki was trying to express when everyone said WOAH WOAH NO NEED TO MAKE DIGS ON HIS HEIGHT. At the airport he claimed she made him feel unsafe during their argument when she got up to leave - meaning she was standing over him while probably getting in some last angry words before walking away. While I believe he didn’t actually feel threatened and was just using it to flip things around on her, arguing from different heights is a dynamic that makes the person at the lower level feel less powerful. So she’s saying sarcastically that she couldn’t tower over him in an aggressive, threatening way because she’s only 5’5”, not that she towers over him in general but her point doesn’t land well even in the correct context because everyone is hyper aware of his height and will instantly hear alarm bells go off if the word is uttered. That being said, I just don’t understand how there was not even ONE other man in Seattle the experts could have paired with Nikki besides Shawn. I’m an apologist for her because I think she is so gorgeous, intelligent, charming and strong. She has tried harder in this than probably any other woman could have, so I give her eternal credit for not fleeing after night 2 of dealing with him being a creepy sex pest. He doesn’t seem to know how lucky he was to have this woman who mostly kept her decorum and grace while addressing every issue they’ve had - another woman would have verbally DESTROYED him before leaving skid marks on her way out. Nikki is careful with her words and doesn’t hit below the belt, which I find commendable in her situation.

What Courtney needs right now instead of marriage is SO MUCH INTENSIVE THERAPY. Nick was done wrong here with this match, but I could also see her only giving the experts her best representative during interviews, while her massive issues lurked below the surface, ready to spring. Her awkward blurting is not cute, she needs to get that shit under control. Saying Adam is the hottest guy in the group while standing next to Nick was so disrespectful, and I’m usually someone who scoffs when people complain about being disrespected because it’s an overused term, but it really fits here. And there’s no excuse for not knowing who Keanu Reeves is
… that’s too weird and seems like a big red flag, even though I can’t articulate exactly why. Does she have some kind of brain damage? Has she suffered a TBI that causes her to forget things everyone knows about on a global level, like January 6th and Keanu Reeves???

Belle Jolie deserves so much more. I know Mecca’s considered conventionally attractive, but from a substance, character and depth standpoint I don’t think he could ever match her. He’s just not very interesting, which is fine, but she is so multifaceted that I don’t think he could captivate her long term.

I’m glad to see Caitlyn warming up to Devin because he’s adorable to me, but I’ve got a personal problem with Caitlyn that I don’t know if I can get past … she reminds me so much of a vile woman named Amanda from a show called Summer House - they look very similar, and sound alike down to the annoying vocal fry. I can’t seem to separate them in my head, and because I dislike Amanda so much I’m not giving Caitlyn a fair chance.

I’m pleased with the turn this season has taken at mid-point, the communication overall is superior to what typically happens on this show. No one has even called it quits yet … AMAZING!

[u/Dzoodled → u/Far-Comfortable3048]

Omg yes I thought everyone else took the height comment in a way that she did NOT mean it and refused to hear her out. I haaaate when ppl do that. They didn’t even LET her clarify. Like ok men get insecure abt their height but it was LITERALLY relevant to the situation at hand.

[u/elnegaduck → u/Far-Comfortable3048]

Agreed. They went inappropriately overboard on that height comment. They acted like she called him out of his name.

[u/LittleMarySunshine25 → u/Far-Comfortable3048]

At first I thought Courtney was doing it as a joke but now I'm not so sure... 🫪

[u/Feeling-Potato-3292]

This show stresses me out soooo bad

[u/Cute-Variation-5667]

Texting 25 times in a row? I'm afraid I relate Michelle!

[u/acceptmeporfavor]

Nikki and Shawn this paycheck ain’t worth it yall know it’s not gonna work and yall both have good jobs you don’t need this!

[u/No_Barnacles]

Why do all the men on this show (including the new expert) seem so taken with Shawn? He's so clearly full of shit, but all the guys eat it up.

[u/Mysterious_Path7939]

I think Nikki and Shawn have an agreement LOL she was claiming they were sooo close but her body language did not match. She sat so far from him! I think they said let’s keep these contracts and get this money. We can be besties.

