Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark episode 1 recap: A group of singles reunite with past situationships at the motel

Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark premiered on Netflix on May 21, 2025, introducing a dating experiment with an unexpected twist. Hosted by Chloe Veitch and guided by relationship expert Spicy Mari, the show brought 12 singles to the Sneaky Links Motel. Unknown to them, the other guests were their recent casual flings — their “sneaky links.”

Chloe described a sneaky link as “a guaranteed quick bunk up” with someone who avoids commitment. The show aimed to explore whether these past hookups had the potential to turn into something meaningful or were simply holding the participants back from real love.

“By the time they leave the motel, they’ll know if their sneaky link is their person, or if that link is standing in their way,” Mari explained.

Initially, six singles arrived first and began mingling, only to be joined by six others, all of whom they had prior romantic history with. From awkward reunions to open conversations, the premiere episode of Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark set the stage for emotional reflection and shifting dynamics.

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“Adds a little spice into the mix” — Awkward reunions led to tense conversations in Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark

The first arrivals included Nicole V, who was surprised to see Logan, someone she had casually been involved with. “It was just fun,” she said, adding that she didn’t expect to see him there. Logan, too, had not anticipated the reunion.

Other cast members reacted similarly in Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark. Manny saw Samira, Travis reunited with Angelique, and other surprise pairings included Zoe and Kyle, Brandon and Nicole S., and Avery and Colt.

Travis remarked in a confessional that the setup “added a little spice into the mix.” Some couples leaned into the situation, like Manny and Samira, who acknowledged being in a “weird situation.” She told him, “you kind of feel like home,” while also pointing out that their dynamic was “not sustainable.”

Travis and Angelique spoke openly about their past and what they hoped for, with Travis saying he wasn’t in a rush but was open to more. Avery noted that Colt had “more layers” than she assumed, and admitted she hadn’t taken him seriously before. Kyle told Zoe he was looking for his soulmate.

Logan shared that he was “scared” of wasting time, while Angelique said she wanted to “break habits.”

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“What is your toxic trait?” — First challenge pushed the cast to reflect on relationship patterns

Later in the episode, the group gathered by the pool for their first challenge in Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark. Spicy Mari encouraged everyone to reflect on their approach to dating. Before asking a series of personal questions:

“You need to understand your sneaky link ways to leave them behind,” she said.

The first question, “What is your toxic trait?” led to revealing answers. Samira said she was too focused on social media, Zoe admitted to self-sabotage, and Colt said he struggled to let go. The cast then discussed whether men and women could be just friends, with opinions split. Mari also asked about their “body count” — Brandon answered 60, while Colt chose not to share.

In a later discussion, Mari asked Logan and Nicole V if they felt emotionally available. Logan said, “I’d like to be,” and Nicole shared that she was “resisting a bit.” Mari reminded the group that they were free to explore other connections, and Chloe revealed that each room had a phone for making late-night calls to fellow guests.

This episode of Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark ended with Colt calling Angelique. They spent time together and ended up kissing, unaware that Avery was also interested in pursuing something with Colt. The first night closed with growing tension and the possibility of shifting connections ahead.

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Watch the latest episodes of Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark streaming on Netflix.