There’s nothing quite like the idea of a happy ending, and what better place to live it out than on the big screen? The popularity of reality dating shows (even international ones!) has exploded in the last few years, with streaming platforms making it easier than ever to access your favorite content. The reality of what happens on reality TV is questionable. Many go on dating shows for fame, and most couples paired from shows don’t stay together. But that hasn’t dampened our thirst for love – today’s dating shows receive astounding viewership. If you are one of those people tuning in, check out our list of the best dating shows to watch next.
It’s no surprise that viewers enjoy watching others find love onscreen or that participants would choose to enter a reality show to find love. Many have found that modern dating experiences leave them wanting more. A poll conducted by the dating app Plenty of Fish of 4,000 single British adults finds that negative experiences in today’s modern dating world have left 44 percent doubting they will ever meet their special someone, with 35 percent admitting their confidence has been impacted. Some of the worst behaviors participants encountered were being ghosted or stood up, or receiving unsolicited nude photos.
In light of modern dating difficulties, some are turning to other ways to find a date. LinkedIn, which is traditionally used as a professional networking site is now increasingly being used for dating. A survey conducted by DatingNews.com finds that 52 percent of the participants surveyed have used LinkedIn as a dating site. Of those in the 35-40 age group, 61 percent had found success in scoring a date from the site. Other avenues such as blind dates, meeting someone at a bar, or using dating apps are still relevant.
In love with the idea of love? Whether you’ve already met your special someone or not, dating shows can be an entertaining way to watch others navigate the ups and downs of romance! If you want to know the best dating shows to watch, keep reading for more insight into which ones to add to your list. The shows on our list were the most recommended across 11 expert reviews. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Dating Shows, According to Experts
“Love is Blind” is based on exploring the premise of whether love in itself is actually blind. Scary Mommy explains that contestants are separated and put into pods to get to know each other without seeing each other. At the end of the process, they choose who they feel is their best match, propose, and spend three weeks together to ultimately decide if they want to get married or not.
According to ScreenRant, viewers say that the premise of “Love is Blind” is well thought out, and fans become very invested in the cast to see who they will end up with. Both seasons one and two end with two couples who were successfully married, and season three was full of drama that left audiences captivated.
“Love is Blind” is so interesting because it forces us to question our own beliefs and ideals– do we really fall in love with someone for who they are regardless of their appearance? Collider explains that the show strips contestants of the primary tool most hot singles would use to attract a mate and forces them to build emotional connections.
2. “Love Island”
“Love Island’s” premise is exactly as the title states. And odd number of men and women are dropped on an island and attempt to form couples. Anyone who isn’t paired ends up eliminated, and new people are added to the island as the show progresses. Buzzfeed says that half the joy of watching this show comes from the hilarious narrator, who comments on the ridiculous tasks the contestants are forced to complete and the drama that ensues.
Peacock says that the phrase “I got a text!” has become synonymous with impending drama on the show, as that usually means a new contestant is coming or a dumping is happening. “Love Island” is the perfect summer dating show to watch, full of singles in bathing suits vying for each others’ attention.
And there is certainly no shortage of steamy moments on this show, as Netflix explains that the entire cast sleeps in one room and couples sleep in the same bed. There are different activities that take place, and hearts get broken as more people are added and others can choose to re-couple.
3. “The Ultimatum”
Marriage is the age-old question, and this show forces couples to face whether they should remain together if they (or one party in particular) doesn’t want to get married. USA Today explains that the show adds a twist by forcing all the couples to break up for a period and have the option to date others’ partners before choosing to get married.
Today notes that the original version of “The Ultimatum” premiered in 2022, but it was followed by a spinoff called “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” that featured a cast of all-queer women and non-binary people. Each episode introduced new cast members designed to shake things up and test how strong each couple’s relationships were.
The show’s worst criticism is that most couples shouldn’t need to date others to figure out whether they want to get married, and it is only introducing unrealistic problems that wouldn’t normally happen in real life. It certainly makes for good television though, as Variety says the couples end up living with other people for three weeks.
4. “90 Day Fiancé”
“90 Day Fiancé” is notorious for some of the most outrageous, meme-worthy moments in reality TV dating. Refinery29 says that the show is “for the unhinged” as viewers watch long-distance couples decide to get married in 90 days or break up.
Harper’s Bazaar explains that while “90 Day Fiancé” is not a competition show, “the cast of ’90 Day Fiancé’ are most definitely in competition with each other, the concept of love itself, the American justice system, and maybe even the viewer’s sanity.” The show includes a cast of people who have met in various random ways like online platforms, or maybe are in long distance virtual relationships and have never met in person.
Even though the show seems absurd, Buzzfeed says the premise in itself is a reality for some long-distance couples handling the concept of marriage. The couples are on a 90-day engagement visa, forced to live with each other and face the reality of whether they want to be with the other person every day for the rest of their lives. However, many couples from the show are still happily married with children.
5. “The Bachelor”
“The Bachelor” is the dating show that started it all and has been running since 2002 before the popularity of streaming services. According to Variety, “The Bachelor” has now been running for two decades and more than 60 seasons. There are now multiple spinoffs of the show, such as “The Bachelorette,” “The Golden Bachelor,” “Bachelor in Paradise,” “Bachelor Pad,” and “Bachelor Winter Games.”
The premise of “The Bachelor” is simple: one man attempts to find love among 25 women. In the end he will propose to and give his rose to only one woman. Harper’s Bazaar says that many still prefer the original format of “The Bachelor,” though “The Bachelorette” and other formats are great options for those who want something a little more avant-garde.
USA Today is not a fan of the lack of diversity in both race and body type for the casting, and the fact that in many situations in the show the women are purposely pitted against each other for views. There are quite a few couples from both “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” that are still together though, so maybe true love is real!
6. “Indian Matchmaking”
What if instead of finding love, it was arranged for you? “Indian Matchmaking” offers an intriguing look into the culture of arranged marriages. Collider explains that the show takes us on the journey with Mumbai marriage consultant Sima Taparia and introduces us to her clientele and the intricacies behind Indian cultural expectations.
Scary Mommy explains that in India you are in a “love marriage” or an arranged marriage. The show works to fight the stigma that an arranged marriage means an unhappy one, as we watch everything that goes into gauging compatibility when arranging a match.
You’ll follow Sima as she interviews multiple family members and goes through an extensive process to get to know her clients. Netflix writes that you’ll get to learn all about the arranged marriage process and even get to attend a few weddings in the process.
7. “Love on the Spectrum”
Finding love is hard enough already, but imagine trying to find it as a unique individual whose experiences and perspective are totally different than most people’s. “Love on the Spectrum” follows a cast on the autistic spectrum as they navigate life and relationships. According to Variety, the show first aired on ABC and then moved to Netflix and became a hit.
Today notes that the show was originally only aired in Australia, but became so popular that an American version was made. It is both heartwarming and educational as it gives humanizing insight into the lives of those with autism without being patronizing.
MovieWeb writes that viewers become invested in the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of the cast as they form connections and get their hearts broken just the same. The show involves everything from matchmaking to online dating to stolen glances on dates.
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Sources:
- Scary Mommy
- ScreenRant
- Collider
- Peacock
- Netflix
- Buzzfeed
- Variety
- Today
- USA Today
- Refinery29
- Harper’s Bazaar
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
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