The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3 released on December 4, continues its dramatic exploration of love, commitment, and second chances.
In episode 3 of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, the six original couples took their first steps into the experiment by choosing trial partners from among each other. Over the next three weeks, these new pairs will live as if they are in a real marriage, meeting families, tackling hard conversations, and experiencing life together.
Hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey guided the participants through this emotional phase, reminding them of the stakes. At the end of the experiment, each contestant must decide whether to stay with their original partner, choose someone new, or leave the experience single. The evening ended with emotional revelations, bold choices, and new bonds forming among the participants.
Below is the list of new trial couples formed during this pivotal chapter of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3. Reader discretion is advised.
New couples formed in The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3
As the original couples split in The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, each participant had to choose a trial partner for the next three weeks. The selection process highlighted the emotional stakes of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On. Nick Lachey posed the question, “Are you ready to make a choice?” as participants deliberated. Here's how the choices unfolded:
J.R. and Sandy: J.R. chose Sandy, stating,
“The vibe is here, I love the energy we have. Sandy’s not the typical girl I’d go after.”
J.R. reflected on his connection with Sandy, emphasizing their shared humor and energy:
“I like how yesterday we were on the couch… And I had told you to shut up, and you responded, ‘shut up, too.’ We just looked at each other and laughed.”
Sandy reciprocated, saying, “We have a lot of similarities,” and called J.R. her trial husband.
Nick and Vanessa: Vanessa shared,
“I felt like Nick just provided such an elevated platform for me to express myself and truly just be me.”
Nick described Vanessa as a kindred spirit, saying, “She’s an onion… we’re also weird onions.” Both chose each other as trial partners. Vanessa revealed how deeply she connected with Nick, describing him as someone who made her feel safe to be herself.
Aria and Caleb: Aria explained her choice, saying, “We grew up very similar… I just felt really secure with you.” Caleb agreed, adding,
“It wasn’t forced. It just came easy.”
Chanel and Dave, Micah and Mariah, and Scotty and Zaina: These pairs had already chosen each other before episode 3 began.
Conversations and insights from episode 3
The Lacheys emphasized the purpose of the trial marriages, with Nick saying,
“You are welcome to take this ring with you into your trial marriage. Over the next three weeks, you’ll have an accelerated experience designed to show you what marriage with your new partner could be like.”
Vanessa Lachey explained the next phase of the experiment, highlighting its immersive nature. She shared that the new trial couples would move in together, meet each other’s families and friends, and navigate challenging conversations.
These discussions would address topics that many couples might not even confront after marriage, pushing the participants to explore the depths of their potential relationships.
The ultimate goal was clear, as Nick reminded participants:
“The terms of The Ultimatum are very clear. At the end, you’ll each have to decide for yourself who you want to spend the rest of your life with. Will you leave here engaged? Will you leave here alone? Or will you leave with someone new?”
Original couples in The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Season 3
Before embarking on their trial marriages in The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, the original couples included:
1) Zaina and J.R.: Together for nearly three years, their differences stem from J.R.’s hesitations about marriage.
2) Nick and Sandy: Their relationship has lasted two and a half years, but Sandy isn’t ready for marriage due to their age gap.
3) Mariah and Caleb: Mariah is eager for commitment, but Caleb wants to take things slow.
4) Scotty and Aria: Scotty desires engagement, while Aria weighs the professional sacrifices involved.
5) Chanel and Micah: Chanel hopes the experiment will strengthen their bond, though Micah is uncertain about the timing.
6) Vanessa and Dave: Vanessa seeks a partner who sees her as their dream woman, while Dave prefers a more cautious approach to marriage.
The first five episodes of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On are ready to stream on Netflix. Episodes 6, 7, and 8 premiere on Wednesday, December 11, and episodes 9 and 10 premiere on Wednesday, December 18