You remember that chaotic, neon-soaked finale of Perfect Match Season 1? It felt like a fever dream. Joey Sasso, the guy who charmed everyone on The Circle, was down on one knee. Kariselle Snow, the blunt, hilarious standout from Sexy Beasts, was saying yes. They were the show’s "it" couple—the one duo that seemed like they actually had a history deeper than just a two-week reality TV filming schedule.
But if you’re looking for the short answer to are Joey and Kariselle still together, the reality is a bit of a gut punch for fans of the franchise. They aren't.
They broke up months before the show even finished airing on Netflix. It’s one of those classic reality TV tragedies where the cameras stop rolling, the high of the competition fades, and the actual "real world" starts poking holes in the fantasy. While it looked like a fairytale ending on our screens, the aftermath was messy, loud, and surprisingly public.
Why the Perfect Match Didn't Last
The thing about Joey and Kariselle is that they didn't just meet on a beach in Panama. They had years of baggage. They had dated on and off long before Netflix ever called them for a dating show. That history was both their greatest strength and their ultimate undoing. When you watch the show, you see them talking about how they "always find their way back to each other." That sounds romantic in a script, but in real life, it’s usually a red flag for a cycle that hasn't been broken.
Joey eventually opened up about the split in several interviews, most notably with Variety and on various podcasts. He basically admitted that the pressure of the engagement was too much. Think about it. You’re in a house where your only job is to "match." Then you get engaged. Then you go home to your regular lives where you have bills, different schedules, and the prying eyes of millions of fans.
They struggled with the transition. Kariselle has been relatively open on social media about the emotional toll the relationship took. It wasn't just a simple "we grew apart" situation. It felt like a deep, tectonic shift in their lives. They tried to make it work in the months following the wrap of production, but by the time the finale hit Netflix, they were already living completely separate lives.
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The Reality of Post-Show Engagements
We've seen this movie before. The Bachelor, Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle—the success rate for these shows is abysmal. Joey and Kariselle were supposed to be the exception because they already knew each other's flaws.
However, being "show couple" famous is a full-time job. You have to post the cute photos. You have to do the joint TikToks. If you don’t, the rumors start swirling within minutes. For a couple that was already dealing with long-standing commitment issues, that spotlight acted like a magnifying glass on their insecurities. Joey has mentioned that he has a lot of love for Kariselle, but that "loving someone isn't always enough to make a partnership function." It’s a harsh truth, especially when you’ve just watched them promise forever on a tropical balcony.
Kariselle, for her part, has stayed busy with her music and her own brand. She’s not just "Joey’s ex." She’s a personality in her own right. But the shadow of that engagement follows her. Every time she posts a photo with a guy, the comments are flooded with questions about Joey. It's the curse of the reality TV engagement; the public feels like they own a piece of your relationship because they watched it begin.
Are Joey and Kariselle Still Together or Even Friends?
This is where it gets tricky. "Friends" is a generous word. Most people who have followed their social media breadcrumbs know that there’s been some tension. In the entertainment world, "staying friends" usually means "we have the same publicist and don't want to start a feud."
Actually, they seem to have landed in a spot of mutual avoidance. There’s no active war, but you won't see them hanging out at the same parties in West Hollywood if they can help it. Joey has moved on to other projects, leaning into his "Jersey" persona and continuing to build his acting and hosting career. Kariselle is leaning into her "main character energy," focusing on her singing and her very loyal fanbase.
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- The engagement ended in late 2022, well before the 2023 premiere.
- They both cite the "pressure of the public eye" as a major factor.
- Geographic distance and different life goals eventually pulled them apart.
- Neither has shown interest in a "Part 2" or a reconciliation since the split.
It’s easy to blame the show, but the show just accelerated what was already happening. They were two people who loved each other but couldn't quite figure out how to be with each other without the chaos of a competition surrounding them.
Life After the Engagement
Since the breakup, the landscape of their lives has changed. Joey Sasso remains one of the most recognizable faces in the Netflix "Reality Universe." He’s a veteran. He knows how the game is played. He’s appeared on other shows and continues to be a staple in the influencer scene. He’s handled the breakup with a sort of "that's life" attitude, though he’s been clear that the heartbreak was real.
Kariselle Snow has taken a more vulnerable approach. She’s talked about the difficulty of watching the show back while being single and heartbroken. Imagine having to do a press tour for a relationship that has already failed. It’s a unique kind of torture that only reality stars truly understand. She’s used that pain to fuel her creative work, and honestly, she seems better for it.
The questions about are Joey and Kariselle still together usually come from people who just binged the show for the first time. If you’re one of those people, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The magic you saw on screen didn't translate to a lasting marriage.
What Fans Can Learn From the Joey and Kariselle Saga
The biggest takeaway here? Don't get too attached to the "perfect" ending. Reality TV is edited to show us the highs and the lows, but it often misses the boring, difficult middle part where relationships actually live or die. Joey and Kariselle had a connection that was undeniable, but they lacked the stability to make it through the "boring" parts.
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If you’re still holding out hope for a reunion, don't hold your breath. Both have made it clear they are moving in opposite directions.
Next Steps for Reality Fans
If you're looking to keep up with what the former couple is doing now, your best bet is to follow their individual journeys. Don't look for them in the same frame.
- Check out Kariselle’s music: She’s been dropping tracks that often hint at her past relationships and her growth since the show.
- Follow Joey’s career: He’s frequently popping up on podcasts where he gives more "behind the scenes" info on how reality TV actually works.
- Watch for Season 2 and 3 crossovers: Many Perfect Match stars end up back in the mix on other shows. While a Joey/Kariselle reunion is unlikely, they are both part of the Netflix ecosystem.
The chapter is closed. Joey and Kariselle are officially over, but they both seem to be thriving in the aftermath of their very public whirlwind.