Netflix’s “Perfect Match” returns, and is bigger and better than ever. The dating show traditionally has tried to pair up alumni of other Netflix series in a “Love Island” meets “Bachelor in Paradise” esque format. But this season brings an infusion of new blood, for this is one of the first times the Netflix Reality Universe has expanded beyond home grown talent.
The show has contestants couple up and then re-couple (and then re-re-couple) in an attempt to find their perfect match. New singles get invited in on a regular basis to shake things up, and eventually one couple is crowned the perfect match.
This time around they’ve managed to snag stars from various other reality franchises, including not one but TWO “hero daters” from “The Bachelor” / “The Bachelorette.” Oh and to make matters juicer those two just so happen to be exes. Bachelor fans we’re referring to Clayton Echard and Rachel Recchia. Clayton’s season ended with him confessing to Rachel and fellow finalist Gabby Widney that he loved them both and had also slept with them both. Then just to add icing to the cake he decided to pursue the third runner up. Bringing in these two and others from shows like “Love Island,” and “Siesta Key” is a particularly inspired casting move because it not only brings in fans from other pockets of reality television, but it makes things less predictable.
In the previous seasons folks have come in with preconceived notions about their fellow potential matches because they’ve all been connected through the greater web of their shared Netflix DNA. This meant that both from a dating and competitive challenge perspective participants were less likely to invite some of the more colorful characters into the show (because at a certain point they do gain control of invites).
Season three of “Perfect Match” ends up being addictive for existing fans of the Netflix Reality Universe and welcoming for newcomers. The delightful cringiness of casting exes (and not just the aforementioned members of “Bachelor” Nation) as well as seeing some earnest connections make this a perfect summertime watch.
Episodes 1-6 are streaming now on Netflix, Episodes 7-9 streams August 8, the Finale streams August 15, 2025.
