Since its 2015 premiere, Nine Network’s Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS to its fans) has risen to become one of the nation’s most-watched shows – not to mention picking up an international fan base in the US and UK. One decade and 12 seasons later, and the televised “social experiment,” in which sex and relationship experts pair up compatible singles brave enough to first set eyes on each other at the altar, is still going strong.
Season 13 has been confirmed – it will film in late 2025 and air in early 2026 – and it’s currently casting. If you’re ready to say “I do” and put your love life in the hands of the experts, here’s everything you need to know.
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MAFS is a reality TV show that originated in Denmark in 2013 before being replicated in numerous countries, including Australia. The show aims to use a combination of science and psychology to find romantic matches for each cohort of hopeful singles.
The catch? Couples must commit to meeting each other for the first time at the altar. In other words, their first date is their wedding. Those who say “I do” head off on a honeymoon and continue to live together for a period on their return before deciding whether to tie the knot permanently at a commitment ceremony.
Unlike many reality TV shows, there are no cash prizes for those who keep their vows. But finding true love isn’t a bad trade-off, eh?
The MAFS casting team is headed up by senior casting producer Daisy Benson, who is a seasoned pro at casting dating shows. She worked as a casting producer on The Bachelorette, First Dates Australia, and The Bachelor before joining the MAFS team for Series 11 in 2023.
Benson and her team complement the show’s on-camera team of professionals: clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, who play Cupid and match talent.
Open to finding love through the show? Series 13 is currently casting. The show is open to “men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are genuinely committed to finding love,” and who “can commit up to four months of your life to the experiment (between late July and November 2025).” The first step is to complete a simple application form.
Benson also has some tips for getting noticed, which she shared on Instagram:
- Shoot her a DM so she can give you the show details.
- Answer her calls if she rings you.
- Turn up to your scheduled Zoom chat on time.
- Don’t be naked when you turn on your Zoom camera(!).
If you’re willing to hand over the reins for your romantic life to the experts and you’re comfortable with your journey being a focus of a hit reality TV show, it’s time to hit “Apply.”