By Philippe Coquerand
Edited for online by Tobi Loftus

Reality TV show Married At First Sight rocked television ratings around the country on Monday night, so much so it was given an encore screen on Tuesday night.

The first episode was viewed by 1.134 million viewers and was developed in 2014.

It was based around a scientific experiment to see how long staged marriages can last.

Based on reality shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, the concept is simple – each contestant is paired up based on gender, characteristics, hobbies and interests and then meet for the first time at the altar.

University of Queensland School of Psychology PHD Candidate James Sherlock says it is difficult to predict whether or not arranged marriages do work.

“There are plenty of arranged marriages that do work out in Asian cultures,” Mr Sherlock said.

“Whether that is due to actual marital satisfaction or the cultural constraints the couples are finding themselves in it hard to say.”

Marriage celebrant Mary Altintas, who has been marrying couples for 20 years, says the concept is quite interesting.

“Before this show was on air I thought it would be a bit bizarre,” Ms Altintas said.

“I think they’re going to be alright the couples so far.

“Though I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, like they have not seen the partners before they get married because you don’t know what you’re going to get.”