Did the daring concept of The Ultimatum pay off for any of the couples in its first season?
The Netflix series centered around eight couples on the verge of getting engaged. Following the issuing of an ultimatum by one partner, they embarked on a three-week trial marriage with a selected costar from the show. Once the trial period concluded, they reunited with their original significant other and faced the decision of staying together and getting engaged, going their separate ways, or continuing with their trial marriage partner.
Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger stood out as one of the few couples where the man issued the Ultimatum. Fans were left stunned when, not only did the couple get engaged in the April 2022 finale, but they also exchanged vows immediately afterwards.
"In the end, after filming, we had a thorough discussion about everything. I mean, every single detail. We were like, 'We're married now, there should be no secrets,'" Madlyn disclosed to We in March 2022. "So, when we watched it back, I don't think we were really surprised by anything. We were more taken aback by what was chosen to be included or excluded. It actually exceeded our expectations, to be honest."
Colby revealed that he had always intended to offer Madlyn the opportunity to marry him following his proposal, assuming she accepted.
"After I proposed and we were officially engaged, I realized I was ready for the next step: marriage. It seemed unnecessary to wait any longer when we had already made our commitment on such a significant occasion. So, I thought, why not seize the opportunity and take that next big leap? Since she said yes to the engagement, why not say yes to marriage as well?"
Season 1 of The Ultimatum is streaming on Netflix. Scroll through for an update on the cast:
Credit: Netflix
‘The Ultimatum’ Season 1 Cast: Where Are They Now?
Did the daring concept of The Ultimatum pay off for any of the couples in its first season?
The hit Netflix series centered around eight couples who were on the verge of getting engaged. Once an ultimatum was presented by one partner, they entered into a trial marriage with a chosen cast member from the show, living together for three weeks. After this trial period, they returned to their original significant other and faced the choice of committing to an engagement, going their separate ways, or pursuing a relationship with their trial marriage partner.
Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger stood out as one of the rare couples where the man issued an ultimatum. Fans were left astonished when not only did the duo get engaged in the thrilling finale of April 2022, but they also instantly tied the knot.
"In the aftermath of filming, we had a thorough discussion about everything. We made a commitment to complete transparency, saying to ourselves, 'We are now married, and there should be no room for secrets,'" Madlyn revealed to We magazine in March 2022. "So, when watching it back, there weren't many surprises for us. We were more taken aback by what made the cut and what was excluded. Honestly, it exceeded our expectations."
Colby expressed his intention to give Madlyn the opportunity to get married after she accepted his proposal. He believed that once he was committed to the engagement, he was ready to embark on the next big step, which was marriage. He saw no reason to delay the opportunity when everything was aligned perfectly. Colby reasoned that since Madlyn had already said yes to the engagement, it made sense for her to also say yes to the marriage.
Season 1 of The Ultimatum is streaming on Netflix. Scroll through for an update on the cast:
Credit: Netflix
Alexis Maloney and Hunter Parr
After becoming engaged, we promptly relocated to California. We settled into an apartment in L.A. and have since been diligently organizing our wedding. Our excitement is palpable as we prepare to celebrate not only our engagement and marriage, but also to share this joyous occasion with our loved ones. Alexis shared with Us in March 2022, "The move from Texas to California, combined with wedding planning, has certainly kept us busy. We even have a furry companion joining us on this exciting journey. Time seems to be flying by due to the immense amount of fun we're having." The couple tied the knot in June 2022, having made an early departure. According to Alexis' Instagram Story, their wedding took place in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Credit: Netflix
Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger
Madlyn announced in March 2022 that she was in her 35th week of pregnancy, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the couple's first child. She expressed her readiness to welcome her baby girl, admitting that in recent weeks, she often found herself yearning for her pregnancy to come to an end. However, Madlyn also expressed her deep appreciation for the experience, as it had been an incredible blessing in her life.
