The Post-MAFS 'Upgrade': Where Is Brennan Shoykhet From Married At First Sight Season 17 Now?
The tumultuous journey of Brennan Shoykhet on Married at First Sight Season 17 was one of the most talked-about storylines of the Denver season, culminating in a dramatic split from his expert-matched wife, Emily Balch. The relationship was plagued by controversy, with Brennan facing intense backlash from fans and earning a notorious "villain" edit for his perceived lack of effort and transparency throughout the experiment.
As of December 2025, the narrative has shifted completely for the reality star. After a messy and public divorce, Brennan has moved on, going "Instagram official" with a stunning new partner whom fans have overwhelmingly labeled as a major "upgrade." This update provides a fresh look at his life post-Decision Day, detailing his career, his controversial time on the show, and the woman who has captured his heart.
Brennan Shoykhet: Complete Biography and Profile
Brennan Shoykhet was introduced to the world as a participant on Lifetime's Married at First Sight Season 17, which took place in Denver, Colorado. His pairing with Emily Balch was one of the season’s most anticipated, but it quickly became one of the most dramatic. Here is a detailed look at his background and professional life:
- Full Name: Brennan Shoykhet
- Age: 28 (at the time of filming)
- Hometown/Origin: Originally from New York, he moved to Denver, Colorado, for his professional career. He grew up accustomed to the fast-paced, high-energy environment of New York.
- Education: Alumnus of Buffalo University.
- Occupation: Senior NetSuite Consultant at Sikich. He joined the company in 2021 and specializes in cloud-based software consulting and implementation.
- MAFS Season: Season 17 (Denver, Colorado)
- MAFS Spouse: Emily Balch
- Decision Day Outcome: Divorce (The couple chose to separate before Decision Day).
- Current Relationship Status: Dating Joleen Ellis.
The Tumultuous Marriage to Emily Balch and the 'Villain' Edit
Brennan and Emily's relationship started with a flicker of hope but quickly devolved into one of the most challenging pairings in MAFS history. The core of their conflict revolved around Brennan's shifting attraction, his desire to control the narrative, and his reluctance to be filmed or discuss their issues openly.
The Attraction Issue and Lack of Effort
Early in the marriage, Brennan expressed an initial attraction to Emily on their wedding day. However, this quickly faded, which became a central point of contention. He famously struggled to list five things he liked about his wife and was criticized for not making a genuine effort to connect with her beyond a superficial level.
The experts, including Pastor Cal and Dr. Pepper, attempted to intervene multiple times, but Brennan’s behavior was often seen as defensive and resistant to the process. Fans argued that he was more concerned with his public image than with building a lasting marriage.
Controlling the Narrative and the Denver Drama
One of the most significant issues was Brennan's insistence on keeping their problems private, which many viewers interpreted as an attempt to manage his on-screen portrayal. This led to the infamous "villain" edit, where he was painted as disingenuous and on the show for the wrong reasons.
The relationship never recovered, and the couple's journey was marked by arguments, miscommunication, and a complete breakdown of trust. Their marriage ended before Decision Day, a rare occurrence on the show, and there was no resolution or reconciliation when they met again at the reunion.
Life After MAFS: Brennan Goes Instagram Official with Joleen Ellis
In the wake of his contentious divorce from Emily Balch, Brennan Shoykhet has completely closed the chapter on his MAFS experience. Emily herself confirmed that she and Brennan no longer speak, even after the dramatic reunion special.
However, the most significant update in Brennan’s life is his new relationship. In a move that quickly circulated across social media and reality TV news outlets, Brennan went public with his new girlfriend, Joleen Ellis.
The Fan-Approved 'Upgrade'
Brennan’s decision to go "Instagram official" with Joleen Ellis drew immediate and overwhelmingly positive reactions from the Married at First Sight fanbase. Many viewers, who had been highly critical of Brennan during the show, offered him congratulatory messages and supportive comments.
The new relationship was widely regarded by fans as a major "upgrade" for Brennan. While the term is often used controversially, in this context, it signifies that the public perceives Joleen as a better match for Brennan’s personality and lifestyle than his ex-wife, Emily.
A New Chapter of Happiness
While details about Joleen Ellis's background are kept largely private, her presence on Brennan's social media indicates a new chapter of stability and happiness for the Senior NetSuite Consultant. The fact that he is publicly sharing his new relationship, a stark contrast to his private and guarded behavior on the show, suggests a greater comfort level and a genuine connection with his new partner.
For fans who followed the drama of Season 17, this update offers a clear resolution to Brennan's romantic journey. He is no longer entangled in the complicated dynamics of a televised marriage experiment and has successfully found love outside of the controversial process. The focus has entirely shifted from the "villain" edit and the failed marriage to his current, stable relationship with Joleen Ellis.
Brennan Shoykhet: Topical Authority and LSI Entities
To fully understand Brennan's story, it is essential to consider the key people, places, and events that defined his time on Married at First Sight and his life afterward. These entities provide topical authority and context for his post-show narrative:
- Emily Balch: His MAFS spouse, whose relationship ended in a messy divorce.
- Decision Day: The pivotal moment where the couple chose to separate, though their marriage was effectively over much earlier.
- MAFS Season 17 (Denver): The specific season and location of the experiment that brought Brennan to public attention.
- Joleen Ellis: Brennan's new girlfriend, with whom he is currently in a public relationship.
- Sikich: The professional firm where Brennan works as a Senior NetSuite Consultant.
- NetSuite Consultant: His specific, specialized job title, highlighting his career focus.
- Buffalo University: His educational background.
- Pastor Cal and Dr. Pepper: The MAFS experts who attempted to counsel the couple.
- Reunion Special: The post-season event where he and Emily confirmed their complete lack of contact.
- New York: His original fast-paced hometown.
- Instagram Official: The social media milestone that confirmed his new relationship status.
- Villain Edit: The controversial public perception of his behavior on the show.
Brennan Shoykhet’s time on Married at First Sight Season 17 was a masterclass in reality TV drama. His controversial behavior, his inability to connect with Emily Balch, and the ensuing public backlash made him one of the most memorable cast members. However, his current life with Joleen Ellis shows that his journey to finding love was simply misdirected by the experiment. He has successfully navigated the post-show scrutiny and found a relationship that appears to be both stable and fan-approved, proving that sometimes, the best match is found entirely outside of the experts' control.
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