Ready to Love Chicago Season 12: Is This Show Moving Too Fast? Where Is the Romance, and Why Is Everybody Going Home?

Ready to Love Chicago Season 12: Is This Show Moving Too Fast? Where Is the Romance, and Why Is Everybody Going Home?

THE REALITY RUNDOWN | October 17, 2026 | Reality TV Review & Gossip

Chicago, we need to talk!

Now, I have been watching Ready to Love Season 12, and I have one serious question: Are these people looking for love, or are they trying to catch the last CTA bus before service ends?

Because this season is moving FAST!

We are only three episodes into the Chicago season, and I already feel like production is trying to wrap things up before Thanksgiving.

Where is the romance? Where are the meaningful conversations? Where are the dates that make us believe two people might actually fall in love?

Everybody is getting dressed, showing up, having a conversation, and before you know it, Nephew Tommy is calling somebody over for an elimination.

Excuse me! Can we get through the appetizers first?

### How Many Men and Women Are Left?

Here is what we can establish from the early episodes.

The season started with 20 singles, and the premiere sent three people home: Jasmine, Jarrette, and Champ. That left 17 contestants after Episode 1.

Starting cast

### 20

After premiere

### 17

After Episode 1: 9 women and 8 men, assuming the original even split of 10 each.

The exact number of men and women remaining after Episode 3, aired October 16, has not been independently verified from the available recaps.

Now, that is what I call a quick exit!

Some of these contestants barely had time to remember everybody's names before they were being told their journey was over.

And don't get me started on Jarrette. We remember him from Love Is Blind, and he barely got a chance to establish a connection before getting sent home.

Apparently, being funny wasn't enough. The ladies wanted deeper conversations. Fair enough, but how deep can you go when you've barely met somebody?

### Episode 3: Chicago, Are We Dating or Auditioning?

Episode 3, Stepping Into Your Chicago, aired October 16. The women took control of the dating process, inviting the men into their worlds through activities including roller skating, wine tasting, and game shows.

Now, I like that concept!

Let me see how somebody acts when they're outside their comfort zone. Let me see how they communicate, laugh, and handle a little competition.

But there is a difference between getting to know somebody and putting on a performance.

And speaking of performances, we have to discuss Keith.

Keith has been getting attention for his outfits, including a chef-inspired look at a group date. His wardrobe and approach to dating have already inspired commentary about whether he is pursuing romance or camera time.

Now, I love a man with personality. But sir, are we cooking dinner, serving pancakes, or building a romantic connection?

Because if somebody arrives dressed like a chef, I expect a five-course meal and a reservation!

Chicago, we have enough restaurants for everybody to go on an actual dinner date.

### Eight People Gone Already? Chicago, What Is Going On?

Here is an even bigger update: in a discussion following Episode 3, viewers reported that eight contestants had already been eliminated, leaving 12 of the original 20. Other viewers specifically discussed two men leaving in Episode 3. That total is based on viewer reports rather than a verified official cast tally.

If those reports are accurate, 40% of the original cast is already gone.

Now, excuse me, but how are we supposed to get invested in these relationships when the cast is disappearing faster than available seats on the CTA during rush hour?

At this rate, we're going to have a reunion before we get a decent romance!

### Is Ready to Love Becoming Ready to Eliminate?

This is my biggest criticism of Season 12.

I understand the format. Everybody cannot stay. Some people have no chemistry. Some people are there for television exposure. And some people probably need to work on themselves before entering another relationship.

But where is the balance?

The problem is that the elimination process sometimes feels more important than the dating process.

I want to see the contestants having real conversations about their past relationships, expectations, finances, communication, and what they actually want in a partner.

Instead, I sometimes feel like I am watching a weekly job interview.

"Tell me about yourself."

"What are your strengths?"

"What are your weaknesses?"

"Unfortunately, we've decided to move forward with another candidate."

Sir, this is a dating show, not a human resources department!

### Nephew Tommy, Can We Slow This Bus Down?

Now, I enjoy Nephew Tommy. He knows how to keep things moving.

But this season feels like he's driving the number 79 bus down 79th Street, trying to make up lost time.

Everybody better have their fare ready because he is not waiting!

And I am not saying the show should keep contestants who have absolutely no romantic possibilities.

What I am saying is that viewers need time to become invested in the people.

Give us the awkward first dates. Give us the surprising chemistry. Give us the moments when two people discover they have something meaningful in common.

That's what makes the drama matter.

### Episode 4 Is Bringing the Exes? Already?

And here comes another twist.

Episode 4, Exes and Ohs, scheduled for October 23, will bring former partners into the dating process for a mixer involving jealousy, uncomfortable truths, and another elimination.

Wait a minute!

We barely know the current romantic interests, and now we're meeting their exes?

Production said forget the slow burn. We're going straight to the relationship investigation!

I can already imagine somebody sitting there with a glass of wine, pretending everything is fine while their ex tells a completely different story.

Now THAT might be some good television.

But once again, I hope the drama doesn't overshadow the actual purpose of the show.

### My Final Review: Chicago Deserves Better Pacing

I am enjoying parts of Ready to Love Chicago. The city brings personality, the contestants have interesting backgrounds, and some of the dates have been entertaining.

But I agree with the criticism that the season feels rushed.

I want romance with my reality television. I want laughter, messy conversations, a little shade, and maybe somebody falling in love.

I don't want to spend every Friday watching people get eliminated before I can remember their names.

My rating so far: 3 out of 5 stars.

There is still time for this season to improve, especially if the remaining contestants develop stronger connections.

But production needs to give the relationships room to breathe.

Chicago has plenty of places to date, plenty of interesting people, and plenty of opportunities for romance.

Let's see some of it!

### Let's Talk, Chicago!

Do you think Ready to Love Chicago Season 12 is moving too fast?

Are the contestants getting eliminated before they have a fair chance to connect? Are you enjoying the dates, or do you feel like the show is more focused on drama than love?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! Tell me which couple you're rooting for, who you think should go home next, and whether you're still enjoying the season.

And don't forget to like, comment, and share this review with your reality TV friends.

For more reality TV reviews, gossip, laughs, and a little Chicago shade, visit [The Reality Rundown](https://realityrundown11.blogspot.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Because around here, we watch the shows, discuss the drama, and ask the questions everybody else is thinking!