While fictional dramas definitely have a greater appeal because of the quality of content they offer, reality TV shows have also become a cultural phenomenon because of their mashup of drama, romance, and the thrill of the unexpected. Among these, dating-focused reality shows have carved out a specific niche for themselves because they tap into our innate curiosity about human relationships and the never-ending search for love.
One of the most popular dating reality TV shows is Love Is Blind. The Netflix original has just concluded its eighth season and, with its intriguing and unconventional premise, where singles embark on a journey to find their soulmate but are not allowed to see each other until they have proposed and agreed to get married, it has challenged the conventional way of dating and drawn a large amount of viewership.
But as the curtain falls on the latest season of Love Is Blind, fans are looking to fill the void with another binge-worthy reality show that can offer the same level of entertainment. If you’re one of them, here is a list of 10 reality shows that offer refreshing and unapologetic explorations of finding meaning and connection in this great, big world.
10
‘Sexy Beasts’ (2021)
Sexy Beasts takes the dating game to a whole new level. The show’s format finds contestants donning elaborate prosthetics and makeup to transform into fantastical creatures, fearsome creatures, or mythical beings. Each episode features one singleton and three suitors, all disguised as “beasts,” going on a series of dates, following which two contestants are eliminated, and they reveal their true faces only after being rejected.
Blind Dating Meets Scary Disguises
The reality show takes a refreshing approach to dating by challenging conventional beauty standards and urging the participants to look beyond what’s visible. The goal is to strip down superficial judgements about a person’s physicality and focus solely on their personality and chemistry. Sexy Beasts’ unique format is paired with a humorous narration by Rob Delaney and a lighthearted tone that makes it a fun watch for fans.
9
‘Perfect Match’ (2023)
- Release Date
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February 14, 2023
- Showrunner
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Chris Coelen
- Directors
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Chris Coelen
- Writers
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Chris Coelen
Dating and matchmaking in reality shows is supposed to be about finding “the one,” but Perfect Match takes things to a competitive level by featuring singles from Netflix’s most popular reality shows like Love Is Blind and Too Hot to Handle. Set in a tropical villa, it pairs the contestants up and makes them compete in various challenges for them to not only find a partner for themselves but also play matchmaker for new singles introduced in the series.
Has Engaging and Entertaining Twists
The catch here is, as the participants navigate the idea of building connections for themselves, they must also use their skills of observation and some interesting strategies to pair up their peers, shake up existing relationships, and ultimately become or find the “perfect match.” The winning couple is crowned with the title and they win an all-expenses-paid vacation.
8
‘The Golden Bachelor’ (2023)
The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor, and it essentially redefines romance by spotlighting love stories that bloom later in life. It revolves around Gerry Turner, a retired restaurateur and widower from Indiana, as he embarks on a heartwarming journey to find love among a group of senior women. Gerry indulges in dates, group activities, and genuine conversation, and eventually proposes to Theresa Nist, a 70-year-old finance gal.
A Second Chance at Love
What makes The Golden Bachelor stand out is its focus on senior citizens, which proves that love truly knows no age. The contestants, ranging from retired teachers to fitness instructors, bring their life experiences and wisdom to the table and vie for Gerry’s affection. The show’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the season finale becoming the most-watched episode in the Bachelor franchise since 2021.
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7
‘Too Hot To Handle’ (2020 – Present)
In a world where lust and temptation lurk around every corner, Too Hot To Handle places ten young, attractive singles in a tropical paradise and challenges them to follow strict rules – no kissing, sexual contact, or self-gratification. Each rule break would deduct some amount from the $100,000 prize pool, which adds excitement and tension to the premise.
Modern Dating With a Twist
Hosted by Lana, a virtual assistant, the reality TV show flips the script on traditional dating by urging contestants to form genuine connections without physical intimacy. They sit through workshops and games and learn to prioritize emotional bonds over flings that fizzle over time. The overall experience is transformative and worth the wait. Too Hot to Handle spans six seasons and counting, during which time it has earned a devoted fanbase.
6
‘Love on the Spectrum’ (2019 – Present)
Love on the Spectrum, a beautiful and heartfelt Australian dating show, explores love and the search for companionship through the lens of people on the autism spectrum. The series documents individuals as they navigate the sometimes-daunting world of dating and build romantic relationships. With its blend of candid interviews, one-on-one dates, and coaching sessions, the show offers a sensitive and empathetic glimpse into their lives.
