The "Love Is Blind" Reunion Was a Hot Mess…Here’s What You Missed

Olivia Taylor
Apr 18, 2023

Season four of Netflix’s cult-favorite reality dating show has come to a close, not without plenty of drama through. From a very late live reunion to castmates taking jabs at one another, there’s a lot to cover from last night’s escapades.

But first, let’s discuss the finale, AKA the weddings. As you may or may not know, the final episode of season four aired last Friday, revealing which of the four remaining couples tied the knot. Fan-favorites Tiffany Pennywell and Brett Brown (which have since been elected into the LIB Hall of Fame) followed through with the wedding, despite a near-disastrous seamstress mishap with Brett’s pants. Bliss Poureetezadi and Zack Goytowski also got married, and danced to Lee Ann Womack's “I Hope You Dance,” the song they bonded over in the pods. To many fans’ surprise, Kwame Appiah and Chelsea Griffin wed while Micah Lussier and Paul Peden broke up, with Paul dumping Micah at the altar.

Whew. There’s a lot more to unpack here. Let’s start with Paul and Micah, whose wedding day sparked the greatest social media response. To seemingly no one’s surprise, Micah’s IRL “BFFs” (heavy emphasis on the air quotes) were ecstatic when their best friend was dumped by her fiancé, taking their time to follow and console Micah after she ran back down the aisle. Further controversy sparked as Paul left Micah in her bridal suite, post-break up, and ran his hand down one of Micah’s bridesmaid’s dress. The bridesmaid smiled, acknowledging his touch.

This wasn’t the end of the wedding controversy. Fans were shocked – and I mean truly shocked – that Kwame followed through with the marriage to Chelsea. Throughout the show, and through video resurfacing of Kwame auditioning for other Netflix shows, fans noticed that he doesn’t seem interested in Chelsea…at least not nearly as interested as she is in him.

And the couple is stillmarried, despite expectations of their separation.

Now that we have all of our bases covered, let’s jump into the “live” reunion, which was absolutely saturated with technical difficulties. It was so bad, the reunion aired over an hour later than it’s scheduled time — even then the audio glitched throughout. And considering a majority of LIB fans are also Succession fans, most of the audience jumped over to HBO at 9 p.m. EST.

Despite this, the reunion still went on, and there’s plenty for us to mention.

Let’s start with some happy news. All of the married couples are still together, and seemingly happy!

Tiffany and Brett received little air time, likely due to their relatively uncomplicated love story and drama-free life. Regardless, we’re totally #TeamTiffanyandBrett and cannot wait to see how their life unfolds together.

Much to fans’ dismay, Kwame and Chelsea received more attention.

We were happy to see Bliss and Zack still very much in love, and they truly seem perfect for one another.

As the reunion continued, one of the several fan-proclaimed “villains” of the season, Irina Solomonova, joined her fellow cast on stage, and let’s just say she wasn’t well received. Irina, who broke up with Zack after accepting his engagement in the pods, was also pod-besties with Micah, and they were quick to tear down other women during the experiment.

Both Zack and Bliss were not happy to see her return, and they had a lot to say.

"You did a lot of things, um, that hurt a lot of people, including me, and I mean, you only see 10 percent of it on the camera. There was so much stuff that happened that was just unbelievable," Zack began. "If we're real, you went on this show to get famous," he added as the audience erupted in applause.

Bliss also confronted Irina, citing Irina’s unkind message she sent her way about Zack and overall mockery of her in the pods..

While we’re on the topic of villains, let’s break down Jackie Bonds. Jackie was engaged to Marshall Glaze, but their rocky relationship came to a tipping point after an argument about their sex life dominated the show. Jackie was quick to write off Marshall, instead redirecting her focus to former love interest and castmate Josh Demas before breaking things off with Marshall. Josh and Jackie made things official, all while she was supposed to be at her wedding dress fitting, and she proceeded to end her relationship with Marshall and refused to return the ring.

Since the end of their relationship, text messages in which Jackie called Marshall a series of homophobic slurs and discussed an ongoing STI came out. Josh and Jackie are still together, and the public is not a fan. Both did not show up to the reunion.

