The wait for a new season of Lifetime’s social experiment feels longer than some of the actual marriages on the show. Seriously. If you’re scouring the internet to figure out when is the next Married at First Sight, you aren't alone. After the chaotic, drama-heavy conclusion of Season 17 in Denver—which, let’s be honest, was a bit of a train wreck—fans are itching for a fresh start with a new city and a new batch of singles who hopefully aren't just there for the "process" but actually want to, you know, stay married.
The Long Wait for Season 18 in Chicago
So, here is the deal. Lifetime has officially confirmed that the next stop is Chicago. This isn't the first time the show has headed to the Windy City; we were there back in Season 5. That season actually gave us Anthony D'Amico and Ashley Petta, who are still together and have two kids. It’s a nice reminder that the show can work when people aren't trying to outsmart the producers.
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Regarding the actual date for when is the next Married at First Sight, the network has been uncharacteristically quiet. Typically, we see a January or July premiere pattern. However, Season 17 dragged on for what felt like an eternity with its "Where Are They Now" specials and reunion episodes that lasted weeks. Recent industry chatter and production leaks suggest we are looking at a late 2024 or very early 2025 premiere. Some insiders point toward October 2024 for a kickoff, but without a formal trailer, that date is sliding.
Chicago filming reportedly wrapped months ago. Why the delay? Rumor has it the editing room is working overtime. After the "pink flag" revolt in Denver where the cast essentially formed a pact to hide their real feelings from the cameras, producers are likely being much more careful about how they craft the narrative for the Chicago singles.
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Why Season 18 Matters More Than Usual
The franchise is at a bit of a crossroads. If you watched Denver, you know it was rough. It wasn't just the lack of successful couples; it was the breakdown of the show's format itself. The "optics" became more important than the intimacy. Because of that, the pressure on the Chicago season is immense.
The "Next Married at First Sight" needs to prove the experts—Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson—still have their scouting eyes. They've been joined recently by Dr. Pia Holec, who doesn't hold back. In the upcoming Chicago episodes, expect her to be even more aggressive in calling out the "performative" behavior that nearly ruined the previous season.
What We Know About the Chicago Cast
While names are usually kept under wraps until the "Matchmaking Special" airs, we know the demographic. Chicago always brings a specific energy. It’s a city of professionals, sports fans, and people who are generally "done" with the brutal midwest dating scene.
- The Age Range: Expect a slightly older cast. The mid-20s experiment hasn't worked well lately. Producers are leaning back into the 30-to-35 bracket where the biological clock and career stability make the stakes feel a lot higher.
- The Locations: Look out for dates at the Riverwalk, various rooftop bars in the West Loop, and maybe a cold-weather activity or two if the timeline lines up.
- The Drama: Early reports from "MAFS" fan accounts like MAFSFan (who is notoriously accurate with spoilers) suggest that at least one couple doesn't even make it to the honeymoon. That’s the kind of mess that keeps the ratings high but the success rate low.
The Schedule Confusion Explained
If you’re wondering why your DVR hasn't picked up a new episode yet, it’s because Lifetime is pivoting their strategy. They’ve been leaning heavily into spin-offs like Married at First Sight: Afterparty hosted by Keshia Knight Pulliam. These shows fill the gap, but they aren't the main event.
Basically, the network is trying to avoid "viewer fatigue." By spacing out the seasons more than they used to, they hope to build anticipation. Honestly, it’s a gamble. Most fans just want to know when is the next Married at First Sight so they can clear their Wednesday nights. If the show doesn't return by the end of the year, it will be one of the longest gaps in the show's history.
How to Prepare for the New Season
While we wait for the official 2024/2025 premiere date, there are a few things you can do to stay in the loop. The "Matchmaking Special" and "Kickoff Special" usually air two weeks before the actual premiere. These are crucial. They show the people who didn't make the cut, which often tells you a lot about the people who did.
Don't just watch the show; watch the social media footprints. Even though the cast is under strict NDAs, you can usually spot the Chicago singles by their sudden "private" status on Instagram right around the time filming starts.
Actionable Steps for MAFS Superfans
To ensure you don't miss the debut, set a manual keyword alert on your streaming service for "Married at First Sight Season 18." Also, keep an eye on the Lifetime schedule specifically on Wednesday nights starting in September. If a marathon of old episodes appears, it’s a dead giveaway that the new season is dropping within 14 days.
Lastly, dive into the past Chicago season (Season 5). It’s available on various streaming platforms. It provides a great benchmark for how the show has changed—from a documentary-style look at marriage to the high-gloss reality drama it is today. Comparing the two will give you a better perspective on whether the "Next Married at First Sight" is actually returning to its roots or doubling down on the chaos.
Wait for the trailer, which usually drops on YouTube and Instagram about three weeks before the premiere. Once that video hits, the countdown is officially on.