After the massive success of its first season, Married at First Sight South Africa is back for a second thrilling season. The reality show, which pairs singles with partners chosen by a team of relationship experts, continues to captivate viewers with its unique and bold approach to finding love. The couples meet for the first time on their wedding day, a concept that has sparked much conversation and excitement.
This time around, the show’s producers at Connect Channel are on a nationwide hunt for dynamic, open-minded singles ready to take the leap of faith and marry a stranger.
Kopano Cowen, recently appointed CEO of Connect Channel, is taking the reins from Basetsana Khumalo. Cowen, who has spent over two decades shaping South Africa’s unscripted TV landscape, is excited about the future of the channel. She’s produced hit shows like Our Perfect Wedding and Date My Family and has big plans for the network’s growth.
In a conversation with TshisaLIVE, Cowen shared her vision for Connect Channel’s future, stating, “The company has matured, and we want to diversify from a purely unscripted production house to include documentaries and scripted properties. We also see great potential for collaborations in the streaming space and want to expand our presence on free-to-air TV.”
Cowen believes reality TV resonates deeply with South African audiences because it reflects their lived experiences. “For a long time, black South Africans didn’t have content on TV that reflected them. Reality TV, like Our Perfect Wedding, resonates because it provides a truthful account of how we celebrate love,” she explained. “Shows that address issues like polygamy or infidelity also connect with our viewers because they deal with real social issues.”
As for the success of Married at First Sight South Africa, Cowen credits its appeal to the cultural nuances of marriage in the country. “The show explores marriage, which is deeply rooted in family and community. In the first season, viewers were fascinated by how the couples navigated the process without family approval or lobola,” she said. “That cultural context is what kept people watching.”
For Season 2, Cowen plans to continue building on the show’s success by focusing on selecting the right participants. “We want couples who resonate with the audience but are also brave enough to immerse themselves in the experiment. The success of any reality show depends on finding relatable, engaging participants,” she said. “We’ll ensure the show remains fresh and entertaining.”
Married at First Sight is an international format, and Cowen explained that it resonated with her from the very beginning. “I remember watching the US and Australian seasons, and I was in awe of the social experiment. The idea of using science to match people is fascinating,” she said. “It speaks to themes like love, marriage, and the hope of finding true, lasting relationships—something we all long for.”
