Lacheys tackle criticisms of "Love is Blind" reunions

Yes, but: One of the show's biggest controversies surrounds the reunions and the way hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey moderate them.

• Complaints from viewers and critics typically include Nick's cringe dad jokes, Vanessa's fixation on "Love is Blind babies," the lack of time spent answering fans' most burning questions, and the perception that not all contestants are equally held accountable.

Flashback: The lowest point was arguably Season Four's botched live reunion — it went so poorly that Blockbuster and Bravo poked fun at it.

What they're saying: Fans see only part of the process.

• "The thing about the reunion is we probably shoot those like five or six hours, and it's paired down to about an hour and change," Vanessa tells Axios. "And it's so funny because a lot of times people want us to ask certain questions or want us to hit certain topics, and we did, but … it doesn't make the cut."
• "[Contestants] now have the beauty of doing their own press whether it's a podcast or an interview, or they even say their side of the story on their own [social media] page," Vanessa says. "They speak their own mind and that's beautiful."

Nick says the reunions are an opportunity for the contestants to get the answers they want.

• "While it's a great TV show, at the core of it are human beings with real emotions and real hurt feelings and real relationships," Nick says. "We always try to remind ourselves of the human side of it and keep in mind that this is an opportunity for them to get the resolutions they need."

The bottom line: "We try our best. I promise y'all, we hear you and we're trying," Vanessa says.

What we're watching: The eighth season, which features 32 Minnesota singles, premieres Friday.