Reality television has been a staple of U.S. media since the release of “Candid Camera” in 1948. From bake-offs to extreme obstacle courses, a number of different takes on reality television have hit the airwaves over the years. However, one sub-genre in particular has taken the small screen by storm: reality dating.
Adored for their insidious drama, questionable characters and iconic pop culture moments, reality dating shows accumulate considerable fanbases. Although they all typically share a common goal — matchmaking — each series manages to put its own spin on dating for the whole world to see. No two reality dating series are alike in their endeavors to help their contestants find love.
The most enduring reality matchmaking show to date, “The Bachelor,” is approaching its 28th season. While watching 30 women pine for the same man is undeniably juicy, the reality dating game doesn’t limit itself to one formula nowadays. Over the last 20 years, a variety of reality dating series have popped up in an attempt to target the popular dating show’s audience.
Recently, the majority of reality dating series have been released directly onto streaming platforms. The most notable of these streaming services, Netflix, boasts an entire collection of original reality dating shows. To that end, here are the six best dating series to stream on Netflix the next time you’re in a reality rut.
1. “Love is Blind“
This show asks the age-old question: Is love blind? Separated by a wall, contestants meet and get to know members of the opposite sex through a series of interviews. After days of intimate conversation and constant banter, contestants can lock in their chosen match by extending a marriage proposal. Pairs that agree to match then meet face-to-face and jet off to pre-wedding honeymoons to make their emotional connections physical. However, after a week in paradise, reality sets in. The couples receive trial apartments to live in together as they return to work, meet prospective family members and discuss finances. After living together for four weeks, couples must decide whether they’ll say “I do” or “I don’t” on their wedding day. The show is a constant rollercoaster of emotion for each contestant — their entire futures hang in the balance. Though this series is long-winded, the drama that ensues is well worth the watch.
2. “Too Hot To Handle“
The spiciest option on this list by far, this show revolves around contestants avoiding sex in order to win money. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. It’s laughable how little self-control some of the contestants have when confronted with opportunities to indulge their physical desires — even though money is on the line. Every infringement of the rules reduces the $100,000 prize that contestants compete for. Tensions run high on this show, and no one is on their best behavior. Apparently, that’s what happens when 10 attractive singles with commitment issues spend a few weeks in the same villa.
3. “Perfect Match”
This series is Netflix’s ultimate reality dating show. Fan-favorite contestants from other dating shows, including the ones on this list, come together for a second chance at finding love. As hopeful as the concept sounds, there’s a catch. In order to stay on the show, contestants must pair up for the night. Anyone who fails to secure a match must return home. Contestants also fight to stay in the game through compatibility challenges that give winners special advantages, such as control of the boardroom and private dates. Although the series is entertaining in its own right, the show is best enjoyed after watching some of the other reality series Netflix has to offer. That way, you know which pairs to ship.
4. “Dated & Related”
Don’t worry, this show isn’t what it sounds like. Eight sibling pairs share the same French villa in a quest to find love. Siblings play wingman to help one another make genuine connections that could lead to coupling. Effort is key, though; the sibling pair that does the best job helping one another find love gets to eliminate another pair. This show brings family dynamics into the dating game and makes for excellent binging material. From protective brother-sister duos to evil twins, this show will have you obsessed.
5. “Love on the Spectrum”
Without a doubt, this show is the most sincere, adorable and genuine dating series on the streaming site. Individuals on the autism spectrum team up with a professional dating expert, Jodi Rodgers, on their quests to find true love. Most of the time, the people featured on the show date others with ASD, which makes for conversations that are occasionally awkward but always endearing. Besides injecting some authenticity into the reality dating world, this series pulls at the heartstrings and makes it easy for viewers to love the stars of the show. Cue the happy tears.
6. “The Ultimatum”
The premise of this show centers around exactly that — an ultimatum. Specifically, one partner in an already-established couple gives the other an ultimatum: marry or move on. The means by which this threat is tested, however, are questionable. All of the couples essentially agree to take a break and date other members of the show. After living with someone new for three weeks, contestants agree to either marry their original partner or end the relationship (and possibly pursue a romance with their show partner). Although the concept is absurd, the chaos it creates is admittedly fun to watch.
Netflix offers an impressive assortment of reality dating series, but these six shows are required viewing for anyone interested in exploring the reality dating universe. Regardless of which series you choose to binge, you’re sure to experience all the laughter, shock and cuteness the reality dating world has to offer.
