Married At First Sight (MAFS) is set to launch in New Zealand, with Channel Three confirming the show will air in October 2017. The announcement comes as the Australian version continues to attract high ratings, despite an 18% divorce rate among its Season 4 couples.
The New Zealand edition is now calling for singles aged 25 and over who are 'genuinely ready to commit to love.' Applications are open to citizens and permanent residents of any background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The casting call humorously asks for those 'tired of swiping left' on dating apps.
Mediaworks Chief Creative Officer Andrew Szusterman expressed excitement about producing the first New Zealand series of the hit show, noting that the Australian version was the network's highest-rated international program of 2017.
Reports also emerged that Australian MAFS couples Nick and Sharon, and Simon and Alene were spotted in New Zealand around the time of the announcement, meeting with Kiwi Bachelor star Zac Franich. Simon declined to elaborate on the purpose of the visit, citing 'paperwork.'
It remains unclear whether the same matchmaking process used in the Australian version—which paired controversial figures like Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones and Cheryl Maitland—will be employed for the New Zealand series.
