The cast members of Married At First Sight season 16 are finally about to go on their honeymoons now that all five couples have tied the knot, but which marriages have the best shot at success in the long run? Since 2014, the MAFS experts have matched over 50 couples for Lifetime’s popular series, although only a handful, like Jamie Otis and Dough Hehner, have proven that the social experiment works. Although none of the couples from MAFS season 14 are still married, and only one marriage from MAFS season 15 still stands, the newest batch of single men and women looking for love are ready to take the plunge and say goodbye to traditional dating methods.
Despite their poor reception among viewers, Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Calvin Roberson crafted five new matches for MAFS season 16: Domynique and Mackinley, Gina and Clint, Jasmine and Airris, Kirsten and Shaquille, and Nicole and Chris. Although the experts’ track records leave much to be desired among long-time fans, the first three episodes of MAFS season 16 have shown some serious potential, interesting promise, and, as usual, an impending cloud of drama. Although every Nashville wedding was special and memorable in its own ways, some ceremonies hinted that some MAFS season 16 couples might not make it past Decision Day, while others have a better shot at lasting through 2023.
5. Domynique & Mackinley
Domynique, 25, and Mackinley, 34, appeared to be the least comfortable with one another on their wedding day. Between the admission that Domynique’s mother signed her up for MAFS season 16 and Mackinley’s obvious discomfort at their nine-year age difference, Domynique didn’t help matters when she couldn’t remember Mackinley’s name without help from production. Although the new couple shared productive conversations with their respective in-laws and seemed to eventually warm up by the time they cut the cake, the awkward tension between Domynique and Mackinley was palpable.
4. Jasmine & Airris
Unbeknownst to Jasmine, this couple almost didn’t get married on MAFS season 16 after Airris started to express second thoughts about the process. Despite the cold feet, Jasmine and Airris did become husband and wife, but like Domynique and Mackinley, they were noticeably awkward throughout the celebration. While Jasmine barely looked Airris in the eyes, potential MAFS season 16 villain Airris was completely taken aback by Jasmine’s love of dogs. While there’s a chance that Jasmine and Airris’ marriage could succeed by the end of MAFS season 16, they undoubtedly have a lot of work ahead of them.
3. Gina & Clint
Although the trailer for MAFS season 16 showed Gina and Clint at odds on their honeymoon, they had a pretty successful wedding day. While Gina is a serial workaholic and Clint is a free spirit, the two openly stated their physical attraction for one another and not only shared several kisses but a natural rapport with each other’s family and friends. Despite the early similarities between Clint and Mitch from MAFS season 15, this MAFS season 16 couple has the potential to say yes on Decision Day if they can work through all the issues that Lifetime’s first look indicated they’ll experience.
2. Kirsten & Shaquille
While Kirsten and Shaquille lacked physical affection on their wedding day, when their first night together is compared to the rest of their co-stars, they ultimately had one of the better MAFS season 16 weddings. Kirsten and Shaquille, who are one of the most compatible matches on paper, are both independent, passionate, and dedicated to their faith. Although Kirsten’s high standards and refusal to kiss her husband indicate that MAFS season 16 viewers may watch Kirsten and Shaquille’s marriage crumble, Shaquille’s positive outlook, his massive amount of patience, and dedication to the process might win Kirsten over in the long run.
1. Nicole & Chris
Like Lindy and Miguel from MAFS season 15, Nicole and Chris are the early standouts of MAFS season 16. Despite Nicole’s loud and exuberant personality and Chris’ nice guy persona, the couple immediately began to prove how opposite personalities can work in a relationship on their wedding day. Nicole and Chris, who couldn’t keep their eyes off one another, shared a natural connection from the moment they met at the altar and even correctly guessed each other’s names prior to the big day. While Decision Day is still miles away, Nicole and Chris have the best chance of having a successful marriage on MAFS season 16.
Married At First Sight season 16 airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
