Ed
I was a little hesitant watching "Consensual cheating: the Series" but from the first episode it seemed like the people and production were genuinely trying to form real long-term connections with these people, which I appreciated. I actually made an effort to learn the names, which I don't normally do (advice: Netflix's article was useful for this). I haven't watched any reality dating shows for that reason and because it seems like a participants are always super stereotypical and concerned about intimacy. However, I believe The Ultimatum mitigated that issue.
A quote that stood out for me from Rae's Instagram is, "Can we all laugh at the fact that 10 of us went on a reality tv show instead of going to couples therapy?" While I believe the participants definitely got something out of the experience, I feel like there could have been better solutions. For me, the value of watching the show came from the social experiment aspect, kind of like the circle. My takeaways are 1: talk is cheap. I heard a lot of couples repeatedly telling the other, "I love you" but I just couldn't see where they were coming from. 2: three weeks is WAY too short.
If a second season with guys came out, I would definitely consider watching it after I have emotionally recharged from this season. The reason I rated this series five stars is because it challenged me and made me think about what a good relationship looks like.
***Spoiler Zone!***
On ultimatum day, I was honestly surprised how many couples stayed together, since I could see various problems in their relationships, communication, and insurmountable compromises that needed to be made. Although, I suppose it makes sense to want to appear your best on TV. I honestly predicted everyone would break up. I thought Yoly and Mal had the best chance of sticking together because of how much growth Mal made and how their communication improved, but alas. I was also worried that Aussie and Sam would break up because of how difficult their communication was at times, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
06/28/23
Full Review
Ebahi O
Top tier drama, entertainment, educational, mental health awareness. I can't say enough. This was the best reality tv I've watched.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/08/23
Full Review
Rebecca L
In a world of lights and cameras,
Where reality reigns supreme,
Six couples with love in shambles,
Enter the stage of their wildest dreams.
"Ultimatum" is the name,
Where wife swapping's the game,
Three weeks of new partners,
And old flames are put to shame.
Venessa, with Demi looks,
Has a secret burning bright,
A star she longs to be,
With all her heart and might.
Lexi, with her ample curves,
And a Rolex on her wrist,
Longs for a love that's true,
And a heart that won't resist.
As the cameras roll and spin,
The couples are put to the test,
With each passing day and night,
Their hearts are put to the ultimate quest.
Will they stay with their old love,
Or choose someone new and bold?
Or will they walk away alone,
Leaving their hearts and stories untold?
In the end, the choice is theirs,
And as the credits roll and fade,
The world watches with bated breath,
To see what choice each couple has made.
"Ultimatum" is a show of love,
And the power of the heart,
Where six couples took a chance,
And their journey was just the start.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/07/23
Full Review
Maaike v
I really like this show, usually I dislike reality tv, but this is super interesting.
I am very surprised by all the hate for Vanessa, the ultimatum wasn't her idea, so it makes sense that she doesn't really know what she wants, but she tries to handle it in a positive way.
Lexi seems very annoying to me, she is very desperate to get married, but there seems to be little love for the people she want's to get married to.
I think she really doesn't care who is going to say yes as long as someone does, so she will choose whoever is most likely to do so.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
05/29/23
Full Review
Daniella M
I enjoyed it. Of course it's unrealistic to move on that fast but it helps couples for sure see things differently. The only person I could barley choke down was Vanessa. She's definitely an acquired taste and I agree with Lexi, there for all the wrong reasons. She needs to also settle down. Nothing feels authentic from her except her controlling behavior and wanting everything to be about her.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
05/29/23
Full Review
Ana Maria V
I was quite eager to see that LGBT representation has finally come out for reality dating shows, as it's the first ever for queer women. The downside, it is not realistic at all and places a stereotype that queer woman will Uhaul together in under one week. I was disappointed by the superficiality and lack of open communication we did not see in the show, making it seem like it was all just for show.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
05/29/23
Full Review
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Episode 1
Aired May 24, 2023
The Break Up
After a last night together, the couples begin to co-mingle, looking around for marriage material, outside of their original relationships.
Details
Episode 2
Aired May 24, 2023
The Choice
Excitement and anxiety brew as everyone forges fresh connections and selects new partners; one commitment-wary person's motivations spark controversy.
Details
Episode 3
Aired May 24, 2023
Newlyweds
After talking through issues from bathroom storage to bedtime massages, five new couples emerge; now it's time to stress-test a trial marriage.
Details
Episode 4
Aired May 24, 2023
Group Nights Out
Two couples find closeness and comfort, while others struggle with tension and fights; romance heats up at home for one pair.
Details
Episode 5
Aired May 31, 2023
In and Out of Love
After the cocktail hour, some bonds are strengthened, while others crumble; the couples meet with friends and family and spend their final night together.
Details
Episode 6
Aired May 31, 2023
The Changeover
Revelations are shared during the changeover; a one-night stand may break one couple; someone new appears to come between another couple.
Details
Episode 7
Aired May 31, 2023
Cocktails and Confrontation
From discussing gender roles to rekindling sparks, the couples try to reconnect; one person's lingering emotions casts doubt on two relationships.
Details
Episode 8
Aired May 31, 2023
Is Love Enough
As one person hits a breaking point and another struggles to process her feelings, a question looms about whether love alone is enough to sustain a marriage.
Details
Episode 9
Aired Jun 7, 2023
Ultimatum Day
With Ultimatum Day upon them, the couples make their life-changing decisions — who will walk away newly engaged, and who will walk away alone?
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Episode 10
Aired Jun 7, 2023
The Reunion
Shocking updates, hard truths and powerful realizations come to light when the group reunites for the first time since the conclusion of the experience.
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