The Ultimatum Finale Recap: Congrats, I Guess — Plus, Who Stayed Together?
The eight-week experiment at the center of Netflix's The Ultimatum delivered pure, unmitigated mess.
Six twentysomethings issued an ultimatum to their partners — averaging one to two years of dating — to either commit to marriage or break up. After dating around for a week, each participant then chose a new partner to continue seeing and live with for three weeks, and then switched back to their original partner for an additional three weeks.
That all culminated with Wednesday's finale, in which each person decided whether they wanted to marry or move on. But not every couple made it to the last episode. As you'll recall, Alexis and Hunter got engaged before they could make the switch, as did Nate and Lauren. (Read our full recap here.)
Meanwhile, Zay and Rae continually fought over several issues, including a lack of clear communication, Rae's obvious connection with Jake, and Zay staying out all night without telling her where he was. They ended their relationship in Episode 8 following a huge blow-up over Zay's disappearing act.
Read on for our recap of the season finale, as well as an update on where each couple stands after the reunion. And don't forget to grade the season in our poll!
Randall and Shanique
THE FINALE: They had been dating for a year and a half when Shanique gave Randall the ultimatum. While Shanique was paired with Zay for three weeks, Randall linked up with Madlyn. In the end, Randall proposed to Shanique, and she accepted.
THE REUNION: After the show, Shanique and Randall ended their engagement and remained broken up for six months. During that time, Shanique went on a few dates while Randall stayed single after losing multiple people close to him. They're back together and happy — but not engaged.
Jake and April
THE FINALE: They'd been together for two years when April issued the ultimatum and, according to Jake, "dragged" him into this experiment. During the switch-off, Jake connected with Rae, which had him second-guessing things with April. When it came time to decide, Jake said he still wasn't ready for marriage, and so they broke up. Jake then met up with Rae and proposed... a trip to anywhere in the world together. She accepted.
THE REUNION: Jake revealed that he is single and trying to figure things out. Meanwhile, April is currently in a healthy relationship with someone else (not from the show). April believed she and Zay got the short end of the stick because Jake and Rae connected from the get-go. She also felt that Jake basically checked out of his relationship with her and prioritized Rae's mental wellbeing over hers.
Zay and Rae
THE FINALE: Rae issued an ultimatum to Zay, who was hesitant to start a family, after two and a half years together. Since they broke up in Episode 8, they did not see each other in the finale. Rae looked forward to her trip with Jake, and Zay left the show determined to figure out what he wants and needs.
THE REUNION: Jake and Rae revealed that they did not go on that trip. Rae said they chose not to do so out of respect for their exes. Zay called her out on that, saying the reason she didn't go on the trip was because they were together the whole time. Zay hasn't been dating since the show because he's still figuring out what he wants. Meanwhile, Rae dated a woman and is still figuring out her sexuality. She admitted that she was uncomfortable with being bisexual for a long time.
As for that all-night bender, Zay maintained that his phone died, he got drunk and slept at a friend's house. Plus, Rae called out Zay for accusing her of hooking up with Jake while Zay was fooling around with Shanique. When things got heated, Zay briefly left the set but returned to finish the reunion special.
Madlyn and Colby
THE FINALE: Colby issued the ultimatum to Madlyn after two years of dating. They faced several hurdles in their relationship, including Madlyn being unsure about marriage and Colby kissing another girl and telling her he was in an open relationship. Sure that their love would prevail, he proposed — in a cowboy hat and jeans, no less — and Madlyn accepted. In a surprising twist, they also got married right on the spot. No friends or family, just vibes and wedding vows.
THE REUNION: The couple revealed that they are still married, and that Madlyn is seven months pregnant. Madlyn said they don't argue since there's a child involved now. She also said that her ride-or-die friends back Colby now that she's no longer upset with him.
Nate and Lauren
THE FINALE: Two and a half years into their relationship, Nate issued an ultimatum to Lauren, who wasn't sure she wanted kids. They left the show in Episode 3 after getting engaged during the switch-off dinner.
THE REUNION: The two are still together and have undergone therapy. They also talked around their issue over kids until Alexis asked them for a direct answer. Lauren then revealed she and Nate agreed to one kid, but they're not at that stage yet.
Alexis and Hunter
THE FINALE: Alexis issued an ultimatum to Hunter after dating for two years. They were the first to get engaged during the switch-off dinner, which began in Episode 2 and ended in Episode 3, and subsequently left the show.
THE REUNION: They're still engaged, and the wedding is set for June. Hunter's mom, a wedding planner, is planning their upcoming nuptials.
What did you think of The Ultimatum? Which couple surprised you the most? Sound off in the comments.