Nick Lachey Reveals His Dream Cast for Season 3 of ‘Perfect Match’ (Exclusive)

• Perfect match was renewed for a third season on Netflix on June 27, just one week after the shocking season 2 finale aired.
• Before the finale, Nick Lachey spoke to PEOPLE about everything that happened in season 2 and what he hopes for the future.
• Here he reveals which Love is blind Graduates, for whom he keeps his fingers crossed that they will Perfect match Season 3.

Season 2 of Perfect match has only just finished filming, but Nick Lachey already knows who he wants to see find love in season 3!

Before the reality series was renewed for a third season on Netflix, Lachey spoke to PEOPLE about his thoughts on the outcome of season two — and who he would like to see on the show next.

It’s no surprise that 50-year-old Lachey had a few favorites from his time as host Love is blind and urged that they be considered for the next casting.

“It’s really fascinating because someone like AD (Smith), whose story and Clay’s (Gravesande) story, I think, was so hard for everyone to stomach,” he said of the Season 6 couple. “They seemed so perfect for each other and we saw those things not work out… oh man, I honestly wish them both the best. But I think AD is a great candidate for the show.”

Lachey stressed that he had “absolutely no idea if they are even doing castings, so I’m just speculating here,” and then raised another Love is blind graduate who he would like to give a second chance in reality TV.

“Cole (Barnett),” Lachey said, referring to the season three star who got engaged to Zanab Jaffrey but was jilted at the altar. “I always felt like Cole got off a little bit badly. I always felt sorry for the guy.”

“He really took it at the reunion, he got some real hostility,” he continued of Barnett. “I was like, ‘Man, this guy, I’m not sure he’s going to get the real deal here.’ So he’s another one I wouldn’t mind if he had a chance at something like Perfect match.”

“But you know what? There are so many people from across the dating universe on Netflix that are perfect for the show that I’m sure they’ll cast those as well,” Lachey added. “They have the first two and we’ll see what happens from there.”

On Thursday, June 27, Netflix announced its decision to renew Perfect match for a third season, just a week after the Season 2 finale aired. The news also came shortly after Season 2 entered the Global Top 10 for TV three weeks after its premiere earlier this month.

In season 2 of Perfect matchOf the 25 participants, only five couples made it to the final. The duos were: Chris Hahn (Dated and related) and Tolú Ekundare (The trust), Alara Taneri (Dated and related) and Stevan Ditter (Too hot to touch), Micah Lussier (Love is blind) and Kaz Bishop (Dated and related), Elys Hutchinson (Too hot to touch) and Bryton Constantin (Squid Game: The Challenge) and Christine Obanor (Too hot to touch) and Nigel Euro (Too hot to touch).

Fan favorite Jessica Vestal (Love is blind) and Harry Jowsey (Too hot to touch) split up just before the finale, while the rest of the cast returned to participate in the final vote. Although they didn’t stay together long, Christine and Nigel ultimately managed to secure the title of “Perfect Match” for Season 2.

All of the couples from Season 2 have since broken up. Still, Lachey tells PEOPLE he believes the connections were real.

“We’ve seen people with real connections get along really well and it works,” he said. “So yes, I know there was real chemistry across the board in Season 2. And while it may not last as long as a relationship that lasts, those connections were definitely real and way more than just convenience or friendship. It was definitely more intense this season than even Season 1.”

“But I think the cornerstone of this show and what it’s been for two seasons now is just a lot of fun. And that starts with a great cast that’s willing to have fun and put in the effort,” he added. “I can only hope for more of that… I’ve been very lucky to host two seasons of this show and hope there will be many more.”

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Seasons 1 and 2 of Perfect match can be streamed in its entirety on Netflix.