15 of the weirdest TV shows that’ll have you wondering why they even exist

8. Married at First Sight

What it is: A reality “dating” show in which two contestants meet for the first time as they are about to get married. The two leads subject themselves to a lot of testing and questions prior to the wedding, meeting with psychologists, relationship experts and sociologists. The experts pair the couple together based on their compatibility, using the tests and interviews as the determining factors.

The two see each other for the first time when they meet at the end of the altar and agree to a trial marriage of a few months. At the end of the trial, the couple has to decide whether to stay married or go their separate ways. You would be surprised to find out how many couples decide to stay together.

They yuck factor: On its surface, it feels like any other dating show, just with a little bit higher stakes. The marriage aspect is of little consequence, really, as we watch them essentially date for the duration of their “marriage.” It can get uncomfortable at times, but it never tips over into gross.

What is fascinating, however, is the interpersonal implications. You get to see people trot out their deepest insecurities and air their most complicated baggage to a complete stranger. Funny enough, it offers an acute look at relationship and sexual politics that we often can overlook in our own lives. It’s like a study in marriage dynamics that is invaluable to couples looking to get married or who are newly married.

When and how: The last season, season 6, just aired on Lifetime early 2018, and you can catch those episodes on the website. If you want to start from the beginning, Hulu has seasons 1 through 4.