America’s favorite social experiment, Netflix’s Love Is Blind, ended its eighth iteration in a flourish. After a heart-wrenching season, the Twin Cities-based Season 8 cast reconvened to re-litigate their (largely strained) relationships, trading barbs and proving the limits of the “Minnesota nice” stereotype.
On the agenda to discuss was a litany of topics that mirrored our country’s fraught political mood, with religion, LGBTQ+ rights, abortion and Black Lives Matter all popping up as key areas for disagreement amongst the couples. And while this was a season that had little in the way of happy, fairytale endings, it did serve as a strong dose of cold, hard reality. Nothing is apolitical in 2025, especially love. And while this is a Netflix reality program and not a CNN debate, the convening still required the careful guidance of a moderator. And who else could provide that thoughtful steering other than Vanessa and Nick Lachey who have served as hosts (and as a model of “couple goals”) since the show’s inception?
Serving glimmering beauty in a gold dress (whose hue mirrors that of the show’s infamous gold chalices), Vanessa Lachey was a vision of poise. A consummate professional, Vanessa was there with a glowing smile and a firm stance as the cast members sat in the hot seat and tried to clear up questions surrounding this often confusing season. With drama percolating off-screen from TikTok users, past flings and friends of the cast, there was a lot to get to the bottom of and Vanessa was on the case.
Vanessa Lachey brought PAPER into her dressing room as she prepared for a very busy, very heated Season 8 reunion.
Smoke and mirrors, baby.
Made this phone case with my daughter and it’s heavy as hell — my pinky hurts.
We have the best time. Liz Castellanos and Ashlee Rose keep me laughing, happy, care-free, motivated, confident and grounded. I love them like sisters.
The last-minute broken nail and husband trying not to yell at you to pick up the pace.
I was so in love with these crystal embellished Christian Louboutins that I was determined to have Sonja Christensen find a dress for the shoe.
Here we go.
Ashlee Rose taming last-minute fly aways with her Milkshake. No one wants frizz while we are getting juicy details.
Right before we hit the stage, we always tell each other” D.F.U.” (Interpret as you wish).
Five hours later.
Season 8 women bringing their personality and glam to the reunion.
Getting to see the lovebirds AD (LIB Season 6) and Ollie (LIB UK Season 1), and congratulate them on their engagement.
I think I’m calling this season’s reunion, “He Said She Said.”
Photos courtesy of Vanessa Lachey