Inclusive Stories of Love
The series is known for its honest and authentic portrayal of dating sets, which makes it a standout in a pool of more dramatic reality TV shows. It has received critical acclaim for its compassionate and supportive tone and its ability to educate, enlighten, and entertain at the same time. It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has instantly won over the hearts of fans.
5
‘FBoy Island’ (2021 – Present)
This HBO Max series, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, brings a cheeky twist to dating shows by pitting “nice guys” against self-proclaimed “FBoys.” Set in a tropical paradise, it follows three women as they date 24 boys with the ultimate goal of separating those seeking genuine love from those seeking the thrill of the chase, all while competing for a cash prize.
Dating Drama Gets a Strategic Edge
Watching the women use their intuition and intelligence to eliminate the FBoys leads to a bunch of dramatic twists, unexpected betrayals, and shocking revelations. But the show’s bold premise and unapologetic tone are what makes it appealing. Thanks to Glaser’s witty hosting, it is a guilty pleasure that not only critiques modern dating but also embraces its own absurdity.
4
’90 Day Fiancé’ (2014 – Present)
Another reality TV show for fans looking for something similar to Love Is Blind is 90 Day Fiancé. It is an addictive series that follows the journeys of several engaged couples, where one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other is a foreign national, as they navigate the 90-day timeline after applying for the K-1 visa process and decide whether to get married. The family drama and intense emotional moments in this TLC classic make the series impossible to look away from.
Culture, Immigration, and Romance
With over 10 seasons and counting, 90 Day Fiancé has created an entire universe for itself. Meaning, it has spawned over twenty spin-offs, like 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, which finds the couples in their dating stage, before they have begun the process of obtaining the K-1 visa, and 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way, where the American partner decides to move to the other person’s home country, and more. Each of these shows introduces a diverse set of couples and offers an unfiltered look at the pursuit of love.
3
‘Dating Around’ (2019 – Present)
More grounded, relatable, and realistic than Love Is Blind, Dating Around breaks away from conventional dating show formats by offering a relatively simple and intimate premise, where each episode follows a single individual as they go on five blind dates and indulge in meaningful conversations while looking for the occasional spark of romance. Ultimately, they end up choosing one person to go on a second date with.
Dating Minus the Over-the-Top Theatrics
The reason Netflix’s Dating Around is a charming standout among all the other heavily produced and dramatized dating shows is that it offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective to the entire process. Filmed in stylish restaurant settings, each episode of the two seasons that the showrand for feels like a romantic indie movie where strangers interact with one another and get past the awkward silences until they find natural flow and meaning. It is messy, slow-paced, and imperfect, but it is real.
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2
‘Married at First Sight’ (2014 – Present)
Imagine a bold social experiment where singles are paired on the basis of their compatibility by a bunch of relationship experts and then they meet for the first time at their wedding ceremony – yes, they get married at first sight. Literally. After tying the knot, the couples then begin to live together, introduce themselves to the opposite families, and take therapy sessions to assess whether they are destined for a lifetime together or a quick divorce is the only way out.
Leap of Faith in the Name of Love
Married at First Sight finds each couple navigating the ups and downs of hastily arranged marriages, and it treats viewers to an engaging exploration of the physiology of relationships and how they play out. All of it culminates in “Decision Day,” where the couples ultimately choose whether to stay married or split. With over 16 seasons and a global fanbase, the show is popular for balancing drama, romance, and curiosity, for instant connections and intense fights, and for adding depth to modern love.
1
‘Single’s Inferno’ (2021 – Present)
- Release Date
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December 18, 2021
- Directors
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Kim Jae-won, Kim Na-hyun
- Writers
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Ji Hyun-suk, Lee Jung-hwa
Single’s Inferno is a South Korean reality dating TV show that takes the concept of finding love and blends it with the idea of survival. Set on a sun-drenched remote island. It follows South Korean singles as they battle the elements of nature as well as their own emotions while searching for love. The idea is to form romantic bonds to escape the “Inferno” and win a chance to bask in the glory of the luxurious “Paradise” resort for date nights.
Romance Under Extreme Conditions
Nothing short of a sensation on Netflix, this one stands out not just because of its gorgeous cinematography and specific cultural references, but also for creating a delicate and deft balance between strategic moments. As the contestants compete for a chance to spend a luxurious night in a private paradise. Each episode is filled with surprising confessions and genuinely vulnerable moments between the participants.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
