If you’ve spent any amount of time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the edits. Slow-motion clips of Conrad Fisher looking broodingly into the distance. It’s the "Conrad Effect." Ever since The Summer I Turned Pretty exploded onto Prime Video, Christopher Briney has become the internet's collective boyfriend. But here’s the thing about being the internet's boyfriend: usually, it means you’re actually someone else's boyfriend in real life.
So, is Christopher Briney single? The short answer is a very firm no. Honestly, he hasn't been for a long time. While fans love to ship him with his co-star Lola Tung, the reality of Briney’s love life is way less dramatic than a Cousins Beach love triangle, but arguably much sweeter. He’s been in a committed relationship with Isabel Machado since 2021.
The Reality Behind the "Is Christopher Briney Single" Searches
It’s easy to see why people keep asking. In the world of young Hollywood, relationships often last about as long as a press tour. But Briney and Machado are the exception. They didn't meet on a high-profile movie set or through a celebrity dating app.
They met at Pace University.
They were just two acting students trying to figure out how to pay rent in New York City. Before they ever went on a date, they were friends. Then they were roommates. If you’re looking for a "friends-to-lovers" trope in real life, this is basically the blueprint. Briney has been vocal about how this foundation of friendship is exactly why they work. In a 2023 interview with People, he admitted that living together before dating gave them a head start—they already knew they could coexist in the same space without driving each other crazy.
Who is Isabel Machado?
Isabel isn't just "the girlfriend." She’s a powerhouse in her own right. Originally from Chicago, she graduated from Pace in 2020 with a BFA in Acting. She’s a singer (a first soprano, if you want to get technical), a dancer, and an actress who has appeared in projects like the 2015 film Akron.
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She’s also the person Briney credits with keeping him sane. During the Mean Girls premiere in early 2024, he told reporters he "couldn't do anything" without her. He even joked that he’d probably forget how to breathe if she wasn't around. It’s the kind of quote that makes fans swoon, even if it confirms their "single" hopes are dashed.
Rumors, Rings, and the DeuxMoi Chaos
If you follow celebrity gossip, you know things took a turn in September 2025. Just as the hype for the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty was reaching a fever pitch, the anonymous tip account DeuxMoi dropped a bombshell: a claim that Christopher Briney and Isabel Machado were engaged.
The internet, naturally, lost its mind.
One day the show finale airs, and the next day, there are rumors of a real-life wedding. Neither Chris nor Isabel has officially confirmed the engagement with a "she said yes" post or a glossy magazine spread. However, Machado has been spotted wearing a very interesting ring on that finger in recent social media posts and at high-profile events like the 2025 US Open.
The US Open Fashion Debate
Speaking of the US Open, that was a big moment for the couple. They showed up looking like they stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Briney was in white linen and a striped jacket; Machado wore a denim maxi dress. While the "is Christopher Briney single" crowd was still mourning, the rest of the fashion world was debating their outfits. Some critics weren't fans of the low-cut denim look, but Briney didn't care. He’s gone on record saying that when Isabel tells him he looks "pretty," he feels pretty. That’s the kind of energy you want in a partner.
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Why Fans Struggle With His Relationship Status
Let's be real for a second. The parasocial relationships surrounding TSITP are intense. Some fans have a hard time separating Conrad Fisher from Chris Briney. Because Conrad is "endgame" with Belly (Isabel Conklin), fans desperately want Chris to be with Lola Tung.
It’s reached a point where it’s actually kind of toxic.
Reddit threads are filled with people defending Isabel from "shippers" who leave mean comments on her Instagram. It’s a weird phenomenon where fans think that because they "know" a character, they have a say in the actor's real-life choices. Briney has acknowledged this, noting that while people have definitely "crossed lines," he tries to keep his personal life separate from the character. He’s even joked about his skincare routine—basically, he only washes his face because Isabel reminds him to.
Key milestones in their relationship:
- 2018: Met at Pace University and became roommates.
- June 2021: Started officially dating.
- June 2022: Made their red carpet debut at the TSITP premiere.
- September 2025: Engagement rumors surfaced via DeuxMoi.
- January 2026: Still going strong, attending major NYC events together.
What’s Next for Chris and Isabel?
As of early 2026, Briney is moving into a new phase of his career. With the TSITP chapter mostly behind him and new projects on the horizon—including rumors of a big holiday rom-com—he’s no longer just the "indie kid" from New York. He’s a legitimate star.
But through the chaos of the "Conrad" craze, Isabel Machado has remained the constant. Whether they are officially engaged or just happily living their lives in NYC, the answer to is Christopher Briney single is a resounding no. They are "friends first," and in the fickle world of Hollywood, that usually leads to the longest run.
If you're looking for more updates, keep an eye on their Instagrams. They don't post together constantly, but when they do, it's usually something low-key and authentic—like a black-and-white shot from a Prada party or a grainy photo from a vacation. No flashy "launch" needed; they’ve already proven they’re in it for the long haul.
To keep up with Christopher Briney’s latest career moves, you can check out his upcoming filmography on IMDb or follow his occasional updates on Instagram, but don't expect him to be back on the market anytime soon.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Respect Boundaries: If you’re a fan of the show, remember that acting is a job. Supporting Chris means supporting his real-life happiness, too.
- Watch His Other Work: Check out Dalíland or the Mean Girls musical to see his range beyond the "Conrad" persona.
- Follow Isabel’s Career: She’s a talented performer in her own right—check out her theatrical work and short films like Reasons to be Pretty.