- - Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage Still Rewatch the Moment They Said 'I Love You' on Reality TV (Exclusive)

Alex ApatoffFebruary 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM

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Courtesy Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage; Kate Steinberg/Instagram

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage met on the HBO Max Show 12 Dates of Christmas

The two got engaged on the show — and again five years later

They talk about the joy of getting to rewatch some of their special early moments together thanks to it all being caught on camera

Reality TV relationships aren't always known for going the distance, with a lot of showmances often ending in contentious breakups that play out on social media for all to see.

However, some reality TV stars have successfully found their soulmates on dating shows, competition shows, and even unscripted series, and created relationships that have gone the distance. For PEOPLE's 2026 Love Week, we chatted with the couples who have managed to make it work, defying the pitfalls that sometimes come with launching your love story on national television.

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage competed on the HBO Max holiday dating series 12 Dates of Christmas, in which singles moved into an Austrian castle in a winter wonderland-esque setting and were sent on (you guessed it) 12 dates over the course of the show. The two didn't have high expectations for the show, given the somewhat silly premise, but their chemistry was instant, and as they told E! at the time, they just knew it was right.

In the years since, Steinberg has amped up her nostalgia content on Instagram (in which Savage often features prominently), the two have become pet parents, moved to L.A. and gotten engaged again — this time, off-camera — and have rewatched their show on TikTok. The couple answered our Q&A via email about why their relationship has beaten the reality TV odds.

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage and their dogs

Courtesy Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage

Do you remember your first reaction to seeing each other?

Kate: For me, it was love at first sight when I sat down on my first date with Chad—something I never thought I’d believe in or say before going on a reality TV show. The cameras completely disappeared when we started talking, and in that moment, I fell in love with him instantly.

Chad: I remember feeling completely in over my head—especially, when I first started the experience. The responsibility of this bachelor-type role weighed very heavily on me—setting my nerves and anxiety at an all-time high. That is, until I first met Kate. In that moment and throughout our entire first date (that immediately followed), my mind finally began to settle, and my hands slowed their shake. I’ve never forgotten the way she made me feel in the moment…and I never will.

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage on '12 Dates of Christmas'

HBO Max

Best and worst part about meeting on reality TV?

The best part of being on a reality show (which might surprise people) is having no phones and no contact with the outside world. It really forces you to reflect, listen to your gut and make decisions for yourself…something that doesn’t always happen when you’re constantly getting opinions from your friends, family and coworkers.

The worst part was the drama. We’re both people who hate confrontation, so that part was really hard for us to navigate. I remember after one specific drama-filled night we found each other immediately to comfort one another. We talked about everything and anything—cereal, colors, pets, music—to help get our minds off the chaos in the castle. To this day, it’s still one of our favorite conversations.

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage's engagement in Sept. 2025

Katrin Kerschbaumer

Why do you think your relationship has beaten the reality TV odds?

It’s really hard to say, but I think we took our time after our quick engagement to get to know each other. It was important for both of us of to build a strong foundation before getting married and that’s something we continue to work on. We’ll be the first to admit it hasn’t always been the easiest, but we always choose each other at the end of the day. And that’s something really special.

Do you have advice for someone trying to find love on reality TV?

Be yourself because there is no one else like you.

Kate Steinberg and Chad Savage's engagement on '12 Dates of Christmas'

HBO Max

Is there onscreen moment from your TV history you still love to watch (or hope to never watch again)?

The first time we said “I love you” was so special. We were at a local pizza spot in Chad’s hometown, drinking beers and eating pizza, both of us clearly wanting to say the “L” word but too nervous to actually say it. That moment felt so genuine, and we still love watching it back. To this day, we go back to that pizza spot and sit at the same table where it all happened.

What do you tell people when they ask how you met?

It’s always so fun sharing how we met. Telling people “a Christmas dating show” is always a shock and fun conversation starter!

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”