The new season of Married at First Sight New Zealand has lit up the internet with fans eager to compare the Kiwi show to the Australian franchise.
And some viewers have come away convinced that the current season four of MAFS NZ currently screening on 9Now and featuring Aussie relationship expert John Aiken is besting the drama filled version produced Down Under.
Viewers have praised the cast from across the Tasman calling them ‘genuine’, while slamming Aussie bride and grooms from the last few seasons as attention seekers.
‘I feel like they [the contestants] want to find love and true connections,’ messaged one fan on Reddit discussing the two versions of the dating show.
They continued: ‘The Australian version is for drama and to expose themselves and not for the right reasons, influencers, OnlyFans etc.’
Fans were also impressed with the Kiwi version only featuring four couples.
‘I like the fact that there are far fewer couples, there’s more time for them on the couch,’ one fan said, adding: ‘I also really like most of the personalities. It’s the first show where I’ve felt that they are all there for love.’
‘I’m enjoying so much, and I’m four episodes in,’ gushed another impressed fan.
However, some fans appear to see the supposedly ‘softer’ MAFS NZ as being off-brand and want to see the seething conflicts the show is famed for.
‘Was so cringe and weak,’ said one fan of the shows first few episodes after the hit series debuted earlier this month.
They continued: ‘The ads for the next few shows are highlighting they [the couples] are all train wrecks! Do we watch it or not?’
Another fan agreed: ‘Yes, we do!
‘I just watched the first episode and to be honest I think it delivered. I mean, if you’re not watching MAFS for the impending train wreck, what are you watching it for lol?’
Meanwhile, some fans were disappointed the shows production values which appear less lavish than the version created Down Under
‘Did they not have budget? Cos what the f***is this?,’ complained one viewer..
The four brides featured on MAFS NZ are account manager/healing intuitive Madeleine, 37, content creator Samantha, 26, car sales representative Kara, 33, and marketing professional Stephanie, 31.
Meanwhile, the four grooms are auctioneer and business owner Michael, 36, brewer Piripi, 28, primary school teacher James, 31, and aviation officer Nathaniel, 30.