National Labor Board Rules 'Love Is Blind' Cast Should Be Classified as Employees

Cast members from Season 1 of "Love Is Blind" on Netflix.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has determined that contestants on Netflix’s popular reality dating show “Love Is Blind” should be classified as employees. This ruling, as reported by The New York Times, could pave the way for unionization and extend federal legal protections to the cast, potentially setting a precedent for other reality television programs.

The series revolves around single men and women who engage in a unique dating experience within soundproof pods, where they can only hear each other's voices without seeing one another until they choose to become engaged. Following their engagements, these couples navigate day-to-day life as they meet each other's families and friends, culminating in a wedding where they must decide whether to proceed with marriage or part ways.

In recent years, some cast members have raised concerns about the stringent contracts imposed by Kinetic Content and Delirium TV, the production companies behind the show. According to reports, these companies have previously denied that contestants are classified as employees.

The NLRB’s complaint stated that the production companies referred to cast members as “participants” rather than employees to enforce contracts that limit their rights regarding working conditions and public discussions about their experiences.

Netflix is not mentioned in the complaint and has yet to issue a statement regarding this matter.