Colby praised, "Throughout it all, she has handled everything admirably." Madlyn later announced on her Instagram Story in May 2022 that she and Colby had joyously welcomed their baby daughter. "Our baby girl is in good health and absolutely perfect, and tomorrow we will be bringing her home," she penned in May 2022. "We have been cuddling together in the hospital bed, seeking as much rest as possible and marveling at this amazing blessing."
In January 2023, the couple shared the exciting news that they are anticipating their second child.
Credit: Netflix
Shanique Imari and Randall Griffin
The pair broke up for six months after the show wrapped. They are back together but have called off their engagement.
"Regrettably, I was incredibly anxious on the day of the proposal due to my perspective, as it seemed that he was developing a connection with someone else," Shanique revealed to Us in March 2022. "Naturally, there was a chance that his feelings wouldn't change. So I was genuinely thrilled and taken aback when he did propose, although I'm still not entirely sure. Overall, it was a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this entire experience."
When inquired about their current plans, Randall urged Us to "stay tuned."
Credit: Courtesy of April Marie/Instagram
April Marie
Following her breakup with Jake, April is dating a real estate broker based in Austin. She told Us that she was set up with him by a friend of hers who works at his agency.
"I have no interest in investing my time in someone with whom I do not envision a future," she passionately expressed. "Therefore, I wholeheartedly adore this man to the fullest extent. And I am absolutely delighted."
In the final episode, she introduced her boyfriend Cody Cooper to her social media followers, expressing her admiration on Instagram, "I express my gratitude for your authenticity. Thank you for being an extraordinary man, boyfriend, partner, and best friend that I could ever hope for." In February 2023, April joyfully revealed that she was pregnant with her first child, with the father being the owner of Sprout Roofing.
April and Cody welcomed a baby girl in August 2023.
Credit: Courtesy of Jake Cunningham/Instagram
Jake Cunningham
After Jake and Rae formed a romantic connection during their trial marriage on the show, they decided not to embark on the trip that Jake had proposed during the finale.
According to Jake, their decision was not due to Rae's lack of interest in going on the trip. They both agreed that they needed time to sort out their personal matters. Following the show's conclusion, Jake had to address matters with April and obtain closure, while Rae had to do the same with Zay. Consequently, they decided to postpone the trip, which ultimately never materialized.
Jake mentioned that he senses the possibility of something developing with Rae in the future, as they remain in touch. "We continue to maintain a strong friendship and cross paths occasionally," he stated during that moment.
Credit: Courtesy of Rae Williams/Instagram
Rae Williams
Rae shared her perspective on the failed vacation, expressing her thoughts to Us: "Once Jake offered me the trip and we finalized all the details, I suggested we go grab lunch that same day. During our meal, I told him that it was a lot to take in. Despite the fact that it may be just a reality show for others, it felt real for us since we both still had lingering feelings for our previous partners, April and Zay. It was emotionally draining and overwhelming. Considering all of this, I didn't think it was the right time to leave them abruptly and embark on a spontaneous trip together. Saying goodbye to Zay and April to just hop on a plane and go anywhere wouldn't have felt appropriate."
Rae mentioned that she and Jake are in a good place as of March 2022.
“Jake is an absolute gem, a true gentleman,” Rae expressed, acknowledging that he deserves the best. Both of them require some time to heal, especially with the show's release reigniting past emotions. Ladies, please refrain from messaging him as his direct messages are currently closed. Let him have the space he needs. Personally, I deeply care for him and only wish to witness his happiness."
At the reunion in April 2022, Rae disclosed that she is currently involved with a woman. "She's incredible. We shared a strong connection," she revealed, mentioning that she is navigating her bisexuality and keeping the relationship casual.
Credit: Courtesy of Zay Wilson/Instagram
Zay Wilson
Rae and Zay have severed their communication, with Rae revealing that she has blocked him on all platforms. Expressing her disappointment, she believes that Zay should have informed her beforehand about his involvement with Shanique during their trial marriage in March 2022. "He has not offered any apology or reached out to me. There is no remorse or acknowledgment that things could have been handled better," she shared. The two have not spoken since then.
He is single.
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Lauren Pounds and Nathan Ruggles
The duo are still engaged after leaving The Ultimatum early.