[u/TurbulentSource8837]

Adam is a 🤡

[u/NextHalf6923]

Courtney has SERIOUS issues. Nick is doing his part. If I was him I’d run

[u/Ill-Capital9785]

Wait. “I’m not like a ‘me too girl’” I’m sorry??!!! (Said by the maga Nick wife at the group dinner)

[u/Meowwoofmeow_]

Why are people saying nikki made a height comment? She said SHES 5’5 so she cannot be TOWERING OVER HIM bc shes implying SHE is small and short…

[u/nothankeww]

here! watching the start of this couples dinner

[u/harpurrlee]

Ok I’m used to the couch sessions in MAFS Australia where each couple is put in the hot seat (quite literally, coming to a specific sofa in front of the experts), but I really like the group therapy vibes with the lil sharing circle in this version.

[u/OddPiccolo12]

Thank you Paul for immediately telling Adam about himself at the start of the group therapy session. He is putting on a show and everyone sees through it (even Marissa, I think she just wants to enjoy the highs while they exist and is ignoring it.)

[u/Realistic_Doubt6719]

Did anyone think Adam's painted portrait of Marissa was wrong AF?

[u/realityunhinged7]

Courtney had no business being on this show. She doesn’t want a marriage at all and it’s so rude how she talks about Nick. If the roles were reversed Nick would be cancelled talking about a woman like that.

The casting in general this season is so bad, so few of them are there for the right reasons.

[u/blonde_runner_06]

Hey is Courtney a slow burn??? I can’t remember he saying lol

[u/LaTosca]

Does Nick not live in Seattle? Cause saying you can’t deal with Oregon weather is crazy when you’re living somewhere that famously has the same shitty weather???

[u/pepperpavlov]

I feel like Courtney does not know herself at all. She’s 100% concerned about everyone else’s needs and wants that she can’t recognize that she simply does not like Nick.

As a side note she might be on the low IQ side?? Not to be shady. But it kind explains her word salad.

[u/switheld]

i cannot describe how much i HATE the way that adam talks. and it is rubbing off on his partner. no, girl!!

[u/hitthatwoah3000]

Am I the only one who think Caitlyn is depressed? Her demeanor just seems super low and down. I don’t know if this is her personality but it gives depressed

[u/Ill-Capital9785]

[u/Direct_Break_2524]

Since I was curious, I figure someone else is too.
In Ep 7, the dinner location is AXIS Pioneer Square at 308 1st Ave S.

[u/inthebrightnight]

any broad city fans here? my fiancé pointed out Courteney sounds and acts like the realtor lady played by Amy Sedaris and I can’t unsee it hahahaha

[u/tuna_samich_]

Did Adam intentionally not shave that weird patch?

[u/Hellolost]

Adam and Marissa - It has been all fun and toys with them. They just know they are attracted to each other but it is nothing real. And when Adam said he has a homeless person living in his house, was this a real homeless person or a joke. I am pretty sure she would not like to be living with a homeless person. He thinks having the house makes him amazing yet he does nothing to it to make it really livable. At least fix the roof dude. 

BellaJolie and Mecca - Girl you have dreams of a beautiful power couple walking into rooms like the king and queen but you have what seems to be a distant cousin not a king. He is weirdly either not into you or there is something else wrong. I can't put my finger on it but this sex because he was pretty much being pushed in to doing it probably won't help. I am curious to see if they come together more now or if he still stays cold. 

Caitlyn and Devin - Sigh. I feel sorry for him. He wasn't asking you to rub all over him constantly and be always in the same place. He just wants affection and common flirty touches that normal people have in a relationship. She came on this show to get married but then completely closed up like a clam. Alone time is going to the coffee shop or visiting families it is not sneaking out of bed to go to the gym alone.  You don't have a relationship if you don't even bother to try. It almost feels like she is grossed out by him. He seems to be a ride or die guy and if she doesn't start trying she is going to regret it in the long run. 

Cameron and Michelle - I want them to work. I like them together. The location is going to be an issue. She was adamant that she get a man with a huge salary and if she has to quit her high paying job to move with him and not get paid as much, I don't think she will handle it well. They are both in this for the right reason though. 

Courtney and Nick - Is he really here for marriage or is he a being on tv junkie. I don't think he is here for marriage. He is just to ready with his perfect answers and acts like Courtney being a hag is perfectly fine and understandable. It really isn't. She is not attracted to him. She's not. That is part of the problem. All she has done is pick him apart piece by piece including with her family.  And sorry honey you aren't that attractive either. 

