Farmer Wants a Wife is an American reality television series, based on the British show of the same name, in which a bachelor farmer chooses a potential romantic partner among a group of 10 single city women.[1][2][3]
The series first aired on The CW from April 30 to June 25, 2008.[4][5]
The first American season consisted of 8 episodes, during which 10 women are trying to be chosen by a bachelor farmer. In that the format differed from the other international versions. Shooting locations in the United States were St. Charles, Orchard Farm, and Portage des Sioux, all in Missouri.
In 2022, it was announced that the series would be revived, with the first series of the revival premiering on Fox in March 2023, with country music singer Jennifer Nettles serving as host.[6]
The CW
The Farmer
Biographical data from The CW unless otherwise noted.[7]
Original Airdate: April 30, 2008
Ten young women arrive at the farm to meet Matt, who takes them to see the chickens, revealing Stephanie's secret fear of them. Matt's mom takes them around the house, where Josie is openly disgusted by the 19th Century style. Matt announces that his neighbor needs a hand collecting chickens. Upon arrival Matt announces that this is going to be the first challenge. Kanisha and Krista tied with 10 chickens each, and have a "coop off". Kanisha finally wins with 14 chickens. Josie collects none, saying that it is beneath her, while Stephanie gets four, overcoming her fear of chickens.
Matt invites everyone for a hayride around the countryside. He asks Stephanie and Josie if they really want to be a farmer's wife. During the ride, Josie's reply provokes an argument between the girls and when they return she and Kanisha have an argument.
The girls prepare for the elimination and arguments continue between the other girls and Josie. Matt asks the girls (excluding Kanisha because she won the challenge) to stand behind a chicken with their name on it. Whoever's chicken does not have an egg underneath it is eliminated. Stephanie is ultimately eliminated because she did not fit in.
Matt decides to spend some alone time with one of the girls and picks Christa to go with him. The girls help her prepare for her date with Matt. He brings her to a small canopy and a bench and they talk. Lisa, Brooke and Amanda toilet paper Matt's truck but are caught by him and Christa. She is outraged because they ruined her "almost perfect" date and more arguments arise.
Challenge: Collecting Chickens
Challenge Winner: Kanisha
Chosen For Date: Christa
Date: Talking on a small bench, under a canopy, and drinking
Elimination: Finding an egg
Eliminated: Stephanie
"Pigs & Cows & Sheep...Oh My"
Original Airdate: May 7, 2008
A romantic date between Matt and Stacey leads to some juicy gossip that is news to Matt. Back at the farm, Stacey and Lisa show their true colors around the pigs, and Matt takes the girls out for a wild night of bingo. At bingo, Josie insults the local bingo players; Matt smooths things over, but the group is embarrassed by Josie's attitude. At the local bar, Lisa and Brooke become "friendly" to the other local farmers, which causes Christa and the other girls to think that they are not interested in Matt, and are on the show for the wrong reasons. Josie is devastated about being eliminated, and refuses to leave. She makes a big scene demanding a "parting gift" from Matt. She finally leaves - without a gift.
Challenge: Driving a tractor across a field and throwing hay bales into a trailer.
Challenge Winner: Brooke
Chosen For Date: Amanda
Date: Dinner with Matt's Family
Elimination: Stitching Name
Eliminated: Krista
"Do-Si-Do"
Original Airdate: May 28, 2008
Challenge: Collecting Sweet Corn (3 x 2 dozen)
Challenge Winner: Brooke
Chosen For Date: Kanisha
Date: Horse back riding and watching a sunset
Elimination: Pouring a drink
Eliminated: Stacey
"As Country as Apple Pie"
Original Airdate: June 4, 2008
Challenge: Baking an apple pie
Challenge Winner: Amanda
Chosen For Date: Ashley
Date: Mother in Law House Restaurant
Elimination: Name in lights (fireworks display)
Eliminated: Lisa
"It's Show Time"
Original Airdate: June 11, 2008
Challenge: Talent Show
Challenge Winner: Brooke
Chosen For Date: Brooke
Date: Boating and picnic on lake
Elimination: Reaching inside of a cow's rectum to see if cow is pregnant
Eliminated: Ashley
"A Family Affair"
Original Airdate: June 18, 2008
Challenge: None
Challenge Winner: None
Chosen For Date: Brooke & Christa
Date: Hot tub
Elimination: Firing at a Target w/ a Shotgun
Eliminated: Kanisha & Amanda
"Farmer Picks a Wife"
Original Airdate: June 25, 2008
Challenge: None
Challenge Winner: None
Chosen For Date: Brooke and Christa
Date: Brooke on a four-wheeler to a picnic, Christa on a Horse Carriage to Matt's house
Elimination: Crop Duster With Banner
Eliminated: Christa
Elimination chart
Contestants
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Date
Christa
Stacey
Amanda
Kanisha
Ashley
Brooke
Brooke, Christa
Brooke, Christa
Brooke
Challenge Winner
Challenge Winner
Challenge Winner
Winner (Episode 8)
Christa
Runner-up (Episode 8)
Amanda
Challenge Winner
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 7)
Kanisha
Challenge Winner
Btm 2
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 7)
Ashley
Btm 2
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 6)
Lisa
Btm 2
Btm 2
Btm 2
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 5)
Stacey
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 4)
Krista
Challenge Winner
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 3)
Josie
Btm 2
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 2)
Stephanie
Btm 2
Eliminated (Episode 1)
Fox
In September 2022, Fox ordered a reboot of the series, produced by Eureka Productions.[11] Hosted by Jennifer Nettles, it premiered on March 8, 2023.[12] In May 2023, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on February 1, 2024.[13][14]
