If you’ve spent any time scrolling through reality TV subreddits lately, you’ve definitely seen the name. Brenden Guthrie. The Denver finance manager from Love Is Blind Season 9 who basically became the poster child for "the one who got away"—or, depending on which side of the TikTok fence you’re on, the guy who dodged a massive bullet.
Reality TV is weird. It’s edited to the bone. We see maybe 1% of the actual conversations, and yet, we feel like we know these people intimately. With Brenden, the narrative shifted fast. He went from a steady, "calculating" finance guy to a heartbroken romantic, and finally, to a source of endless debate about emotional vulnerability.
The Denver Pods: Why Brenden Guthrie Stood Out
Denver. Or "Menver," as Brenden jokingly called it during his intro. It’s a city where the outdoor-to-indoor ratio is skewed, and apparently, the dating scene is even more lopsided. Brenden entered the pods at 32, looking for something that didn't feel like a transaction.
He's a Leo. He's a former college soccer player (shoutout to Sandburg alumni). He has a career that involves a lot of numbers.
Honestly, he came across as the most "normal" guy in the room. He wasn't there for a "dance-off" or to give some performative, reality-star performance. He was looking for a best friend. That’s where things got complicated.
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The Annie and Nick Triangle: What Really Happened
The main reason Brenden Love Is Blind is trending is the messy fallout with Annie. In the pods, Brenden and Annie had a connection that felt... well, it felt adult. It wasn't just love-bombing. While other guys were throwing out "I love yous" like candy on Halloween, Brenden was talking about the future. Houses. Stability. Loyalty.
But Annie needed more. Or maybe she just needed something different.
She was torn between Brenden and Nick. Nick was the guy who said it first. He was the guy who gave her that high-energy, "I’m obsessed with you" vibe. Brenden, meanwhile, was the "slow burner." He was the guy telling her he’d be there for her in twenty years, not just twenty minutes.
The Breakup and the "Rodeo" Moment
When Annie ultimately chose Nick, it wasn't just a rejection; it was a shift in the show's energy. Most people expected Brenden to fade into the background. Instead, we got that awkward, painful meeting later in the season.
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You know the one.
Annie, already engaged to Nick, confronted Brenden for not giving her "the same energy" when they met in person. It was bizarre. Fans on Reddit went wild over this. Why would a man who just had his heart broken be "all over" the woman who rejected him—especially when she’s standing there with her new fiancé?
- The Misconception: That Brenden was "stunted" or "oblivious."
- The Reality: He was being respectful. He was guarding his heart.
Why Brenden Guthrie is the "Bullet Dodger" of Season 9
Let’s be real: Season 9 was a bit of a train wreck. We saw couples like Megan and Jordan fall apart over lifestyle differences, and Ali and Anton split at the altar over "party animal" revelations. In the middle of all that chaos, Brenden started to look like the smartest guy in the room.
Annie and Nick eventually called it quits. They didn't even make it to the altar. Reports suggested Annie was "too reactive" and "insecure" for the relationship to survive the real world.
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When you look back at the footage of Brenden trying to talk about "real stuff"—budgets, travel plans, where they’d live—it’s clear he was looking for a partner, not a plot point. He wasn't just looking for a "sparkle" moment; he was looking for a life.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social media is divided, but the tide has turned heavily in Brenden's favor. People are starting to realize that his "finance manager" brain wasn't a lack of emotion. It was a surplus of pragmatism. He wanted to make sure the foundation was solid before he built the house.
Actionable Insights: Lessons from the Brenden Experience
If you’re following the Brenden Love Is Blind journey, there are actually a few things we can learn about modern dating from his time on screen. It’s not just about the drama.
- Beware the "I Love You" Race: If someone is saying it within 48 hours to "win," it might not be about you. It might be about the competition. Brenden’s hesitation was actually a sign of maturity.
- Compatibility > Chemistry: Annie and Nick had "vibes." Brenden and Annie had "plans." In the long run, the plans usually win, even if the vibes feel better in the moment.
- Respecting Boundaries is Key: Brenden’s refusal to "perform" for Annie after the pods showed a high level of self-respect. You don't owe an ex (or a "could-have-been") emotional labor.
What’s Next for Brenden?
Since the show aired, Brenden has been back in Denver. He’s active on Instagram (@brendenguthrie_), and he’s been doing the podcast rounds, including an appearance on Table For 1. He seems happy. He seems like a guy who is glad he went through the experience but is even gladder he didn't end up at the altar with the wrong person.
If you’re looking for a success story from Season 9, it might not be a marriage. It might just be Brenden Guthrie finding out exactly what he’s worth and refusing to settle for anything less than a "hell yes."
To keep up with the latest updates on the Season 9 cast:
- Follow the official Netflix "Tudum" blog for reunion details.
- Check the cast's social media for "where are they now" posts (most are currently in Denver).
- Rewatch the "Rodeo" episode to see if you catch the same red flags viewers are talking about now.