If you’ve spent any time on MTV or Paramount+, you know that Cara Maria Sorbello and Paulie Calafiore are basically the main characters of The Challenge universe. They’re polarizing. People either love the "Cult of Cara" or they absolutely cannot stand the sight of them on their TV screens. Naturally, the most common question fans keep typing into search bars is simple: are Cara and Paulie still together?
Yes. They are.
It’s actually wild when you think about it. In the world of reality television, where relationships usually have the shelf life of a carton of milk left in the sun, these two have managed to outlast almost everyone. They started out amidst a hurricane of drama on Final Reckoning back in 2018. Since then, they’ve survived cheating scandals, public feuds with Johnny Bananas, and long stretches where neither of them was even being cast on the show.
Honestly, it’s their "us against the world" mentality that keeps them glued together. They don't just date; they operate like a two-person army.
The Montana Life and Why It Works
You’d think a couple this famous would be living in a high-rise in Los Angeles or a condo in Miami. Nope. They’re tucked away in Montana. This is a huge reason why they’ve managed to stay solid while other Challenge couples crumble under the pressure of the spotlight.
Living in Big Sky Country allows them to disconnect. Cara has her horses and her gym; Paulie has his training and his creative projects. When they aren't filming, they aren't chasing clout at every Hollywood party. They’re living a surprisingly grounded life.
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- Privacy: They control what we see.
- Routine: They train together constantly, which is their love language.
- Distance: Being away from the "Challenge house" toxicity helps them reset.
It isn't always perfect, though. They’ve been open about having an "open" or "fluid" dynamic at various points in their relationship. That kind of honesty usually scares off fans who want a traditional fairy tale, but for Cara and Paulie, it seems to be the secret sauce. They don't pretend to be something they aren't.
The 2023-2024 Comeback Trail
For a few years, it felt like they were blacklisted. Paulie’s online antics and Cara’s outspoken nature seemed to have rubbed production the wrong way. But then The Challenge: USA Season 2 happened, and Paulie made his big return. Shortly after, Cara Maria reminded everyone why she’s the G.O.A.T. on All Stars 4 and Season 40: Battle of the Eras.
During Paulie’s stint on USA 2, he had a really emotional moment where he talked about his sexuality and his growth as a person. Through all that vulnerability, Cara was his loudest cheerleader on social media. She didn't flinch. When people asked are Cara and Paulie still together during his absence from the screen, her Instagram stories provided the answer almost daily.
They’ve grown up.
Paulie isn't the same hothead who was screaming in Kyle Christie's face every five minutes. Well, he’s still intense, but it’s more controlled. Cara, meanwhile, has leaned into her legacy. She’s no longer the bullied underdog; she’s the final boss. Having a partner who understands the specific physical and mental toll of that show is a massive advantage.
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Addressing the Breakup Rumors
Why do people keep thinking they split?
Usually, it’s because of a "social media cleanse." Every few months, one of them will archive their photos or stop posting the other for a week. The internet loses its mind. The subreddit goes into overdrive.
But here’s the thing: they do it on purpose. They know how to play the engagement game. They know that if they stop posting together, people will click on their profiles more. It’s smart, if a little frustrating for the fans.
Another reason for the rumors is their independent schedules. Cara is often away filming for months at a time. When she was doing All Stars 4, she was completely off the grid. Paulie was home holding down the fort. Just because they aren't attached at the hip 24/7 doesn't mean the relationship is dead. In fact, it's probably the healthiest thing about them. They have separate identities outside of being "Cara and Paulie."
What We Know for Sure
- They still live together in Montana.
- They are both back in the good graces of MTV/Bunim-Murray.
- They consistently support each other’s business ventures, from fitness apps to photography.
- They aren't in a rush to get married, which they’ve said repeatedly in interviews.
The "Battle of the Eras" Impact
If you’re watching The Challenge 40, you’re seeing the culmination of their journey. This season is the biggest in the show’s history, and having both of them involved (even if they aren't on the same "era" team) changes the vibe of the house.
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Other contestants often try to use their relationship as a weakness. They think if they can rattle Paulie, Cara will lose her focus. It rarely works. If anything, it makes them more dangerous. They are the only couple in the history of the franchise that functions as a legitimate strategic monolith.
How to Keep Up With Them
If you really want to stay updated on their status without falling for clickbait, stop looking at gossip sites. Follow their actual verified accounts.
- Watch their Instagram Stories: This is where the real life happens, not the grid posts.
- Check Paulie’s workout clips: Cara is almost always in the background or filming him.
- Listen to podcast appearances: They are frequent guests on Official Challenge Podcast and Death, Taxes, and Bananas.
The reality is that these two are likely the "endgame." They’ve been through the ringer and stayed standing. Whether you find them annoying or inspiring, you have to respect the longevity.
Next Steps for Fans
To truly understand their current standing, look at their recent business collaborations. They have moved past the "dating for the cameras" phase and into a life partnership.
Check out Cara Maria’s recent interviews regarding All Stars—she frequently mentions how Paulie’s coaching helped her maintain her edge during her time away from the main show. Also, keep an eye on Paulie’s venture into combat sports; Cara is usually ringside, proving that they are just as much a team in the real world as they are on a glacier in Iceland or a desert in Namibia.
They’re fine. They’re happy. And they’re probably training for another final right now.