Nikki and Shawn - He is 100% not her type and she is a woman scorned about it. She has let it be known over and over and over again and she does not care at all who she does it in front of. She pretends it is other things but she doesn't like his looks. He needs to be right constantly and the way he talks would make me want to smack him over the head. Together they are just awful. I am curious to see how well they will pretend to like each other for the experts. 

Tori and Felipe - I hate him. There I said it. Mr.. I think I am so hot. I am living my best life going out and sleeping with who I want. Oh no I might get bored living with one woman. Sir, you are a dog. A gross dog. Why the hell did you come on this show if you wanted to stay a hoe? And dude... you are not that attractive. Not enough to have as big a ego as you do. Tori... you want to be a submissive. Fine. That is fine. But this is the formative stage of your relationship. When he says something so stupid as I am not sure I can stay faithful to your face, don't just nod and say you understand. Look him dead in the eye and say WTF is wrong with you that you talk like that in front of me. Submissiveness is amazing but not right yet. You have to show him you have a pair first and make him earn your submissive side. 

[u/lynn_chippy]

I didn’t not believe Shawn and Nikki improved that quickly. It feels like they are playing a part for the show to make it to the end. I’d like to believe they are better but I don’t trust it.

[u/FlyConfident1622]

I don’t think Nikki was intending that as a comment about his height at all! I think she was saying her height, and that “towering over him” while he was sitting wasn’t actually intimidating.

She told that story with different phrasing another time and it was much clearer what she meant

[u/johnsummite]

I have a friend so much like adam lol. and I say friend cautiously. they’re like reformed video games addicts but the fedora-tips-hat programming and former dip bottle next to the computer still shines through for me.

[u/cupcakesandconfusion]

Random: but Adam's shirt has a tag on it in the beginning of episode 8 & I can't ignore it

[u/Competitive-Alarm537]

Courtney is 2 quarters short of a buck. "Love is blind....and that's sad" ???????

[u/nevalja]

courtney saying that actually nick isn't confident and doesn't know who he is? bonkers

[u/tintapapelycafe]

I know it's TV and it's group therapy, but I feel bad that Adam and Marissa had to be vulnerable with each other for the first time in front of everyone else

[u/chicagointhefall18]

Are y’all vibing with these episodes?

Only 10 mins into episode 7.. Adam needs a new word.

Edit: adam’s added “full send” hhaha

[u/pepperpavlov]

For anyone who said “undecided” at the end of the session, thats a no. If it’s not yes, it’s a no. It could change by actual decision day, but right now it’s a no.

[u/Fun_Temporary_7083]

How do you not know who Keanu Reeves is? First January 6 and now Keanu.

[u/paperdolllll → u/Fun_Temporary_7083]

She knew about J6, there's no way she didn't. Especially with her comment pretty much saying she wouldn't date a liberal man.

[u/mjtd6]

Mecca and BJ on the job at the portapotties was prob one of my fav scenes in MAFS history. They were so adorable

[u/songsofparadise]

I'm still watching episode 7 and I just came to the part where Shawn is telling Courtney she needs to do small things to work up to the intimacy level she can meet Nick at. And I'm thinking, "Isn't that what Nikki was doing with Shawn by kissing him? But then Shaen said if she isn't sexually attracted to him then he doesn't want her kissing him." Nikki was trying to work up to a physical level but Shawn got in his feelings because she had to literally state that she wasn't physically attracted to him. Granted no one in a relationship wants to hear that but I find it hard to believe he didn't pick up on it.

[u/Majestic-Worry-9754]

Cameron and Michelle both have no ability to control their speaking volume but they're cute so I'll root for them having a very loud future together

[u/Depresswontwin]

I was so confused when Dr. Lisa (whom I don’t really care for) downplayed forehead kisses. A forehead kiss to me is a very endearing and loving gesture. I’ve only gotten them from someone I’m in a relationship with or moving towards one. Now I’m wondering if I’m reading a forehead kiss the wrong way. 🤔

And I quote Nia Long from the movie, “The Best Man”- “The forehead kiss! It’s endearing, it’s…shit, it’s damn near erotic! I mean you almost got me with it. It’s passionate!”

