Married at First Sight has been voted the “worst Australian TV show of 2021” just weeks ahead of its ninth season premiere.

Last year’s marriage experiment was shrouded in controversy, from flailing affairs to being seriously investigated by media watchdogs for airing episodes that depicted abusive relationships.

Now, viewers and industry professionals have ruled MAFS to be the “worst” series to take to the small screen.

Married at First Sight has been voted the "worst Australian TV show of 2021" just weeks ahead of its ninth season premiere.
Married at First Sight has been voted the “worst Australian TV show of 2021” just weeks ahead of its ninth season premiere. Source: Nine.

But which other guilty viewing pleasures were in the running for the not-so-esteemed accolade?

Big Brother VIP, Love Island Australia, Making It Australia and reno fave The Block were all also considered for the title.

Love Island UK went on to win “Worst International Show” of the year, while Aussie TV mainstay Sonia Kruger won “Most Overexposed Performer” for the second year running.

  • Sonia Kruger. Source: Instagram @soniakruger.
  • Matt Doran. Source: Instagram @mattdoran22.
Sonia Kurger and Matt Doran were also among the award recipients.

As for the biggest blunder winner — Weekend Sunrise‘s Matt Doran won the gong for his Adele faux pas in November. The presenter faced intense scrutiny worldwide after he failed to listen to the hitmaker’s new album before interviewing her.

What Happened When Married At First Sight Was Investigated By Media Watchdogs?

Married At First Sight was under investigation for airing “gaslighting” episodes featuring Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson.

However, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found the scenes did not breach the Commercial Television Code of Practice.

Married At First Sight was cleared of breaching the Commercial Television Code of Practice after airing "gaslighting" scenes of Bryce Ruthven towards his wife Melissa Rawson.
Married At First Sight was cleared of breaching the Commercial Television Code of Practice after airing “gaslighting” scenes of Bryce Ruthven towards his wife Melissa Rawson. Source: Nine.

A spokesperson said “the content could be accommodated within the respective classifications”.

They also added that the adult theme in the M-rated broadcast was “handled with care, extensively critiqued and adequately contextualised.”

The investigation was prompted by complaints from viewers about the “abusive” relationship between Bryce and Melissa.

When Does The New Season Of Married At First Sight Start?

Drama is just around the corner with the ninth season of Married at First Sight kicking off on January 31.

Announced with a brand new tantalising trailer, the latest season is set to be even more hectic than the last… If that’s even possible!

Australia's most talked-about experiment, Married at First Sight Australia is back for 2022 and we have been blessed with an official air date.
Australia’s most talked-about experiment, Married at First Sight Australia is back for 2022 and we have been blessed with an official air date. Source: Nine.

The 40-second clip warned fans of the ratings juggernaut to “prepare [their] hearts” as MAFS descends into our lives once again.

“20 new strangers will put love in the hands of science,” a voiceover teased.

One groom later exclaimed: “My wife’s a psychopath”. And damn, there’s always at least one, isn’t there?

Know something that we don’t? Spill the tea here!

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