Business
TLC’s 90-Day Fiancé Is a Hit Thanks to Spellbinding Acrimony
The blend of romance and immigration returns the network to prominence it last enjoyed during the heyday of Jon & Kate Plus 8.
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Like every successful reality TV show, 90 Day Fiancé begins with an intriguing concept: Can a blossoming romance survive the harsh rigors of the American immigration system? From there, of course, it descends into spellbinding acrimony.
In each hour-and-a-half-long episode, viewers watch as real-life couples navigate the K-1 visa program. Established in 1970, it grants prospective immigrants permanent residency in the U.S. if they marry an American within 90 days of entering the country. If the engagement fails, so does their chance at living the American dream.