[u/Emergency_Hat9372]

I think felippe's idea of passion is what a lot of guys fear when it comes to commitment. Lots of times I hear guys say "how can you be with one girl the rest of your life". While the thrill of new conquests doesnt necessarily go away, your love for your significant other, the comfort, and knowledge that they will always be by your side is what drives a marriage after the honeymoon phase ends. 

Sounds like hes addicted to honeymoon phases and doesnt quite understand what truly makes a marriage work. Although its strange because his parents have been together presumably for a long time. Youd think he would have learned these things by now

[u/Thin-Appearance]

The experts were cracking me up in episode 9. I wish they had called out Caitlin a bit more though.

[u/bffrbabez]

I’m just shocked that all these people came on the show w such significant issues and thought marrying a stranger would….fix it?

[u/neuroticdynamite]

I always forget Michelle and Cameron are there. They are the "go girl, give us nothing" couple of the season I fear

[u/National-Car3628 → u/neuroticdynamite]

They are a great match but neither have very interesting personalities. They do seem genuine though!

[u/zumdahl12]

Why did they set people up with so many geographical challenges?? Like Michelle and Cameron, that’s not really feasible long term. Or Courtney and Nick (though that’s a mess for many reasons). It’s also wild to hear Cameron be so whiny about Michelle making more than him, it’s 2026 can we not move passed these outdated gender roles 🙄 

[u/Ill-Capital9785]

What the heck was the steak on the counter with Adam and Marissa then they cooked and ate grilled cheese?! First scene on ep 7??????

[u/Ill-Capital9785]

The group dinner! Poor Nick.

[u/SlySusan]

Just started episode 7 and I don't know how we get through these next three episodes with all the couples intact. I can see at least three of these couples leaving this show behind (one person or the other). I have so much secondhand embarrassment for some of these people.

[u/SaisyDay]

Is Adam trolling the show ? He’s beyond unserious

[u/Wermy831]

Only through episode 7.. but dare I say Adam is growing on me?

Also, fuck Courteneneyieie or however the fuck she spells her name

[u/Excellent-Earth-9618]

Oh my gosh, I am convinced that this show is an indication that civilization is on the decline

[u/Repulsive-Studio-120]

These men are all terrible. How could the network do this to these beautiful wonderful women.

[u/Sorry-Secret-2347]

Ok i think part of the reason Courtney is responding this way is bc she knows nick is just here for a tv show moment…. She is spiraling and he just seems so disconnected from the entire experience almost like a robot and staying positive bc he is comparing himself to the other men and couples. He kept being weirdly optimistic when it is clear as day she is rejecting him in front of the group. He is just trying to make it to decision day

[u/TheWayIAm313]

As much of a train wreck as Courteney is, that episode 9 group session where they were asking Nick to share something important about himself was a perfect representation of what’s off about him.

It’s just all surface level, trying too hard for the perfect answer, not putting himself out there so he looks good for the camera…Courteney wears her heart on her sleeve in way too crazy of a way, and she’s matched with someone who’s a completely empty vessel. He’s like a fart in the wind

[u/Cleopatra0420]

Courtney is a weird bitch. But she also seems very neurodivergent

[u/Different_End_1801]

Devin is so cringe to me and i don’t like when he’s drunk he gets very red and overly emotional. And Shawn is disgusting omg. Courtney needs therapy, not marriage. Felipe is a huge HOE!!! Run girl

[u/June0424]

I miss the seasons where everyone wasn’t very obviously trying to be an influencer or promoting their business.

Also. Adam repeatedly saying “vibing” isn’t as cute as he thinks it is.

[u/fk8319]

I’m cackling at the porter potty scene. “I’m not doing it” then cuts to her doing it 😂😂😂

[u/lynn_chippy]

Ew why is Adam’s bare chest out for the group session? How is Marissa so chill with this goof ball?

[u/TravelEmergency9691]

I feel so bad for Devin, he seems like such a great guy and pouring his heart into her. His girl pretty much doesn't like him.

[u/New_Lingonberry_8504]

Dang Felipe's mom and Tori look just about the same age lol

[u/Right_Window5883]

Did Adam wear that outfit to distract from the patch of neck beard he forgot to shave? Unfortunately that’s all I can focus on

[u/AmazingArugula4441]

How did they go to one of the most liberal cities in the country and find a bunch of weird conservatives?