How 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way Season 5 Saved the Spin Off

Kenny and Armando from 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way
Photo credit: TLC

90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way is one of the franchise’s best spin-offs, although it has seen some bad days. Season 4 received particularly bad feedback for several reasons. Some viewers thought that The Other Way had run its course, and others even anticipated the spin-off was in danger of cancellation.

Typically, The Other Way only airs once a year, if TLC stays on schedule with producing the different 90 Day Fiancé spin-offs in order. However, after The Other Way Season 4 concluded, TLC immediately announced Season 5. It was evident that the network did this in the wake of how negatively Season 4 was received, and it was a last ditch effort to make fans love The Other Way again.

The Other Way Season 5 has been nothing short of entertaining, even if not all of the couples are fan favorites. After lackluster Season 4, no one can deny that chaotic Season 5 has saved the future of The Other Way.

These Americans Are Actually Intent On Moving Abroad

Brandan & Mary from 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way
(Photo credit: TLC/YouTube)

There is no doubt that many of the couples this season have issues, but we must give credit where credit is due. The entire premise of The Other Way is the concept of Americans moving overseas to live permanently in another country with their international partner. One of the many frustrating aspects of Season 4, was that the majority of Americans eventually returned to the United States.

One of these Americans from Season 4 was Kris Foster, who planned to move to Colombia to live with her partner Jeymi Noguera. However, after only a few weeks, Kris returned to America claiming it was to find work. By the same token, Nicole Sherbiny did not last long in Egypt with her husband Mahmoud El Sherbiny. At the end of the season, Nicole returned to America and announced that Mahmoud had filed for a K-1 visa.

On the other hand, many of the Americans on Season 5 seem more intent on living abroad. There is no question that Brandan DeNuccio is problematic, but he deserves some credit for fully incorporating himself into Filipino life with Mary Demasu-ay. Kenneth Niedermeier has also lived in Mexico with Armando Rubio for years, while Shekinah Garner also seems to be intent on living in Turkey long term with Sarper Guven.

The Other Way Season 5’s Storylines Are New & Fresh

Kimberly & Tejaswi from 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way
Photo credit: TLC

Another big issue with The Other Way Season 4 was repetitive storylines, and Season 5 did not repeat the same mistake. One of the most frustrating couples to watch on Season 4 were Jen Boecher and Rishi Singh. Their story was parallel to that of Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh from Seasons 1-3, which caused viewers to lose interest. Both stories revolved around the older American woman struggling to gain the acceptance of her partner’s traditional Indian family.

While Kimberly Rochelle and Tejaswi Goswami are not the easiest to watch, their drama is at least fresh and interesting. Tejaswi’s family accepted Kim without question, and their story has revolved around their elaborate Indian wedding. Kim has had drama with Tejaswi’s family, most notably his brother Yash, but it has stemmed from her own ignorance rather than a lack of acceptance.

Holly Weeks and Wayne Cornish also have an interesting story, focusing on Holly’s move to South Africa. Holly’s biggest concern is crime, given that Wayne’s home had been broken into three times in a six month period. 90 Day Fiancé has not seen a storyline quite like this before, and while it is stressful, it is also somewhat intriguing. This is a valid concern from Holly, unlike the usual drama and pettiness that drives couples apart.

Season 5 Gives Fans What They Want

Kenny Niedermeier and Armando Rubio on 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way
Photo Credit: 90 Day Fiancé/YouTube

Kenny and Armando are one of the most likable couples on Season 5, who have been fan favorites since their debut on Season 2. The beloved couple explored surrogacy this season, and finally came to the decision that they want to try to have a child together! It’s always nice to see a happy ending in the midst of the 90 Day Fiancé chaos.

While The Other Way Season 5 does have some faults, it is a tremendous improvement from Season 4. The majority of these couples are actually interesting to watch, whether they are wholesome like Kenny and Armando or chaotic like Brandan and Mary. Season 4 had fans falling asleep, but Season 5 has them wide awake!

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE OTHER WAY SEASON 5? WHICH COUPLE ARE YOU ROOTING FOR THIS SEASON?

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