90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

Before the 90 Days follows people who have built relationships online but never met in person, then decides to see if that connection holds up when one partner flies to the other's country. Episodes track first in-person meetings, family introductions, and the awkward or joyful moments that reveal whether chemistry exists offscreen. Couples use the trip to figure out whether to begin the K-1 visa process for a US-bound fiancé, while coping with language gaps, cultural differences, and trust issues. The series keeps things immediate and unpredictable, focusing on those early, high-stakes encounters without revealing later outcomes or legal resolutions.

Premiering in 2017 as a spin-off of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, the show was filmed on location across several countries and structured as serialized episodes with reunion specials. Its format highlighted one-on-one meetings and follow-up conversations that extended the franchise's timeline and perspective.

It hasn't received major industry awards like Emmys or Golden Globes, but the program has been a consistent ratings contributor for its franchise and network. While not a traditional awards magnet, its popularity helped justify multiple seasons and related companion programming.

The series had a clear footprint on social media, where specific scenes and personality clashes sparked memes, reaction videos, and heated comment threads. Viewers often discuss particular moments on podcasts and YouTube channels, and the show generated thinkpieces about online dating, immigration, and reality TV ethics. Those conversations pushed parts of the series into wider pop culture chatter beyond its initial audience.

Critical reaction is mixed, and the show tends to divide viewers, reflected in a 7.5/10 user average from 43 votes. Many watch for frank family interactions and the unpredictable human drama of first meetings, while critics question editing choices, potential exploitation, and how ethical considerations are handled when vulnerable people seek love and legal residency. Recurring themes include honesty versus misrepresentation online, financial and emotional power imbalances, and the complicated process of turning a virtual relationship into a real-life commitment.