Many viewers tune into reality TV for some escapism or voyeuristic drama, but many franchise shows have also aired romance. Dozens of reality TV shows focus on relationships, such as Too Hot To Handle and The Bachelor, which are now enormous franchises with spin-off shows. The best TV romances have a bit of drama and intrigue, while elements such as angst and love triangles can spice things up.
However, viewers stand by couples who can make real progress in their relationships. Now that many reality TV stars have also become internet sensations and influencers, the couples are closely watched on social media. This often allows fans to have a more intimate and realistic look at the relationships, while they can also surmise which couples were authentic on camera and who exaggerated their issues and appeared happier in real life.
7. Madlyn Ballatori & Colby Kissinger (The Ultimatum: Marry Or Move On)
Not many The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On fans had expected Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger to be considered a golden couple. While they are far from perfect, the pair has proven to be a committed pair who has made real growth since airing their chaotic relationship. Madlyn spent her time on the show memorably eyeballing Randall Griffin after they made a connection, while Colby pined for her but still hooked up with another woman. However, they are now happily married and proud parents to their daughter, Josie, who they welcomed in May. Madlyn and Colby make a surprisingly sweet pair in the real world.
6. Nany Gonzalez and Kaycee Clark (The Challenge)
Nany Gonzalez and Kaycee Clark have been dating since 2021, but as a couple, they were given more opportunities to put their relationship on display over the past year. After being pitted against each other in the final of The Challenge: Spies, Lies & Allies, Nany and Kaycee were cast on 2022’s The Challenge: Ride or Dies. Viewers have watched the lasting romance form between The Real World alum Nany and former Big Brother winner Kaycee. The two female contestants remain very much in love and have discussed marriage and children. Nany and Kaycee’s relationship has come a long way and is the real deal for both.
5. Emily Bieberly & Kobe Blaise (90 Day Fiancé)
In 2022, Emily Bieberly and Kobe Blaise debuted on 90 Day Fiancé season 9, where Emily was considered loathsome. However, the duo ended up being embraced by fans once they appeared on the commentary spin-off show, Pillow Talk. Emily showed her more natural and likable personality on the show, while Kobe shined from the start as a big-hearted and loving father. The 90 Day Fiancé couple has been praised for their growth and progress, while they also form an adorable family with their kids Koban and Scarlett. Many viewers are surprised by how much they have come to like the couple and root for their happiness and success.
4. Brandon Jones & Serene Russell (Bachelor In Paradise)
Bachelor Nation fans have watched many messy relationships publicly flop in the extended The Bachelor franchise, including all the ones introduced in 2022. For instance, Clayton Echard and Susie Evans split in September. Meanwhile, Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia also saw their relationships on The Bachelorette flop after filming. However, Bachelor in Paradise duo Brandon Jones and Serene Russell walked away with an engagement. The duo decided not to marry on the show, though they revealed last month that they are starting wedding planning. They plan to devote 2023 to planning out their dream wedding so that they can officially tie the knot in 2024. Several of their fellow couples also had happy endings.
3. Kourtney Kardashian Barker & Travis Barker (The Kardashians)
The Kardashians stars Kourtney Kardashian Barker and Travis Barker are a polarizing duo, but Kourtney fans have to admit that she has never been happier than she is with the Blink 182 drummer. Kourtney and Travis married three times in 2022 after they aired a very public relationship full of plenty of PDA. Kourtney and Travis might have put on many cringe-worthy displays of affection since their relationship started, but Kourtney fans could see how unhappy her previous long-term relationship with Scott Disick made her. Kourtney seems happier and healthier with her husband Travis, which is all her fans want for the mother.
2. Loren & Alexei Brovarnik (90 Day Fiancé)
Although they are not a newly introduced 2022 couple, 90 Day Fiancé duo Loren and Alexei Brovarnik revealed a closer look into their lives in the past year after landing their own spin-off show on TLC. The franchise couple appeared on Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days, which is currently airing its second season. Loren and Alexei aren’t for everyone, but they are undeniably one of the most functional and well-liked pairs in the franchise. The duo showcased Loren’s second pregnancy in their show’s first season and opened up and were raw about the experience. Many 90 Day Fiancé fans consider Alexei to be one of the best franchise husbands.
1. Jawahir Khalifa & Nick Kici (Too Hot To Handle)
Given the fact that the first three seasons only aired one lasting relationship, few Too Hot To Handle viewers walked into season 4 expecting little more than the same hookups and breakups. However, THTH couple Jawahir Khalifa and Nick Kici captured the hearts of fans and their fellow housemates alike, as the sweet and likable duo were voted the season winners. American model Nick gave Netherlands beauty Jawahir the space to discover what she wanted and explore her options without pressuring her, which is a rare thing to see on reality TV. Many Too Hot To Handle fans are eager for the reunion to air their relationship update.
