The Runaway Bride, The Second Chance, And The Divorce: Where Is Michael Shiakallis From MAFS Season 17 Now?

Married at First Sight Season 17’s Michael Shiakallis became one of the most talked-about grooms in the franchise's history, not for a successful marriage, but for a dramatic and unprecedented journey. His experience, which included being the victim of the show's first-ever "runaway bride" and receiving a controversial "second chance wedding," captivated viewers and sparked massive debates across social media platforms.

As of late 2024, Michael’s post-show life continues to generate interest, especially after his shocking decision on Decision Day and the subsequent revelations about his career and current relationship with his second match, Chloe Brown. His story is a fresh, unique look at the often-brutal reality of finding love through an unconventional experiment in Denver.

Michael Shiakallis: Biography and MAFS Season 17 Profile

Michael Shiakallis's journey on Married at First Sight Season 17 (the Denver season) was a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and franchise firsts. While the show is designed to end with one wedding, Michael’s path involved two attempts at finding his match.

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• Full Name: Michael Shiakallis Jr.
• Age (During Filming): 38–39 years old.
• Hometown/City: Denver, Colorado.
• Occupation (During Filming): Senior Lead Project Manager at CenturyLink.
• Current Occupation (Post-MAFS 2024): Head of Digital Experience (working remotely).
• MAFS Season: Season 17 (Denver).
• First Match: The unnamed "Runaway Bride" (who left him at the altar).
• Second Match: Chloe Brown (a professional in the non-profit sector).
• Decision Day Outcome: Divorce (Michael chose to separate from Chloe).
• Current Relationship Status: Divorced from Chloe Brown; reportedly remain amicable friends.

The Runaway Bride: Michael’s Unprecedented Start

Michael Shiakallis entered the Married at First Sight experiment with high hopes, ready to meet the partner the experts, including Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson, had chosen for him. What transpired at his first wedding, however, was a moment that instantly cemented Season 17 in MAFS infamy.

For the first time in the show's American history, a bride decided to walk away from the altar. Michael was left waiting, dressed in his tuxedo, only to be told by the experts that his match had chosen not to go through with the ceremony. This shocking event, which saw the bride leave before Michael even saw her, was a devastating blow to the hopeful groom.

The emotional fallout was significant. Michael, a man who had put his trust entirely in the process, was left publicly humiliated and heartbroken. The experts faced intense scrutiny for the mismatch and the unprecedented nature of the failure. To their credit, they offered Michael a second chance, a rare opportunity that had never been extended to a jilted groom before.

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This "second chance" led to a new matching process, where the experts paired Michael with a new bride: Chloe Brown. This narrative arc—the jilted groom getting a redo—became the central, most compelling storyline of the Denver season, raising the stakes for his second attempt at marriage.

The Second Chance Wedding and Decision Day Shock

Michael’s second wedding, this time to Chloe Brown, was a much smoother affair. Chloe, a professional in the non-profit sector, was a later addition to the Denver cast, joining the experiment after the initial four couples were already married. Their relationship, though starting later than the others, was characterized by a quick, intense connection and a deep emotional bond.

Unlike the other couples in Season 17, Michael and Chloe seemed to have a genuine connection. They shared vulnerability, intellectual conversations, and a mutual commitment to the process. However, their short timeline—having fewer weeks than the other couples—put immense pressure on their decision-making process.

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The Controversial Decision

On Decision Day, fans were bracing for a positive outcome, hoping Michael’s difficult journey would finally lead to happiness. The shock was palpable when Michael chose to say "No" to staying married, while Chloe chose to say "Yes." This reversal—where the groom who was left at the altar ultimately chose to end his marriage—sent a wave of anger and confusion through the MAFS fandom.

Michael explained his decision by citing the lack of time to build a solid foundation and a feeling that he wasn't yet "in love" with Chloe, despite caring deeply for her. He felt that continuing the marriage would be unfair to Chloe, as he wasn't 100% committed to a lifetime together. This perceived coldness, following the emotional trauma he had experienced, led many viewers to call his choice "a joke" and accuse him of being overly analytical.

Michael Shiakallis: Post-MAFS Career and Current Status (2024/2025)

Following the dramatic conclusion of Married at First Sight Season 17, Michael Shiakallis has focused on his professional life and maintaining an amicable relationship with his former wife, Chloe Brown. His career trajectory has been a major point of interest, showcasing significant growth since his time on the show.

Career Growth and Professional Life

During his time on MAFS, Michael was known to be a Senior Lead Project Manager for CenturyLink. However, in the time since filming, Michael has leveraged his experience and appears to have advanced his professional standing. Latest reports indicate that he has taken on a role as a Head of Digital Experience, a remote position that signifies an upgrade and expansion of his career.

This professional focus aligns with the analytical and thoughtful personality Michael displayed on the show. His successful career progression suggests that while his romantic life on MAFS ended in divorce, his personal development and professional ambitions are thriving.

Relationship Status with Chloe Brown

Despite the divorce on Decision Day, the relationship between Michael and Chloe remains a point of speculation. The most current and definitive status is that they are divorced but remain friends. In contrast to the acrimonious splits of many other MAFS couples, Michael and Chloe have maintained a respectful and amicable post-divorce relationship.

Michael has provided updates on his relationship with Chloe, clarifying that while they are no longer romantically involved, they continue to be on good terms. Subtle social media interactions and posts have occasionally fueled rumors of a reconciliation, with some fans believing the two may have gotten back together after the cameras stopped rolling. However, no official confirmation of a renewed romantic relationship has been made, leaving fans to accept that their story, for now, is one of a failed marriage that evolved into a strong, supportive friendship.

Michael Shiakallis's journey on *Married at First Sight* Season 17 is a unique chapter in the franchise's history. From the trauma of the runaway bride to the controversial Decision Day, his story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the experiment. While he did not find a wife, his second chance provided a compelling narrative and ultimately left him with a thriving career and an unexpected, enduring friendship with Chloe Brown.