The Viall Files – E1077: Going Deeper: Farmer Wants A Wife (February 11, 2026)
Episode Overview
On this special "Going Deeper" episode, host Nick Viall, alongside Natalie Joy and the Household, sits down with the three new farmers starring in Season 4 of Fox’s hit dating show, Farmer Wants A Wife: Brett, Braden, and Sean. The conversation dives into dating as a farmer, lifestyle challenges, family expectations, the show’s unique twists, and genuine hopes for finding lasting love. The episode is filled with fun anecdotes, candid admissions, and an authentic look at the intersection between rural life and reality TV romance.
Meet the Farmers (03:17–06:09)
Farmer Brett (Savannah, TN, 35 years old)
- Runs a 1,000-acre family cattle operation, previously built and sold a successful protein bar company.
- Looking for love, legacy, and a future partner to share his life and work.
Farmer Braden (Homer, IL, 26 years old)
- Fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer, manages a 3,000-acre operation.
- Plays guitar at local bars; wants a big-hearted, fun-loving partner ready for church on Sunday and adventure any day.
Farmer Sean (Solvang, CA, 22 years old)
- Runs a 22-acre farm with diverse fruit and produce, supplies family’s "farm-to-table" restaurant.
- Ready for a serious relationship, seeks an adventurous woman who fits into his food- and farm-focused world.
"This is like Bachelor Chris Soules on steroids… Three handsome, sexy farmers… doing the Lord’s work, trying to feed America's families—and they also deserve love."
—Nick Viall (02:35)
How They Landed on the Show (06:09–09:24)
- All three received unexpected Instagram DMs about casting; initial skepticism and humor turned to excitement.
- Each was surprised by the size of the applicant pool ("there’s 40,000 applicants that want to come on this show" – Sean, 07:31).
- Family reactions ranged from curiosity to concern; ultimately supportive of “taking a chance” while young.
Why They're Seeking Love—Farmer Edition (09:24–14:16)
Each farmer reflects on dating challenges unique to small towns and demanding lifestyles:
- Brett: "When you’re at that age, you kind of know what you’re wanting and what you deserve in a relationship." (10:28)
- Braden: Enjoyed the “spiked up” conversations the show demanded: "It forced you to have conversations that wouldn't come until a few months in regular dating." (11:45)
- Sean: Despite his age, considers himself "an old soul, more traditional…looking for the one." (13:23)
They all discussed how limited the dating pool is in rural settings and how online apps weren't fruitful. The show offered a way to meet women outside their “bubble.”
The Realities of Dating as a Farmer (14:16–19:12)
Dating is tough in small towns, and with farming as a lifestyle, not just a job, compatibility goes beyond chemistry—partners must be ready for an all-consuming way of life.
- Braden: "You gotta be a mechanic, businessman, accountant, agronomist... and you gotta love it." (22:22)
- Brett: "If you're not on board with that, then it’s not..." (21:09)
They emphasized that a willingness to embrace life on the farm is a non-negotiable.
"It’s hard to think you love me if you don’t love the farm because it’s such a family thing."
—Braden (23:01)
Show Twists & New Challenges (29:59–31:02)
- New season: Farmers pick five women to bring back to the farm, then halfway through, meet a new prospect picked by their family.
- "We had no idea it was coming when it came… the typical bombshell type scenario." —Brett (30:43)
- One contestant "jumped ship" to another farmer's group, which surprised everyone.
- Farmers were not competitive with each other, instead becoming fast friends.
Pain Points and Authenticity: Breakups, Heartbreak & Type (32:05–34:11)
- All three have experienced heartbreak; longest past relationships ranged from six months (Braden) to two years (Brett).
- Their "type" is more about personality and values than hair color or looks.
- "You could be the prettiest girl on earth but if you have nothing to talk about, it’s just kind of brutal for me." —Braden (35:08)
- Nervousness was overshadowed by the surreal, experimental nature of the experience.
Authentic Connections on Reality TV (52:16–53:44)
- Fear that "on-camera" versions of contestants aren't always real.
- Sean: "Maybe I really like this girl on the show, but when the cameras are gone, she could be an entirely different person." (52:25)
- All encouraged authenticity: "I'd rather see you in sweats than dolled up." —Brett (53:06)
Family Dynamics & Sisters' Input (53:44–55:11)
- Family opinions matter; they provide valuable outside perspective.
