If you were feeling the void from Love Is Blind, The Ultimatum: Queer Love couples (and trial wives) will provide your Netflix queue with some romance...and a bit of drama to boot.
Following the same premise of The Ultimatum, this spinoff changes the reality-show game in that includes an entirely LGBTQ+ cast, and the Lacheys have stepped away from hosting duties. (Given how the Love Is Blind season 4 reunion turned out, fans will likely find the switch a little refreshing.)
Here's how it works: couples who are at a crossroads in their love lives enter the experiment and pair off with someone new. They'll live with their trial wives for two weeks, and at the end of the test, they're left with a handful of options: continue with their original partners, opt for their trial partner or leave the show single.
There's a lot to dive into, and though the show has only just premiered as of Wednesday, May 24, we're fairly certain we're in for a rough few weeks ahead. Is it ever a good idea to issue an ultimatum? We're about to find out.
Meet 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' couples
Here are the women who came onto the show as one, before the swapping took place. Are they strong enough to see their other half move on—albeit temporarily— with someone else?
1. Rae and Lexi
- @lexicgoldberg + @raelyn_cs
- Lexi issued the ultimatum
Though younger, Lexi is the one in the relationship who is looking to settle down. She ventured into the experiment with the hopes that Rae will realize, without certainty, that they were meant to be. But is Rae as emotionally mature as Lexi, and willing to think about forever?
2. Xander and Vanessa
- @xander.ology + @itsvanessapapa
- Xander issued the ultimatum
Xander and Vanessa started out as best friends from high school who met through their boyfriends. That all changed, and they've been together ever since. But Xander wants to settle down and have children, and Vanessa doesn't want to be tied down. Quickly labeled as the mean girl of the season, Vanessa is even accused of joining the series for fame instead of love.
3. Sam and Aussie
- @conscious.altruism + @aussie_has_fomo
- Sam issued the ultimatum
Things are seemingly good between Sam and Aussie, but should any difficulties arise, Aussie shuts down and backs away. Sam's ready for more stability, but can Aussie deliver?
4. Yoly and Mal
- @yolyredrum + @igobymal
- Yoly issued the ultimatum
Yoly wants it all: marriage, kids, and she wants it now. Mal does, too, but she's waiting for the moment to feel right. Plus, Mal seems to think Yoly just wants to be married, but not necessarily to her, claiming she falls hard and fast. Will that be the case in the experiment?
5. Mildred and Tiff
- @mildredbustillo_+ @tiff.der
- Mildred issued the ultimatum
Mildred and Tiff run hot and cold: when they're in a good place, nothing can stop them. But they also have the capability to break up within a moment's notice—and they have, many times in fact. Will they be able to put the bickering aside and work on their romance?
Meet the trial couples on 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love'
Surprised by any of these matches? Perhaps the unexpected pairings will actually turn out better than we'd thought? Maybe things will crash and burn? We'll find out soon enough.
1. Xander and Yoly
Despite Xander's resistance to opening up to anyone, she manages to get along swimmingly with Yoly, and from the looks of it, there's potential here.
2. Vanessa and Rae
Vanessa originally had her sights set on Lexi, but Lexi was not up for Vanessa's alleged immaturity and phoniness. So Vanessa settles for Rae, Lexi's "ex", and causes waves right out of the gate. Rae is reserved and definitely seems to have some reservations about Vanessa, though she doesn't want to seem to admit it.
3. Lexi and Mal
Lexi and Mal are both level-headed and want the same things, but is there enough for them to form a connection at the end of two weeks?
4. Aussie and Mildred
The two don't dislike each other, but romantically, we feel like it's going to take some time for them to click. Will they, or will they resort back to their OG partners?
5. Tiff and Sam
Tiff doesn't want to be with anyone but Mildred, but does seem to sort of warm up to the idea of Sam, but will their journey be easy? We have a feeling it won't be totally smooth sailing.
The Ultimatum: Queer Love released its first four episodes on Wednesday, May 24. Subsequent episodes will hit Netflix on Wednesdays through June 7.
