Ep 1. Cassie & Steve

In season 2 episode 1 of Catfish: The TV Show, entitled "Cassie & Steve," we are introduced to Cassie, a young woman from Wisconsin who has been in an online relationship with a man named Steve for over two years. Despite talking on the phone and video chatting, they have never met in person due to Steve's alleged job as a traveling musician.

Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, the hosts of the show, are contacted by Cassie's best friend who is concerned about the authenticity of Steve's identity and the nature of his relationship with Cassie. In their initial investigation, Nev and Max find a Facebook page for a person named Steve but with no pictures, only a list of his interests and a few mutual friends with Cassie. When they contact Steve, he initially denies knowing Cassie, but after a few conversations, he claims to remember her and agrees to meet in person.

When Steve arrives in Wisconsin and meets Cassie, he seems nervous and evasive, refusing to answer certain questions or show her any physical affection. After some prodding, Steve admits that his name is actually Brian and that he has been using a fake identity to hide from his troubled past. He also reveals that he has a girlfriend and children back in his hometown.

Cassie is devastated by the news and feels betrayed by Brian's deception. The hosts work with her to come to terms with the reality of the situation and encourage her to end all contact with him. In the aftermath of their meeting, Brian reaches out to apologize and explain his actions, but Cassie ultimately decides to cut ties and move on.

The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and pitfalls of online relationships and the importance of authenticity and honesty in any type of communication. It also highlights the value of support systems and friends who are willing to intervene when red flags arise. Overall, it is a poignant and relatable story that showcases the emotional complexity of modern dating and the power of personal connections.