The X-Effect takes a look at current and former relationships to determine whether or not individuals wish to recapture a former love or continue nurturing a new relationship. During the show, two exes spend a weekend at a resort hotel. Each couple is presented with opportunities to rekindle their former relationship, through participation in romantic activities. While they are on their "date", they are covertly watched by their current partners, referred to as "the others", or "O's". At the end of the weekend, the exes must choose between their old and new partners.