Have The Ultimatum couple Mariah Zernik and Caleb Lefterys split up? Fans think pair have called off engagement
Fans think The Ultimatum couple Mariah Zernik and Caleb Lefterys have called off their engagement - but they can’t be sure as she recently appeared on a podcast and confirmed their plans to marry next year.
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is one of Netflix’s most popular - and most dramatic - dating shows. It sees couples who don’t agree about whether or not it’s time to get married agree to an extreme dating experiment to help them make the choice about whether or not to put a ring on it.
First, they break up. Then, they speed date other new singles who have just done exactly the same thing. They then choose a new partner to have a three week trial marriage with, before returning to their original partner for another three week trial marriage.
At the end of the whole experience, they must decide to either get engaged to their original partner, break-up with them for good and leave single or begin a new relationship with the new person they met. It’s had three seasons on Netflix, plus a queer version with another season on the way. It’s actually also one of the most successful dating shows, in terms of the number of couples who are still together after leaving the show together. But now, it seems one of the couples have split up.
Mariah and Caleb entered the show in season three after 24-year-old Mariah wanted to progress her relationship with 29-year-old Caleb, but he worried they were too young. He formed a connection with his trial wife Aria, which concerned Mariah, but he got down on one knee during the season three finale, which was filmed in summer 2024. During the reunion show, which was recorded a few weeks later, the couple revealed they were still engaged and plan to marry in summer 2026.
However, fans believe the pair may have now called off their engagement - after noticing they no longer follow each other on Instagram and have also posted other cryptic messages on the social media pages.
Mariah shared an emotional post over the weekend, writing: “Sometimes life doesn’t just test you — it bends you, breaks you, and reshapes you. Over the past six months, I’ve been stretched, I’ve grown through grief, and I’ve rebuilt myself more times than I can count.
“But when I look back at all the past versions of me, I don’t feel regret — I feel pride. I’m proud of the woman I’m becoming, and I’m so lucky to know her. I’m proud of the woman I’m becoming, and I’m so lucky to know her. She’s strong, she’s soft, she’s kind. She’s intentional, open-minded, and loves with everything she has.”
Perhaps most tellingly, she concluded her philosophical statement to say: “And as I step into this new season, I accept that some things no longer fit — and some people weren’t meant to stay. I release it all with gratitude and trust that what’s ahead is in alignment with what is meant for me.
Alongside the statement, she shared a video montage including clips of herself and loved ones - but Caleb was noticeably absent. Mariah also replied a number of comments from fans which seemingly confirmed her relationship has come to an end.
When one fan said: “If I’m being honest, I think this is best. I was so sad you accepted that engagement. You deserve an excited, mature love. May everything you deserve come to you” she replied: “Thank you” with a love heart.
Another fan wrote: “I wish I can be strong like you!” Mariah said: “Trust me, coming from someone who FULLY believed I wasn’t strong enough to go through yet another painful experience, I can confidently tell you that we are all capable of so much more. Everything you need is within you. You can’t control what life throws at you… only how you respond. You are your own home, your own comfort, your own strength. It’s your decisions, your mindset, your self-love that carry you through.”
Caleb has been quiet on his Instagram page, but the last time he posted photos of himself and Mariah together was Friday April 4. Mariah last tagged Caleb in a post about a month later, on Thursday May 8, when she uploaded a video of herself dressing a table ready for dinner.
But, it’s not clear if the pair have actually split or not as they haven’t made an official statement on their relationship status. Plus, it was only a few days ago that Mariah seemingly gave a podcast interview in which she confirmed herself and Caleb were still planning to say ‘I do’ next year.
In an episode of The Slay podcast, published on Saturday (June 14), Mariah said: “We don't have a wedding date but we're aiming for a destination wedding . . . we haven't disclosed where . . . but summer od 2026 is what we’re hoping for.”
We’ll have to wait for one of the pair to speak out officially, but Mariah is launching her own podcast ater this year, which is called Healing Is Hard, so she may talk directly about it then. For now check out what’s happening with all the other The Ultimatum couples.