MAFS Expert John Aiken Reveals 'Boss Babes' Group Dynamics Are Unprecedented
If you believe you have witnessed everything on previous seasons of the controversial reality television series Married At First Sight, prepare to think again. The upcoming season introduces a formidable new element: the "Boss Babes" are about to enter the chat, and according to relationship expert John Aiken, their impact is unlike anything the show has seen before.
Unprecedented Group Dynamics and Shocking Behaviour
John Aiken, a longstanding expert on the series, has revealed that the dynamic created by a group of five women this season is truly unprecedented. "We've had one or two group rivalries before, but we have never had a group of women who have been very dominating in the group dynamic and who have, at times, used language that will really shock you," he explains. "They will stand up for one another, at times, and attempt to control the entire experiment, and they come for anyone who stands up to them, both men and women."
Aiken emphasises the severity of the situation, noting that "some of the language you're going to hear this season, and the behaviour, it's absolutely shocking. We just hadn't seen it before." He describes the experience as akin to being transported back to high school, with these women often justifying their actions by claiming to be "girl's girls" who are simply "speaking my truth." However, Aiken points out that this does not necessarily equate to respectful or inoffensive conduct, creating significant challenges for the experts.
The Organic Nature of the Show's Evolution
When questioned about whether the formation of the Boss Babes group was organic or a producer-driven masterstroke, Aiken is adamant about its authenticity. "It's organic, absolutely. It always is on the show," he asserts. "It's unpredictable. I don't know what's going to happen. I'm watching it like you're watching it." This unpredictability is a core element of what Aiken describes as the "social experiment" aspect of MAFS, where neither the experts nor the participants can foresee behavioural outcomes or emerging patterns.
Reflecting on the show's remarkable journey since its 2015 premiere, Aiken admits that no one anticipated its transformation into a ratings juggernaut. "We had no expectations. The show was very different to what was on at the time," he recalls. "It surprised everybody that it took off immediately. And then it just grew. It got supersized." From six episodes to forty, and from four couples to twelve, MAFS has expanded into a cultural phenomenon airing four nights a week.
New Additions and Enhanced Duty of Care
The 2026 season introduces several innovations, including a revised Revelation Week where men and women participate in separate workshops. These sessions encourage participants to articulate their relationship expectations and evaluate their matched partners, highlighting both red and green flags. Aiken notes that while some find this process enlightening, others become defensive, with visible reactions like eye-rolling and walkouts.
Additionally, viewers can look forward to the Stan Original series MAFS: After The Dinner Party, offering weekly behind-the-scenes footage, expert analysis, and fan commentary. The season also welcomes its first bisexual woman participant, who expressed openness to being matched with either a man or a woman.
Aiken underscores the serious responsibility he and fellow experts Alessandra Rampolla and Mel Schilling hold in guiding the approximately 12,000 annual applicants. "I point out poor behaviour, point out patterns of behaviour, and hold a mirror up to the couples," he says, emphasising the educational value for both participants and the audience at home.
Central to the show's ethos is an intense duty of care, providing psychological support, social media training, and round-the-clock assistance to protect participants from the often brutal online environment. "We have to give them as much duty of care as possible. It's one of the cornerstones of the show," Aiken affirms.
The Enduring Appeal of Married At First Sight
When asked about the show's consistent high ratings, Aiken attributes its success to multiple factors. "People want to tune in to see if two strangers can fall in love and get a fairytale," he observes. Others watch to learn relationship dos and don'ts, identify red flags, or improve their own partnerships. The group dynamics, particularly this season's Boss Babes phenomenon, add another layer of intrigue, exploring boundaries and interpersonal conflicts.
Despite the experts' efforts to provide guidance, Aiken notes that "this year in particular they don't want to hear what we have to say," further heightening the drama. Married At First Sight premieres on February 2 at 7.30pm on Nine, promising another season of unpredictable relationships and compelling television.
