Fans were left disappointed when they tuned in to Netflix to live stream the Love is Blind Season 4 reunion this weekend. Viewers from across the globe encountered technical issues, which prevailed regardless of whether they tried to stream the show on their desktop, mobile, or other devices.
“We’re having trouble playing this title right now. Please try again later or select a different title,” read the message that appeared on fans’ screens. The problems were widespread and affected numerous viewers, causing frustration and disappointment for those who had been looking forward to the event for weeks.
Even Netflix itself acknowledged the issues, taking to social media to post a tongue-in-cheek update saying: “Love is… late.”
An hour later, the streamer then said: “Promise #LoveIsBlindLIVE will be worth the wait….” but did not provide specifics on the cause or an ETA for when the special would begin.
Not missing a beat, other streaming networks took the opportunity to poke fun at Netflix:
Bravo had something to say about the whole situation:
We would never keep you waiting for a Reunion 😉
— Bravo (@BravoTV) April 17, 2023
Hulu had a more indirectly sarcastic approach:
— Hulu (@hulu) April 17, 2023
Blockbuster, which was once a VHS-rental giant all over the US, wasn’t ready to let it go, especially since the streaming business was single-handedly responsible for VHS all but going out of style:
Remember renting vhs’ from us. You could start it on time no problem… This is what we get.
Remember renting vhs’ from us. You could start it on time no problem… This is what we get.
— Blockbuster (@blockbuster) April 17, 2023
Red Box, a similar DVD rental business replied, “solidarity, bro.”
The streaming service didn’t escape criticism from fans who took to social media to vent their frustration, often using the hashtag #loveislate.
A Twitter user raised a valid point: “Out of all the Love Is Blind reunion’s this could’ve happened to, it just HAD to be the season with the most drama…”
Out of all the Love Is Blind reunion’s this could’ve happened to, it just HAD to be the season with the most drama… pic.twitter.com/2m96rLHOZF
— The Great Negro ⭑ SEULGI 💤 (@euphoricalcunt) April 17, 2023
Someone said: “Netflix been harassing me all week to watch this live reunion and they can’t even get it up and running?”
Netflix been harassing me all week to watch this live reunion and they can’t even get it up and running? #LoveIsBlindLIVE #LoveIsBlind pic.twitter.com/73ZN60Xb2h
— bri (@brileighh11) April 17, 2023
Soon the streaming giant realized that the episode will have to be recorded and tweeted this apology: To everyone who stayed up late, woke up early, gave up their Sunday afternoon… we are incredibly sorry that the Love is Blind Live Reunion did not turn out as we had planned. We’re filming it now and we’ll have it on Netflix as soon as humanly possible. Again, thank you and sorry.
To everyone who stayed up late, woke up early, gave up their Sunday afternoon… we are incredibly sorry that the Love is Blind Live Reunion did not turn out as we had planned. We're filming it now and we'll have it on Netflix as soon as humanly possible. Again, thank you and…
— Netflix (@netflix) April 17, 2023
Brandon Riegg, Netflix Vice President of Nonfiction Series and Comedy Specials also thanked viewers for logging in for the live event:
“It’s been incredible to see Netflix members everywhere respond to the raw, authentic stories of real people and real stakes. We pride ourselves on creating a favorite show for any taste, and we’re thrilled fans embraced all of these series with such enthusiasm and shared passion. We look forward to sparking more joy for our members.”
However, before Netflix came out with its apology Love is Blind hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey gave impatient fans a much-needed update:
“We are ready to roll, we just gotta figure this out, we’re getting everything to work,” the host wrote, assuring fans across the world that the show had not begun without them.
Would you like to see more news about Love Is Blind? Please let us know!
The Love Is Blind synopsis on Netflix reads: “Singles who want to be loved for who they are, rather than what they look like, have signed up for a less conventional approach to modern dating in Dallas where they hope to meet the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with…without ever having seen them. With no distractions from the outside world, the singles talk to a stream of potential love interests and when a meaningful connection is made, they propose and then lay their eyes on their fiancé for the first time.”
“Engaged and back in the real world, as the couples plan their wedding day, they will quickly discover whether they can turn their emotional connection into a physical one before the fast-approaching ceremony. Hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, this addictive 10-part series will uncover whether looks, race or age do matter, or if love really is blind.”
The finale to Love is Blind’s fourth season was supposed to be Netflix’s second-ever live broadcast, the first being Chris Rock’s stand-up special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.”
Netflix has yet to explain what really happened to the live stream or comment on the digs that its competitors took, even though a number of media outlets reached out for a comment.
While the next season of Love is Blind may take a while to come out, here’s how you can enjoy all seasons of Love Island on Hulu outside USA.