- All have sisters, who were vocal and involved; Sean’s 15-year-old sister even had on-show “private conversations” with finalists.
Romance, Love Languages, and Pet Peeves (55:26–58:54)
- Farmers design dates that feel special and personal.
- Love languages:
- Sean: Quality time ("all the other [languages] come from there." – 58:06)
- Braden: Words of affirmation (58:23); acts of service in practice.
- Brett: Acts of service—“I like to do things for people” (58:49)
- Dating pet peeves range from “playing games” (Sean, 47:57), lack of humility (Braden, 48:35), to small annoyances like leaving cabinets open (Brett & Nick, 49:37).
"If you like someone, tell them, you don’t need to sit there and pull this back and forth thing."
—Sean (47:57)
Behind the Scenes: Kissing, Jealousy, and Saying Goodbye (59:02–63:26)
- Kissing on camera felt “a bit uncomfortable”—moments made less private by "camera guys right there."
- Jealousy mostly contained—farmers valued contestants' confidence and self-assurance; noted the strong friendships among their respective groups.
- "They were friends and they all got along… even after it's done." —Brett (61:12)
- The hardest part was sending women home, sometimes with little justification beyond gut feeling.
- "You gotta break some hearts… sometimes you gotta like send people home that you don't necessarily have a great reason to." —Braden (61:55)
Fun Are-You-This-Or-That Game – For Lighter Insight (64:12–69:05)
- Prefer partners who don't use social media.
- Date night in vs. out: Most favor simple, home-based hangouts ("porch beers and fire") but enjoy both.
- All are "handy men," but admit to weak spots (Braden: "I can't do electrical." Sean: "Not a designer.")
- Chivalry is alive: "A woman can pay for herself, but a man won't let her." —Braden quoting his grandpa (68:34)
- Families are all still together, with marriages of over 30 years; key advice: "keep dating each other" and "show up every day."
- "Happy wife, happy life—yes, dear, always yes!" —Braden (70:13)
Farm Lingo & Regionalisms (70:27–73:05)
- Southern and Midwest quirks: "acorn" (a-corn), "water" (warsh), and other localisms provide comic relief.
- Sean picked up "like" habit from California; was complimented for his speaking skills: "Sean’s PR training!" (72:44)
Movie Night & Rom-Coms (73:07–74:48)
- Brett’s choice: 10 Things I Hate About You
- Braden: Sweet Home Alabama or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
- Sean’s pick: About Time ("the one where the guy goes in the closet and he like time travels") (73:43)
Looking Forward: Did It Work Out? (75:29–end)
- All three say their journey “worked out”—hinting they found successful matches.
- "I feel very confident." —Sean (75:39)
- "If you’d asked me at the beginning, I’d have said no way, but yeah, right now, it feels like that for me." —Brett (75:40)
- Host Nick Viall plugs the show’s strong track record: "One of the most successful dating shows in history… over 500 babies with all the franchises, many weddings." (76:01)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- "It can be hard to find a traditional woman nowadays, especially in California." —Sean (17:52)
- "Love is good—I know what love is!" —Brett jokingly (73:05)
- "Are you from Tennessee? You’re a farmer?" —Brett, joking about pickup lines (64:36)
- "Big spoon or little spoon?"
Brett: "Little spoon. Love it. Somebody hold me!" (67:44)
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a refreshing perspective on rural romance, masculinity, and authenticity in the reality TV landscape. The farmers’ candidness about their fears, hopes, and the unique challenges of farm life not only humanizes them but underscores how “real” reality TV can get when cast and concept align. Their camaraderie, humility, and traditional values shine throughout, providing both comfort and insight for listeners and reality TV fans alike.
Key Segments:
- 03:17 – Meet the Farmers
- 09:24 – Why They're Seeking Love
- 22:22 – The Realities of Farming & Dealbreakers
- 29:59 – Season Twists & Surprises
- 47:57 – Dating Pet Peeves
- 52:16 – Authenticity in Relationships and Reality TV
- 61:55 – Breaking Hearts & Goodbyes
- 64:12 – This or That Game
- 75:29 – Did It Work Out?
- 76:01 – Nick on Franchise Success