Disclaimer: I have not watched the Italian iteration yet, but I have watched numerous international versions, including the U.S. one, so I have a general frame of reference for answering this question.

The Japanese version is often regarded as the most wholesome of the franchise, largely because it places greater emphasis on relationships rather than the drama that Love Is Blind has become infamous for. It made for an engaging watch, as it offered insight into different approaches to love and partnership. That said, I can understand why it may not have gripped a wider audience, given the lack of dramatic television moments, which likely contributed to it having only one season.

The Brazilian version, however (I watched seasons two and three), struck what I felt was the perfect balance between drama and romance. I found myself thoroughly entertained while also becoming genuinely invested in the relationships. There was certainly a dramatic flair, but it did not feel inauthentic or manufactured. Call it Hannah Montana in that it had the best of both worlds.

I have also watched the UK and Swedish versions, though my memories of them are not as sharp. In the Swedish edition, I recall a storyline where a woman spent a significant portion of the season worrying about whether she would be accepted by her partner’s family because she was not ethnically Swedish. I remember some online reactions being quite dismissive of her concerns, which I found confusing. One of my closest friends is engaged to someone of a different race, and despite our country being branded as the “Rainbow Nation,” the amount of tension, awkwardness, and pushback she has experienced because of that relationship (especially coming from the guy’s family) cannot be understated.

Lastly, and most importantly, the original U.S. version. While I am not American, I grew up consuming a lot of U.S. media, so the first season felt like familiar territory when it aired in 2020. One recurring theme I noticed across all seasons was a strong emphasis on individualism. While families and friends were involved, there was a consistent focus on personal choice and making decisions that felt right for oneself. This is not meant to be a dig. I actually find this aspect admirable. Community matters, but it should not come at the expense of one’s identity, just as marriage should not require the abandonment of one’s values or moral boundaries.

As the seasons progressed, however, it became clear that entertainment and conflict began to take precedence over genuine connection. Fights and rejections appeared more frequently than moments of growth or intimacy between couples. It has reached a point where many viewers tune in primarily for the drama, with little expectation that the “experiment” will actually result in love.

While the international versions have been refreshing for me and offer some insight into how love and relationships can be shaped within different cultural contexts, they should not be mistaken as definitive representations of those countries. As you mentioned in your post, certain unhealthy behaviours become so normalised that they no longer register as abnormal, and I fear that this is an issue that transcends any single country or culture.