Now onto our final ex-couple, Paul and Micah. Considering they were the only pair to make it to the finale and not get married, things were already contentious before the reunion even began.

First off, Paul addressed the bridesmaid cheating allegations, calling the rumors "absurd" and explaining he was gesturing to the woman that he was trying to get past.

"To imply that it was anything more than me just gesturing acknowledging that I was squeezing past her kind of bumped into her shoulder is literally absurd,” he said. “I literally just [was] walking out of the door and gesturing just like, hey, sorry, I bumped into you.”

I guess that clears it up then. Co-host Vanessa Lachey quickly shifted gears, and fans were not happy with her approach to interviewing Paul. What was meant to be an open discussion quickly descended into a near-attack, as Vanessa “interrogated” Paul. Rather than an unbiased interview format, Vanessa seemed to interrogate Paul on “key inflammatory points” due to a personal bias against him. This jarring and abrasive approach was not well-received, prompting Zack to defend Paul on-air, with viewers and Paul speaking out following the reunion’s conclusion.

We need at least six months off before the next season – BRB while we go process it all.

Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Hallmark’s First-Ever Dating Show Is Coming So Soon

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

pop cultureentertainmenthallmarktv

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

travel destinationsovertourismtravel 2025where to traveleuropean travelasian traveljapanbalivenicetravel

Tom Holland Just Revealed Why Working With Zendaya Is The "Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me"

Tom Holland and Zendaya are finally reuniting for Spider-Man 4, coming in 2026, but before Peter Parker swings back onto our screens, they'll star opposite each other in Christopher Nolan's new movie (alongside Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon!!). And as much as fans love to see them onscreen together (it's me, I'm fans), it's even more fun for Tom Holland and Zendaya to work together! And Tom just revealed why having Z in his corner is the "best thing that's ever happened to me."

Here's what Tom Holland had to say about working and filming with "saving grace" Zendaya.

Tom Holland really loves working with Zendaya.

On an episode of the Dish podcast, Tom Holland jokes that executives love casting both Zendaya and him because it saves them money. “Studios love it," he says. "One hotel room. Separate drivers. We’re not crazy now. Listen it’s work, alright?”

But while working with his partner is all fun and games, it's also become a very special part of the industry for Tom Holland. “It’s a saving grace. Yeah, best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he continues. “It’s just that perfect thing when you’re on set and a director will give you a note that maybe you don’t agree with, or I know that she doesn’t particularly like, and it’s just that, like, familiar glance at each other of like, 'Can’t wait to talk about that later.'”

And Zendaya agrees. The Euphoria actress opened up in Vanity Fair's new Hollywood 2025 issueabout what it's like to work with Tom on a project, revealing "it’s actually strangely comfortable."

"It’s like second nature, if anything," she says. "You feel extra safe with the person you’re acting beside. I love working with him. He’s so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if he’s absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. That’s how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read." Well, I can only imagine how off the charts that chemistry read was.

And Tom Holland & Zendaya find a ton of comfort in each other.

And the comfort Tom Holland and Zendaya offer each other doesn't only happen on set. Tom recently revealed, after a video of him breaking up a paparazzi swarm went viral, just how protective he gets over Zendaya — and that Googling her actually helps him when he's feeling anxious.

“I’m not on socials, and I delete [the apps] when I’m not using [them],” he says on Samah Dada’s On the Menu podcast. “So sometimes I — it’s more of a bit of an anxiety thing...I just give it a little Google, look [through] the news, and I’m like, ‘She’s good. We’re fine.'"

And viral interview moments of Tom recognizing Zendaya's nerves and helping calm her down prove he's always got her back too. This is one match that is totally made in Heaven, and I can't get enough of them.

Can't get enough of Z? Check out why Zendaya Just Threw A Drink At A Car (Before Robert Pattinson Dragged Her Away).

pop culturezendayarelationshipscelebrities

Get Into The Spirit Of The Season With These Paleo Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

holiday recipesholidayspaleo recipespaleo christmas cookieshealthy recipeshealthy cookiescookieschristmaschristmas recipesdiy recipeschristmas cookies

13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

cookie recipesdessert recipeschristmas cookiesinternational foodschristmas recipes