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Way back in 2014, TLC took a massive gamble on a show about the K-1 visa process. Nobody knew it would become a global juggernaut. It was simpler then. The couples weren't chasing Instagram followers because, honestly, the "influencer" career path barely existed in the way we know it today. When we talk about the 90 Day Fiancé cast season 1, we’re looking at the blueprint. These four couples—Russ and Paola, Alan and Kirlyam, Louis and Aya, and Mike and Aziza—didn't have a roadmap for how to handle reality TV fame. They just had 90 days to get married or get out.
It’s wild to think about how much has changed. Back then, the drama felt a bit more grounded. It wasn't about thrown drinks or staged fights at a tell-all. It was about culture shock, skeptical parents, and the genuine anxiety of moving your entire life across an ocean for someone you might have only spent a few weeks with in person.
The Unlikely Longevity of Russ and Paola
If you watched the first season, you definitely remember Russ and Paola. They were the breakout stars. Paola, the vibrant Colombian aspiring model, and Russ, the soft-spoken engineer from Oklahoma. It was a classic "fish out of water" story that actually felt real. They dealt with some heavy stuff early on, especially regarding Paola’s career choices and Russ’s conservative family.
Despite all the rumors you’ve probably seen on Reddit or Instagram over the last decade, they are still together. It hasn't been a straight line, though. They’ve been very open about their marriage struggles. At one point, they even took a break to work on things. In a world where reality TV marriages usually last about as long as a TikTok trend, their commitment is actually kind of impressive. They moved to Miami, had a son named Axel in 2019, and have basically reinvented themselves a dozen times over.
Paola eventually pivoted from modeling to professional wrestling and fitness coaching. Russ, who lost his job in the oil industry years ago, leaned into supporting her career while doing his own thing. They are the ultimate example of how the 90 Day Fiancé cast season 1 managed to turn a one-time TV appearance into a long-term brand. You can still find them popping up on Pillow Talk or various spin-offs because TLC knows they’re the OG royalty.
Why Alan and Kirlyam Are Still Fan Favorites
Then there’s Alan and Kirlyam Cox. If Russ and Paola provided the drama, Alan and Kirlyam provided the "aww" factor. They met while Alan was on a Mormon mission in Brazil. Now, let’s be real: people had thoughts about their age gap and the circumstances of how they met. It’s a point of contention in the fandom to this day. But if you look at their actual life since the cameras stopped rolling, they seem to be one of the most stable couples in the entire franchise history.
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Kirlyam is basically a sweetheart. Even the most cynical viewers had a hard time rooting against her. She tried modeling in the U.S. but eventually settled into a much quieter life. They live in North Carolina now with their two sons, Liam and Enzo. They don't post for clout as much as other cast members. Their social media feels like... well, like a normal family’s social media. Photos of kids, holiday dinners, and goofy videos. It’s refreshing. They proved that you can go on a reality show and not let it ruin your soul or your marriage.
The Couples Who Chose Privacy: Louis and Aya
You might have forgotten about Louis Roy and Aya Gattina. That’s because they did something almost unheard of in the TLC universe: they got married and then went back to living a normal life. Aya moved from the Philippines to Indiana to be with Louis and his two sons from a previous relationship.
The struggle for them was real. Aya had to adjust to being a stepmom immediately. Louis was working hard to provide for a growing household. But they made it. They have two sons of their own now. Unlike the newer seasons where couples stay on the show for five years until everyone hates them, Louis and Aya basically said, "Thanks for the memories," and checked out.
Every once in a while, Louis will post an update on social media. They’re still married. They’re still in the Midwest. They’re just... living. It’s a good reminder that the 90 Day Fiancé cast season 1 wasn't entirely made up of people looking for a SAG card. Some of them actually just wanted to be with the person they loved.
Mike and Aziza: Breaking the "Russian Bride" Stereotype
The final couple from the inaugural season was Mike Eloshway and Aziza Eloshway. This one started out looking like a disaster. Aziza was from Russia, Mike was from Ohio, and their first few weeks on camera were awkward. Like, "I can't watch this without cringing" awkward. Aziza seemed very cold, and Mike seemed a bit desperate.
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But looks can be deceiving, especially when an editor is involved. It turns out they were just two somewhat introverted people trying to figure out a high-stakes relationship in front of a film crew. They’ve been married for over a decade now. They have a daughter named Olivia. They’re another couple that chose to step away from the limelight. Aziza works in the medical field now, and they seem genuinely happy. It goes to show that the "edit" someone gets on TV doesn't always reflect who they are as a partner.
What Season 1 Teaches Us About the K-1 Process
Looking back at the 90 Day Fiancé cast season 1, it’s fascinating to see how the show treated the legal side of things. In 2014, the K-1 visa wasn't a household term. The show actually spent time explaining the paperwork, the interviews at the embassy, and the strict 90-day window.
Nowadays, the show focuses more on the "he said, she said" drama. But back then, the "90 days" part actually felt like a ticking clock. If you’re looking at these couples as a success rate, it’s 100%. All four couples from season 1 got married and, as of current records, all four are still together. That is an insane statistic for reality TV.
It suggests that the original casting process was looking for genuine relationships. They weren't just looking for the loudest person in the room. They were looking for people who were actually navigating the complex, expensive, and emotionally draining process of international immigration.
Misconceptions About the "First" Cast
There’s this idea that everyone on season 1 was "innocent." That’s not entirely true. They still wanted to be on TV. They still dealt with the pressures of being judged by millions of people. But the stakes were different. There was no "link in bio" to monetize.
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A common misconception is that Paola was the only one who wanted fame. While she was certainly the most comfortable in front of the camera, all of these couples had to agree to let cameras into their bedrooms and living rooms during the most stressful three months of their lives. That takes a specific type of personality.
Another thing people get wrong is the financial aspect. People think TLC pays these couples a fortune. In reality, during season 1, the pay was remarkably low—sometimes only a few thousand dollars per episode for the American citizen (since the foreign fiancé often couldn't legally be paid until they had a work permit). They did this because they wanted to tell their stories, not because they were getting rich.
The Legacy of the 90 Day Fiancé Cast Season 1
Why does this specific group of people still matter? Because they set the tone. Without the success of Russ, Paola, Alan, Kirlyam, and the others, we wouldn't have the 20+ spin-offs we have today. We wouldn't have The Other Way or Before the 90 Days.
They proved that American audiences were fascinated by the intersection of love and border control. They also showed that "happily ever after" is actually possible, even if you meet on a language-learning website or while on a religious mission.
The fact that all four couples are still married in 2026 is the ultimate "take that" to the critics who called the show a sham. It wasn't a sham. At least, it didn't start that way. It was a documentary-style look at a very specific legal loophole that allows love to bypass borders.
Practical Next Steps for Fans and Researchers
- Check Social Media Sparingly: If you want to follow the OG cast, look for Paola Mayfield on Instagram for the most frequent updates. The others are much more private, so don't expect daily vlogs.
- Re-watch with Context: Go back and watch season 1 on Discovery+ or Max. It’s wild to see how "low-budget" and "real" it feels compared to the high-gloss production of current seasons.
- Verify the K-1 Process: If you're actually interested in the visa process mentioned in the show, always refer to the official USCIS website. The show simplifies things for TV; the actual legal process is much more grueling than a 42-minute episode suggests.
- Support the Quiet Ones: If you appreciate the couples who didn't turn their lives into a 24/7 circus (like Louis/Aya or Mike/Aziza), give their occasional updates a "like." It’s nice to reward the cast members who prioritized their families over the spotlight.