The eighth season of Love Is Blind has finally come to a close, and fans are breathing a sigh of relief. While the show’s premise—to strip away distractions like physical appearance and focus on emotional connections—remains intriguing, this season fell flat for many viewers. Between the excruciatingly long episodes and the lack of chemistry between most of the couples, it’s no wonder people struggled to stay invested. HuffPost staff members dove into the finale and shared their takes on the season’s highs (few as they were) and lows (plenty). The season ended with four couples making it to the altar, but only one pair left with a happy “I do.” Here’s what the staff thought about the finale, the couples, and what went wrong with Season 8.
Sara and Ben’s relationship was one of the most anticipated storylines of the season, but it ended with a resounding “no” at the altar. While Sara had gushed about Ben throughout the season, her hesitation was palpable. Staffers agreed that Sara’s breakup with Ben was for the best, even if it was a long time coming. Njera pointed out that Sara seemed to be overcomplicating her feelings for Ben, almost as if she was trying to convince herself he was the right choice rather than genuinely believing it. “She wasn’t even interested in staying in a relationship with Ben when he suggested it,” Njera noted. Taiyler added that Sara’s breakup was a prime example of trusting intuition, praising her for not dragging things out or being cruel.
However, the relationship had its fair share of red flags. Erin was particularly curious about Sara’s mention of Ben’s stance on vaccines, a revelation that left her questioning whether Ben might be an anti-vaxxer. The staff also speculate whether Ben’s infamous TikTok scandal with his ex might have played a role in Sara’s decision, though it’s unclear if that was a determining factor. Elyse hinted that Sara might have been drawn to the superficial appeal of marrying Ben for social validation but ultimately dodged a bullet by walking away. Despite the drama, the breakup was refreshingly calm. As Taiyler put it, “It was so nice to see him not flip out or her not cry.”
Monica and Joey were Love Is Blind history’s first couple to receive applause for breaking up. Their amicable “I don’ts” marked one of the most mature splits the show has ever seen. Monica’s hesitation was evident early on, especially when Joey delivered vows that felt more like a recap of their “journey” than a promise of a future together. The staff agreed that Joey’s vows lacked depth and failed to convey his genuine feelings for Monica. Elyse noted how cringeworthy the breakup’s musical choices were, particularly the use of a cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” However, the couple handled their split with grace, even walking down the aisle hand-in-hand afterward.
While the breakup was a surprise to some, others felt it was inevitable. The staff appreciated how Monica and Joey prioritized clarity and mutual respect over forcing a relationship that didn’t feel right. “This could have been different if each of them didn’t hold back,” Taiyler mused. The two seemed to genuinely care for each other but lacked the spark needed to move forward. As Njera put it, “They had a solid connection, but it wasn’t enough to make marriage feel like the right choice.”
Virginia’s breakup with Devin was a moment of long-awaited clarity. Virginia’s concerns about Devin’s views on politics and morality had been simmering all season, but she finally voiced them at the altar. Taiyler praised Virginia for being “relatively gracious” in her rejection, noting that Devin’s family reacted with unwarranted defensiveness. “Someone specifically said, ‘I just don’t understand these girls,’ which felt dismissive and unfair,” Taiyler noted. Njera added that Devin’s tears were heartbreaking but ultimately, he wasn’t a victim. “Virginia’s concerns were valid,” Njera said. “She wasn’t trying to hurt him; she was just being honest.”
One of the most fascinating aspects of their breakup was Virginia’s journey of self-expression. Throughout the season, Virginia had been quiet about her opinions, almost playing the role of a “docile and complacent woman,” as Elyse put it. Her post-breakup confessional revealed a more assertive side of her personality, and the staff wished they’d seen this version of her earlier. “I low-key cheered when she finally spoke up,” Njera said. “She dodged a bullet by not marrying someone who wasn’t willing to have tough conversations.”
Taylor and Daniel were the season’s only success story, but their love story was anything but exciting. While they genuinely seemed happy together, their relationship lacked the drama or chemistry that makes Love Is Blind compelling. “They were the sincere yet boring couple of the season,” Njera admitted. Even the Instagram hiccup that briefly threatened their relationship was resolved without much fanfare. Despite their lack of drama, the staff agreed that their relationship might actually work in the long run. As Elyse put it, “Being boring and not having huge, blow-out drama might actually be a sign of a healthy and long-lasting relationship.”
Still, the staff couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed by their storyline. Erin summed it up: “I was bored to tears watching them, but hey, this experiment worked for them.” Their happiness was palpable, especially during the ceremony, but it didn’t make for great TV. Perhaps the show’s reliance on manufactured drama backfired this season, leaving viewers craving more passion and intrigue.
If there’s one thing to say about Season 8, it’s that it failed to deliver. The staff pinpointed casting as one of the biggest issues. Taiyler argued that the season lacked intriguing characters and plotlines, whether that meant messiness or undeniable romance. “The audience should have been offered more intriguing characters,” she said. Njera agreed, criticizing the lack of diversity and standout personalities. “There wasn’t one standout couple that I felt particularly invested in,” she said. The absence of a villain or even a fiery relationship made the season feel flat.
Another major issue was the show’s pacing. With too many episodes spent in the pods and not enough substance elsewhere, the season dragged on. “This was the first season where I struggled to get through each episode because of how boring they were,” Njera admitted. Erin added, “Gimme some heat! I want passion, Netflix!” The staff also criticized the forced conversations about politics and morality, which felt more like production mandates than natural dialogue. As Elyse put it, “Many contestants lacked clear viewpoints, and it showed.”
In the end, Season 8 of Love Is Blind felt like a misstep. While Taylor and Daniel’s happiness was a silver lining, the season’s inability to deliver compelling drama or chemistry left viewers underwhelmed. With better casting, tighter editing, and more organic storytelling, the show could bounce back. Until then, fans will have to wait and see if the reunion episode delivers the tea we’ve been missing all season.
