Love Is Blind has recently encountered considerable critique regarding its choice of filming locations and predictable plotlines. However, as season 9 approaches, it seems that producers are making more strategic decisions. Despite its innovative premise of cultivating romantic connections without the influence of physical appearances, the show has struggled with production challenges and the authenticity of contestant narratives. For instance, the narrative arcs in season 8, particularly that of Taylor Haag and Daniel Hastings, bore striking similarities to that of Lydia Velez Gonzalez from season 5, who encountered a similar scenario with her ex.
Issues with Season 8’s Location Choice
Where the Pool’s Too Small for Love
Season 8 of Love Is Blind was filmed in the obscured city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which boasted a smaller population compared to prior seasons. Casting director Donna A. Driscoll discussed in an article from Backstage how they ensure successful casting by engaging individuals within a 50-mile radius of the locality. Despite this, numerous residents of “The Twin Cities”reported past romantic involvements with contestants, creating a ripple effect of confusion among viewers.
This raised inquiries about the soundness of the selection process in Minneapolis. TikToker Leah (@leah_bergy) shared her experience of dating two contestants, expressing dissatisfaction and echoing concerns over the show’s location choice: “Everyone knows everyone here.…there are connections that can be difficult to ignore.”This revelation underscored the challenge of maintaining the show’s premise of “blind”dating in a tightly-knit community.
The controversy didn’t end there; contestants like Dave Bettenburg and Lauren O’Brien were often seen debating about Lauren’s past relationships with individuals Dave knew, further muddling the authenticity of their journey on the show. Given these recurring issues, it’s vital that future seasons reassess their location options to uphold the experiment’s integrity.
Looking Ahead: Season 9 in Denver
Finding Love in the Mile-High City
Excitingly, the reunion special confirmed that Love Is Blind season 9 will be set in Denver, Colorado. However, similar to the reactions witnessed in Minneapolis, locals have already spotted the production crew, prompting mixed responses on social media. One Reddit user, GroundbreakingEmu310, mentioned, “While the dating pool here is small, it seems to be more expansive than in Minnesota.”With a population roughly 67% larger than that of Minneapolis, as per City-Data, Denver presents a promising opportunity for contestants to engage with more diverse potential partners.
Connections with Other Reality Shows
Previous Success Influencing New Beginnings
Both Married At First Sight (MAFS) and Love Is Blind fall under the purview of the same production company, Kinetic Content. This connection draws curiosity about whether LIB‘s choice of Denver was influenced by MAFS’s previous seasons, notably the controversial Denver installment of season 17 that struggled with superficiality. However, I remain optimistic that the format of Love Is Blind, which emphasizes emotional connections over mere appearances, will steer it toward a more genuine experience in the Mile High City.
For those eager to catch up, seasons 1 through 8 of Love Is Blind are available for streaming on Netflix.
Sources: leah_bergy/TikTok, GroundbreakingEmu310/Reddit, a since-deleted user/Reddit, Backstage, City-Data