The Biggest Lies They Showed On Catfish

Catfish has become a staple of reality TV since its debut in 2012, drawing viewers into the murky waters of online dating. The show follows individuals who have fallen for someone they’ve never met in person, only to discover that their online love is a complete fabrication. This captivating series not only entertains but also sheds light on the darker side of human relationships, exposing how easily people can be deceived in the age of social media.

Each episode typically features hosts Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, who help victims uncover the truth about their online partners. The emotional rollercoaster navigated by the participants, combined with the shocking reveals at the end, keeps audiences glued to their screens. The term "catfish," which refers to someone who creates a false identity online, was even added to the Oxford dictionary in 2014, highlighting the significant impact this show has had on popular culture.

As we delve into some of the most outrageous lies presented on Catfish, we're reminded of the essential lessons about trust, vulnerability, and the importance of verifying online identities. From fictitious personas to dramatic confrontations, these stories illustrate the lengths to which some will go to deceive others. Let's explore some of the most jaw-dropping moments from the show and the alarming truths they reveal about online relationships.

Utter insanity: Artis & Jess

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In 2013, Nev and Max stumbled upon one of their most outrageous cases. In fact, Digital Spy lauded "Artis & Jess" as one of the Top Ten "most incredible Catfish episodes ever." The segment revolves around Artis, a young man who thinks he’s dating a girl named Jess that he met on Facebook. Despite only seeing one photo of "Jess," Artis is willing to break up with his girlfriend, the mother of his three kids.

However, that photo of "Jess" was taken from an adult site, and "Jess" turns out to be a young man named Justin. Artis and Justin eventually meet face-to-face, where Justin reveals his motive for catfishing: "My message is, look, you can’t just f**k around on the relationships you’re in." This shocking confrontation underscores the emotional turmoil and deception that can accompany online relationships.

The case of the catfished grandma

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It’s a fact of modern life: Anyone can be catfished — even grandma. This lamentable truth is highlighted in the 2016 episode "Jeanette & Derick," a techno-horror story that’s among the series’ most haunting episodes. The saga begins innocently enough, with Jeanette’s daughter, Shuntay, approaching Nev and Max with familial concerns about Jeanette’s relationship with a man she met on a dating site.

Despite discussing marriage, there are enough red flags to constitute a parade. The "Derick" in question has excuses for why meeting in person can't work. It’s later revealed that the photo of "Derick" belongs to a high school student, and the person behind the catfish, Derica, only created the persona for fun. This shocking twist illustrates that deception can come from unexpected places, even in the context of familial relationships.