It may be a controversial concept, but one thing’s for sure… TLC’s new reality series, Married By Mom and Dad, certainly has people talking. On the December 20 episode, entitled, “Date My Parents,” we meet the last of the four singles and learn that Mom and Dad may not always know best. If you missed the episode or just need a quick refresher, read on. We’ll get you up to speed…
John Coultrip: At 30-years old, this video surveillance IT consultant from Colorado is ready to settle down and have kids. He grew up in a family with 11 children, and he describes himself as “adventurous.” With hobbies like skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, and running, John is looking for a woman who can keep up with him. Thankfully, his parents appear to have a grasp on what their son is looking for in a wife, so we’re fairly sure their pick will be a winner.
Laurie and Joe Coultrip, John’s parents, have been married for 37 years. During a meeting with their son, he tells them he’s looking for a girl with “integrity.” He’d like for his future wife to be passionate and driven in her career. The parents narrow it down to two lucky ladies: Kristina, an assistant manager at a spa, and Chandler, a flight attendant. Will one of them prove to be “the one?” Hopefully we’ll be one step closer to knowing on the next episode.
Marivic Febiar: The parental dating process may be awkward, but if nothing else, Marivic’s mom and dad are entertaining. They meet with Ben, a 33-year old plumber, and their reaction is slightly less than impressed. Ben is proud to be part of the union, but his potential father-in-law is hoping to match his daughter with a college educated man. “Parents always love me,” Ben brags. But he may have just broken his streak.
When Marivic meets her best friend, Prisana, for lunch, she breaks the news that she has put her love life in the hands of her parents. Although Prisana knows her friend is “crazy,” she acknowledges that this may be a step too far. Will Marivic’s mom and dad’s final pick blow them away (in a good way)? We sure hope so, but our hopes aren’t high just yet.
Mitch Sargent: After meeting two potential matches on the premiere episode, Mitch’s parents go on a date with their final pick; Emily is a 31-year old field scientist, and she fields the awkward questions like a pro. Mom, Dad, and April (Mitch’s stepmother-to-be) are all impressed by Emily. After a successful date, the parents all go meet with Mitch.
Mitch is pleasantly surprised to see all of his parental figures together, admitting, “I just want everyone to be happy.” When Mitch learns that one of his potential brides, Martha, cannot drink wine, he says it’s not a deal breaker. Although he sells wine for a living, he concludes that there are “other things” that could bring them together. Mitch doesn’t seem overly surprised that his father asked the ladies about sex. “What we can never judge is the chemistry,” his dad tells Mitch. After narrowing the field, the bachelor will get to meet his parents’ picks.
Christina Rollyson: After meeting Brett last week, this future bride’s parents meet with Kevin, a 28-year old medical sales rep. Kevin says that family is the most important thing to him, and although Christina’s mom is concerned he may be a partier, he seems to win her heart. The parents conclude that, largely because of his flexible schedule, “Kevin is the obvious choice.” We’re not so sure they chose the perfect match, but they may be having second thoughts, too…
Although Christina has been adamant about meeting her husband at the altar, she senses there is a reason her parents want her to meet Kevin prior to the wedding. It doesn’t take much to convince her, so we’re expecting a blind date on the next episode!
If you can’t get enough of Married By Mom and Dad, check out Coco’s Story, a 10-part online series on the TLC website. The next full-length episode airs December 27 at 10 p.m. EST on TLC.