REVIEW: ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 8 Is A Slow-Ticking Time Bomb

This Valentine’s Day, Love Is Blind Season 8 returns to Netflix, moving to singles living in Minneapolis, Minnesota—all ready to cut through the traditional, modern dating norms and forge authentic relationships sight unseen. This season begins as one of the most tame yet, but it has a slow build-up when shocking revelations, twists, and turns light up a fuse to a slow-ticking time bomb ready to blow.

Love Is Blind Season 8 also marks the five-year anniversary of the sensational global dating experiment series. This pod squad consists of 32 singles — the largest group to date — ranging in age from 26 to 43 years old. These singles ready to mingle continue to be guided by the creators and co-hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey by their side. These Twin City singles enter the pods to find their twin flame and discover if love is truly blind.

With a vast pool of daters, they’re strangely similar in lots of aspects. Among them are three nurses, several former cheerleaders, many world travelers, and more than a few self-described Christmas enthusiasts. For those interested in astrological love languages, there are numerous Sagittarius women and Taurus men among the pod love-seekers. So, this is the ultimate test if opposites attract or not as well.

As per typical fashion in every Love Is Blind season, the first few episodes quickly shine the spotlight on certain singles. 33-year-old David in Medical Device Sales hits things off by asking his dates a playful, risque question. But nothing too alarming to give off major red flags. The 35-year-old Physician Associate, Joey, is a season favourite for his Tarzan-like looks and charismatic, down-to-earth personality. He’s also the fastest to narrow down his top dating options.

Love is Blind Season 8 shines the spotlight on who we should keep an eye on.

Madison is a 28-year-old Artist who spices things up, reeling in two male participants throughout her pod journey. Something about her aura matches that of Sydney Sweeney, with the way she talks and articulates her words. They’re both blonde and know what they want in life. Madison makes it clear from the get-go that she won’t settle for less, so her future prospects have a lot to live up to her high expectations.

Taylor, who is quickly nicknamed Taylor Swift in the pods, is a 32-year-old Colonoscopy Nurse who stands out above the rest but not for the reason you might be thinking. From the start of her pod journey, she loses her voice because she is sick, so it’s so cute when she’s trying to talk to people through a wall. You can tell she’s struggling, but her determination to find the one who’ll celebrate Christmas with her every year is strong as she searches for a final love story.

Surprisingly, in Love is Blind Season 8, there are very few red flags going off, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist and won’t pop up more later on. Who these people are in the pods never exactly reflects who they are in their regular everyday lives. Each participant reveals some kind of baggage they’re carrying when they form deeper connections, but most reactions come with acceptance and are met with sympathy. ‘We don’t judge, we listen’ is the name of the game.

Almost everyone in this pod pool is understanding, which is why Love Is Blind Season 8 kicks off in a more tame manner compared to its previous social experiment sample sizes. Most of the conversations feel genuine, and communication mishaps get resolved as cleanly as possible. This doesn’t mean that participants don’t cry this season and some wires don’t get crossed; there are still heartbreaking decisions to make. Ultimately, most of the singles know and state clearly what they’re looking for.

An example of this is shown with the 34-year-old Virginia. She is a Healthcare Recruiter and former cheerleader is one of these participants who knows exactly what she’s looking for in her future marriage candidate. She has a big heart and gives out more than she receives. For this reason, she hasn’t been seriously dating anyone for a while. Still, she’s confident that Love Is Blind‘s pods are the sparks she’s hoping to turn her luck around.

This is the tamest season of Love is Blind yet, but that’s not a bad thing.

On a similar note of rough pasts, 29-year-old Devin is a Youth Director/Coach who runs his own kids’ basketball training program and mentorship. He’s hoping to fall for someone who will cheer him on from the sidelines. Devin really opens up in Episode 4, where he explains more about his past struggles and why he’s looking for someone who’s patient and open-minded to the man he has become in the present.

To sum it up, no one has evident vindictive agendas but there are some red flags to come back and address. For the most part, they come from a place of understanding. When Lauren, who’s 31 years old in Educational Sales, and the 30-year-old Executive Assistant Molly (another avid Christmas enjoyer) realize they’re attracted to the same guy, they initially decide to distance themselves in the Women’s Quarters, knowing hints that they may be interested in the same match.

Eventually, though, they have a civil conversation about it, and there’s no resentment or hard feelings afterwards. Similar situations happen in the Men’s Quarters, but they are also met with a brotherhood of understanding. Even though there are small frictions and conflicts between who’s number one and number two picks are, there isn’t a ridiculous amount of drama out of the pods. Compared to previous seasons, the spice level of Love is Blind Season 8 is around a 4 or 5 out of 10. Even though there isn’t much drama in the pods, the partnered pairs outside the pods look to reveal unfathomable truths.

Love Is Blind Season 8 starts with no immediate alarms going off, and all the connections are heartwarming and wholesome. While singles have tough decisions to make, most of them determine their final choices by putting what they feel in their hearts first. Even though things aren’t as messy now, it leaves a lot of time for trouble to stir.

All that’s to say is it’s too early to write off this season for its lack of drama. There’s a lot of tension and heat left in the love tank for audiences to relish. So, let’s bring on the mess!

Love Is Blind Season 8 Episodes 1–6 are now on Netflix, with new episodes dropping on Fridays.