Minnesota nice is a real thing. But as we saw on the eighth season of Netflix’s hit social experiment, that polite exterior can mask a whole lot of drama once the cameras start rolling in the North Loop. People across the country tuned in this past February to see if the "Bold North" could actually produce lasting marriages sight-unseen.
Honestly? It was a bit of a train wreck.
💡 You might also like: Why Blue Öyster Cult’s (Don’t Fear) The Reaper is the Most Misunderstood Masterpiece in Rock
If you’re looking for a fairy tale, you might want to rewatch season one with Lauren and Cameron. The Minnesota Love Is Blind journey was defined more by political clashes and "I don'ts" than by smooth sailing. While the show celebrated its fifth anniversary with this Minneapolis-St. Paul cohort, the results were—to put it mildly—messy. Out of the main couples we followed from the pods to the altar, only one pair actually said "I do."
One.
The Couples Who Didn't Make It (and Why)
It’s easy to think that if you have the same hobbies or a shared love for the Vikings, you’re set. But the Minneapolis cast proved that the "real world" hits hard once you leave the pods. The biggest hurdle this season? Politics. In a state that’s often a purple battleground, those differences weren't just background noise; they were dealbreakers.
Sara and Ben: The Values Divide
Sara Carton and Ben Mezzenga seemed like a solid match initially, but the cracks showed up fast. Sara, an oncology nurse, is deeply passionate about social activism—specifically BLM and LGBTQ+ rights. Ben, a developer, came across as more sheltered and faith-driven.
When they got to the altar, Sara basically said her heart was in it, but her brain wasn't. She couldn't get past the fact that they weren't on the same wavelength regarding social issues. It was a brutal "no" to watch, especially since Ben seemed ready to try and bridge the gap. Interestingly, the post-show gossip is even wilder: Sara is now reportedly dating another cast member, Joey Leveille.
Monica and Joey: A Lack of Reassurance
Joey, a physician associate, and Monica, a media planner, had a weirdly civil breakup at the altar. Monica felt that Joey hadn't given her the 100% "all-in" energy she needed to feel safe. Joey, for his part, later revealed he hadn't even heard Monica say "I love you" until they were standing in front of the officiant.
Communication 101, right?
They walked back up the aisle hand-in-hand despite the rejection, which confused everyone. But any hope of a post-show reconciliation went up in flames at the reunion when it came out that Joey had been messaging Madison (another contestant) on Instagram shortly after filming.
Devin and Virginia: The Last-Minute Pivot
This one was a shocker. Devin Buckley and Virginia Miller looked like a "yes" all the way through. They even had matching feather accessories on the big day. But Virginia pulled the plug at the last second, citing everything from communication styles to—you guessed it—political differences.
Taylor and Daniel: The Lone Success Story
If you need a reason to still believe in the Minnesota Love Is Blind experiment, it’s Taylor Haag and Daniel Hastings. They were the only ones to actually tie the knot.
What made them different?
- Shared Faith: Both were very open about their religious backgrounds from day one.
- The "Wait": In a move that surprised some viewers, Daniel decided he wanted to wait until marriage to be intimate.
- The Christmas Bond: They bonded over a mutual obsession with the holiday season, which is very "Minnesota" of them.
At the reunion, Daniel proved he was serious by showing off a tattoo of Taylor’s eyes on his chest. It’s a bit much for some, but hey, it’s better than a "no" at the altar.
Where They Filmed in the Twin Cities
Part of the fun of this season was seeing local landmarks. If you live in the area, you definitely recognized a few spots. The couples lived in the 365 Nicollet luxury apartments downtown, which provided that high-end backdrop for their domestic arguments.
✨ Don't miss: Amy Winehouse Top Hits: The Real Story Behind the Songs That Changed Pop
Some notable date spots included:
- Blackstack Brewing: Where Sara met Ben’s friends.
- Puttery: A North Loop favorite for mini-golf and cocktails.
- Bryant Lake Bowl: The site of a particularly tense conversation between Lauren and David (who didn't even make it to the wedding phase).
- Como Conservatory: A stunning spot for one of the final dates.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Season
A lot of fans think the "unaired" couples don't count, but they often have the most interesting stories. For instance, Kylie Schuelke and Brian Sumption got engaged in the pods but weren't chosen by producers to go to the honeymoon in Mexico.
They didn't let that stop them. They decided to date at their own pace without the pressure of a televised wedding. As of late 2025, they were still together. It kind of makes you wonder if the "blind" part works better when the "TV" part is removed.
Then there was Brittany Dodson and Mo Ndiaye. They also got engaged off-camera but split quickly. Mo reportedly admitted he had never dated a Black woman before and felt hesitant about the future. It was a short-lived connection that reminded everyone that "blind" love still has to face internal biases once the blindfold comes off.
📖 Related: Dust in the Wind Movie: Why This 1986 Masterpiece Still Breaks Your Heart
Actionable Takeaways for LIB Fans
If you’re following the fallout of the Minnesota season, here is how to stay updated:
- Check the Socials: Most of the cast, including Joey and Sara, have finally gone "Instagram Official." Following their personal accounts gives a much clearer picture than the edited reunion episodes.
- Look for Local Events: Several cast members like Casandra Barron and Hugo Orieny have been doing "Love Is Unaired" panels in St. Paul. These live events reveal way more about the production process than Netflix allows on screen.
- Watch for the Spin-offs: With the success of the Minneapolis branch, keep an eye out for casting calls in similar Midwestern cities.
The Minnesota experiment proved that while you can fall in love with a voice, you have to live with a person. And in a world where political and social values are more polarized than ever, a shared zip code and a nice personality might not be enough to get you to "I do."