Barnett and Amber Now: What the Season 1 Rebels Are Actually Up To in 2026

If you were betting on which Love Is Blind couples would actually survive the real world back in 2020, Matt Barnett and Amber Pike probably weren't your first pick. Honestly, they were the "wild cards." Between the Jessica Batten love triangle drama and the frank conversations about Amber’s student debt, they didn't exactly scream "stable suburban life."

But fast forward to 2026, and they’ve basically become the blueprint for making a reality TV marriage work. While other couples have crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, the Barnetts have quietly built a life that looks a lot different than their messy early days in the pods.

The Biggest Change: Meet the Newest Barnett

The update most fans have been waiting for finally arrived last year. On April 6, 2025, Amber and Matt officially entered their "parents era." They welcomed a baby girl, whom they've affectionately referred to as "Baby B" throughout the pregnancy.

Amber’s journey to motherhood wasn't exactly a walk in the park. She was very open on social media and during her appearance on the Love Seat podcast (hosted by fellow LIB OGs Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton) about struggling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. If you aren’t familiar, that’s essentially morning sickness on steroids—severe nausea and vomiting that can last the whole pregnancy.

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There was even a bit of a scare in early 2025 when Amber was hospitalized for preterm labor concerns at just seven months. Thankfully, she made it to full term. Matt, who is now the ultimate "girl dad," has been leaning into the role, often sharing goofy videos of his new life as a father.

Career Shifts and the "Real" Jobs

A lot of people wondered if they’d just become full-time influencers. Surprisingly, they’ve kept their feet on the ground.

• Matt's Engineering Path: Matt has stayed true to his professional roots. As of early 2026, he’s still working in technical sales and environmental engineering. Specifically, he's been a technical sales representative for Argu America since 2023. He’s managed to balance the "public figure" life with a 9-to-5 that actually pays the bills, which is probably why they’ve stayed so grounded.
• Amber’s Academic Comeback: Amber, the former tank mechanic and bartender, made a big move right before getting pregnant. She actually went back to school. She mentioned that she finally felt she was in a "good place" mentally and had the support system to pursue a new career path. While the baby has naturally shifted her focus lately, she’s made it clear she isn't just sitting around.

Where Are They Living Now?

For a while, the couple was based in Atlanta, which is where the show was filmed. However, there was a significant shift a few years back. In June 2023, they actually moved to Dallas, Texas.

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They’ve traded the cramped apartment life seen on the show for a more spacious setup suitable for a growing family and their dog, Koda. They still travel a ton—you've probably seen their photos from Italy, Peru, and various camping trips—but Dallas is where they’ve planted their roots for now.

Why They Succeeded Where Others Failed

It’s kinda fascinating to look at why they’re still together when so many others aren't. Honestly, it comes down to three things:

1. Financial Realism: They didn't ignore the debt issue; they tackled it. Amber’s student loans were a huge plot point, but they handled it behind the scenes like a normal couple.
2. Distance from the Franchise: Unlike some cast members who try to stay in the Netflix spotlight forever, Amber and Matt have been known to distance themselves from the Love Is Blind "machine" when it gets too toxic. They’ve even skipped some "After the Altar" specials when they felt the drama was forced.
3. Genuine Friendship: If you watch their YouTube clips or Instagram stories, they actually seem to like each other. They’re goofy, they roast each other, and they don't take the "celebrity" thing too seriously.

What Most People Get Wrong About Them

The biggest misconception is that Amber "trapped" Barnett or that he was "forced" into the marriage. In reality, Matt has been one of the most vocal defenders of their relationship. He’s frequently posted about how Amber "saved" him from a life of just going through the motions.

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They also aren't "perfect." They’ve admitted to going to marriage counseling and having massive blowouts just like anyone else. But in an industry built on curated perfections, their willingness to be a little rough around the edges is probably why they’re still standing in 2026.

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you’re looking to keep up with the Barnetts without falling for clickbait, here is the best way to do it:

• Follow the "Real" Handles: Stick to @atypicalamber and @barnettisblind on Instagram. They post sporadically, but it’s always authentic.
• Check the Pods: They often guest on Lauren and Cameron’s podcast, The Love Seat. That’s usually where they drop the most honest life updates.
• Ignore the Split Rumors: Every few months, a "source" claims they’re divorcing because they haven't posted a photo together in two weeks. Usually, they’re just busy being parents or working.

The Barnetts proved that you can find love in a weird social experiment, but the hard part is what you do after the cameras stop rolling. For them, that meant moving to Texas, going back to school, and starting a family.