RAPID CITY, S.D. – When Matt Wurnig, creator and host of Fifty Dates Fifty States, began his third and final season earlier this year, his very first date was with a local nursing student, Kezley Yaeger of Rapid City. Now, months later, the season has reached its finale, which fittingly unfolded back in the Black Hills.
Wurnig sat down in studio before the final weekend to reflect on the journey. “This is definitely the final season for me,” he said. “But the brand will continue. I’ll be stepping into the behind-the-scenes role, handling the business side and content while someone else takes over as the new star.”
Kezley made her mark early, impressing Wurnig with her energy and authenticity. “She was such a phenomenal date,” he said. “She was in the top five, which is huge, especially since she kicked off the season without seeing how other dates played out. She just had to be herself, and she made it all the way through.”
The finale was held at a private eight-bedroom cabin estate in Whitewood, complete with a hot tub, fire pit, and more than 30 bottles of wine for the five finalists. Over the weekend, the group dined in Deadwood, tried their luck at Cadillac Jack’s, rode UTVs in Spearfish Canyon, and capped the trip with a final ceremony. The winning date earned a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas with Wurnig.
The season’s top five included Kezley from South Dakota, Mia from Utah, Sabrina from Arizona, Allie from Massachusetts, and Catherine from Virginia.
So, was it Kezley who won Matt’s heart and the Bahamas cruise? That answer is being kept under wraps for now. Fans will have to stay tuned to find out.
Search for 50 Dates, 50 States and follow Matt on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to see the finale unfold and discover if the Rapid City nursing student takes home the final rose, or in this case, the cruise.