Netflix’s messiest dating show, The Ultimatum, is returning for season two later this month, with a new batch of conflicted couples torn between marriage or moving on. Hosted by Love Is Blind’s Nick and Vanessa Lachey, the series will once again see five couples navigate the simple but savage decision: get married or break up.
But the show does not pan out based solely on an ultimatum, as the couples also engage in some partner-swapping. Yikes.
What happens on The Ultimatum?
The concept for this frankly unhinged programme came from the lives of the hosts themselves. Vanessa gave Nick an ultimatum five years into their relationship and, as a result, they broke up and dated other people. But their split made them realise the grass really wasn’t greener elsewhere and they eventually reunited and got married.
Netflix says about the upcoming season, 'The faces might be new, but the concept remains the same. One partner in each relationship is ready to settle down and pop the question, while the other is dragging their feet to the aisle — so an ultimatum is issued. Over just eight weeks, the couples will split and enter into a trial marriage with a person from one of the other pairings to decide whether — you guessed it — to marry or move on for good.'
When does The Ultimatum season two air?
The first eight episodes of The Ultimatum season two drop on Netflix on Wednesday 23 August. However, you'll have to be patient for the finale and reunion, as they are being held back from the streaming giant until Wednesday 30 August.
Who are the couples on The Ultimatum?
Lisa and Brian
Lisa: Ultimatum giver, 32, Vice President of Clinical Services
Brian: Ultimatum receiver, 29, Financial Analyst
Lisa and Brian - who according to Netflix are no strangers to an ultimatum - have been together for a year and a half. While Brian gets on wonderfully with Lisa's 10-year-old daughter, the couple's timelines on marriage and starting a family do not line up. She is issuing an ultimatum because 'if he’s not ready to propose, then [she’s] ready to move on'. However, Brian is hesitant about popping the question owing to Lisa's 'jealousy issues' and 'tendency to turn disagreements into explosive arguments'.
Ryann and James
Ryann: Ultimatum giver, 24, Radiologic Technologist
James: Ultimatum receiver, 24, Grad Student and Research Assistant
High school sweethearts Ryann and James have been together since they were 16 years old. Eight years on, Ryann is giving James the ultimatum because she believes he should know 'for sure' that she’s his forever partner - and doesn't want to waste another second more if he's not. The pair's relationship has been marred by communication and trust issues, and what with Ryan's insistence that he wants to start married life on stable ground, let's hope they can end The Ultimatum on the same page.
Riah and Trey
Riah: Ultimatum receiver, 25, Managing Server
Trey: Ultimatum giver, 29, Area Manager at Paper Mill
After meeting on a dating app, Rich and Trey soon realised they were the real deal and have been dating for two years ever since. They tackled long distance for a while before she moved into his home and they continued their beautiful partnership. However, Riah feels like Trey's effort has been lacking in the date department, whereas he believes his girlfriend has sky-high expectations warped by social media. He wants to emulate the life of his parents, who have been married for more than 30 years, but Riah, having never seen a 'healthy happy marriage' is torn about what the future looks like.
Roxanne and Antonio
Roxanne: Ultimatum receiver, 31, Founder and CEO
Antonio: Ultimatum giver, 30, Freight Broker
Antonio always knew that Roxanne was girlfriend material, and while she too felt a strong connection, they wouldn't get together until years later. To date, they have been in an on-off relationship for four and a half years but they've reached a crossroads. Antonio wants to get married but Roxanne's priorities lie in both of their careers. She wants someone to match her drive, but Antonio - despite loving her ambition - wishes she would pay him more attention. Now, Antonio is giving Roxanne the ultimatum because he believes 'that kind of pressure needs to be applied'.
Kat and Alex
Kat: Ultimatum giver, 28, Travel Nurse
Alex: Ultimatum receiver, 32, Software Sales
Kat and Alex have the potential to go from Hinge to hitched, but their communication is proving to be an obstacle. When Alex joined Kat on her nursing journey around the country - during which time they've embraced many twists and turns - some niggles began to show. Kat is conflict avoidant, whereas Alex wants a partner who isn't afraid to challenge him and speak his mind. She has heard his concerns, so for once she’s putting her foot down about marriage and giving Alex the ultimatum.