Is 90 Day Diaries Really “Self-Shot” By The Cast Members?

90 Day Diaries is an interesting show with a unique filming process compared to other 90 Day Fiancé spin-offs. The spin-off premiered in 2021 and showcased some of the most memorable cast members, who provided viewers with current updates on their relationships. The cast included Alexei and Loren Brovarnik, Colt Johnson and Vanessa Guerra, Elizabeth and Andrei Castravet, Robert Springs and Anny Francisco, Big Ed Brown, and others. The show was praised for its straightforward editing, creating a more genuine feel compared to other 90 Day Fiancé spin-offs that appear more scripted.

Over the years, 90 Day Diaries has featured a variety of cast members sharing updates on their lives from the comfort of their homes. 90 Day Diaries season 6 was released in April 2025, showcasing some returning couples as they navigate their ongoing struggles. This latest season included many storylines, including Chantel Everett undergoing a cosmetic procedure, Cleo Corraine traveling to the United States for gender-affirming surgery, and Rebecca Parrott and Zied Hakimi dealing with communication issues. With an above-average rating on IMDB, 90 Day Diaries has proven to be a successful spin-off show.

90 Day Diaries Producers Could Have Given Them A Storyboard

Cast Members May Have Received Notes From Producers

90 Day Fiancé fans have always been interested in learning more about the filming process of 90 Day Diaries. They have discussed the spin-off on Reddit, speculating whether it was truly “self-shot” or if a camera crew was involved. Recently, a Redditor, @FuzzInspector, posted a screenshot of David and Annie filming themselves via a mobile phone. The Reddit user referenced the show’s claim that “90 day diaries is completely filmed by the cast with no production crew,” questioning if the cast members truly film their scenes and how they accomplish it.

Several others shared their opinions on the subject, but a few made very good points. Overall, it is plausible that the 90 Day Fiancé producers likely provided cast members with a basic guideline on how to film themselves. They may even give them notes and a storyboard on how to film their journey, making it easier for the editing team to edit the footage later. Since all cast members have already experienced filming the show with a production crew, they probably find it easy to follow the producers’ guidelines.

The Camera Quality Speaks For Itself In 90 Day Diaries

The Filming Quality Of 90 Day Diaries Is Less Than Ideal

The production crew typically uses high-quality cameras for filming the 90 Day Fiancé spin-offs, along with premium-quality audio setups, artificial lighting, and other equipment to ensure the right look. In contrast, 90 Day Diaries appears much more homemade, as most cast members use their phones to document their journey, resulting in a lower-budget appearance compared to other spin-offs. While a few cast members may use high-quality camera equipment, the majority seem to be self-shooting their episodes with their mobile phones.

90 Day Diaries Cast Members Set Up Multiple Cameras For Filming

Cast Members Could Ask For Help During Filming

Some fans have questioned the authenticity of the show, wondering if it was truly “self-shot” or not. Others have provided valid reasons why the show is self-shot by cast members, even when it may not seem that way. Recently, a Redditor named @gwarster shared that the showrunners aren’t lying when they claim 90 Day Diaries is completely filmed by the cast without a production crew.

The Reddit user noted, “I don’t really see how this is lying. The couples clearly ask friends and family to stage scenes and help them film.” It’s likely that the 90 Day Diaries cast members set up multiple cameras, ask friends and family, or hire a cameraperson to film their journey from different angles.