Sarah on ‘Love is Blind’.Photo:Courtesy of Netflix
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Courtesy of Netflix
Reality dating shows are the ultimate blend of romance and drama.
Netflix has a bevy of intriguing titles likeLove Is Blind, where singles meet and get engaged without ever seeing each other.Love Island USAhas also gained massive popularity, featuring singles living in a villa and coupling up in hopes of finding love.
The Ultimatum, another fan-favorite, brings couples to a critical point, challenging them to either commit or split after dating other participants.
Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt connections, dramatic love triangles or quirky dating experiments, these shows promise to deliver entertainment and romance in spades.
Here are 13 reality dating shows to watch on Netflix now.
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InLove Is Blind,which first premiered in 2020, singles embark on a unique dating experiment in which they converse through walls, not seeing each other until they’ve established an emotional connection. Over a few weeks, these blind dates lead to blind engagements if two people connect.
Love Is Blinddelves into themes of love, trust as well as physical attraction, making viewers question if love is truly blind. Since the U.S. version of the show, other international versions have aired, including in the U.K. and Brazil.
Netflix
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To test their bonds, couples are paired with other participants to explore new connections and perspectives on love and commitment. Over eight weeks, they navigate the complexities of their relationships, ultimately deciding whether to marry their original partner or break up.
This intense and emotional series challenges couples to confront their deepest fears and desires, with many choosing not to leave the show together.
The Ultimatum: Queer Love. (L to R) Tiff Der, Mildred Woody in episode 109 of The Ultimatum.Netflix
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This groundbreaking series premiered in 2023 and showcases a diverse cast of couples, made up of women and non-binary people,facing the same ultimatum: marry or break up. Participants are paired with new potential partners to explore different dynamics and gain clarity on their existing relationships.
The show highlights the unique challenges and triumphs within LGBTQ+ relationships, offering a heartfelt and inclusive look at love.
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Set in a tropical paradise, agroup of singlesgathers with the expectation of a wild and carefree time filled with flirtation and romance. However, there’s a catch: to win the $100,000 prize, they must resist all forms of physical intimacy.
With its mix of drama, romance and personal growth,Too Hot to Handleis perfect for those who want a new show to dive into.
Dated and related season 1.Netflix
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Imagine searching for love while your sibling tags along — this is the premise ofDated and Related.
The show is set in a luxurious villa and mixes family dynamics with the quest for love. As siblings offer advice and sometimes meddle in each other’s romantic pursuits, the show provides a fresh perspective on dating.
Sexy beasts.Netflix
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The contestants then embark on dates in these disguises, making for hilariously awkward and surprisingly genuine interactions.
The show’s unique twist aims to emphasize personality and emotional connection over appearances. Each episode features new singles and creative disguises, keeping the intrigue and entertainment levels high.
Dating Around.Gurki/Netflix
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Gurki/Netflix
Each episode inDating Aroundspotlights one single person whogoes on five blind dates, creating an authentic and often unpredictable dating experience. The show, which began in 2019, focuses on genuine interactions, capturing the excitement, chemistry and sometimes awkward moments of first dates.
The series stands out for its stylish, cinematic presentation and diverse cast, reflecting the variety of modern dating experiences. Hosted without a traditional narrator, viewers are left to interpret the dynamics between the participants, making the viewing experience more immersive.
By the end of each episode, the featured single chooses one date for a second outing, but it’s quite the journey to get there.
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Love on the Spectrumoffers an insightful look into the experiences of “people on the autism spectrum,” as they “look for love and navigate the changing world of dating and relationships,” according to a synopsis of the show.
The series, which first premiered in 2019, followsyoung adults in the autism communityas they explore the complexities of romance, showcasing both their joys and struggles in a compassionate and empowering way.
Single’s Inferno.Netflix
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Singles Infernofirst hit Netflix in 2021 and takes reality dating to a new level, setting the stage on a deserted island where singles are left to mingle and form connections.
This Korean dating show challenges participants to survive the heat, both literally and figuratively, as they seek to find love in an environment designed to test their resilience.
Participants can only escape the island for luxurious “paradise” dates if they successfully pair up, adding an intriguing twist.
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InPerfect Match, which premiered in 2023, contestants from various popular Netflix reality series such asToo Hot to Handle,Love Is BlindandDated & Related,come together to compete in romantic challenges.
Throughout the show, contestants must navigate the complexities of love and attraction, with each episode ending in a dramatic elimination. The couples who prove to be the most compatible get the chance to stay in the luxurious “Perfect Match” villa, while others risk being sent home.
Indian Matchmaking. (L to R) Viral and Aashay in Indian Matchmaking.Netflix
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Navigating the intersection of tradition and modernity,Indian Matchmakingdelves into the world of arranged marriages with a contemporary twist. The show, which began in 2020, follows Sima Taparia, a renowned matchmaker, as she assists clients in India and the United States in their quest for love.
Taparia uses her extensive network and years of expertise to balance cultural expectations, family influences and individual preferences, suggesting potential partners who might be a perfect fit.
The series offers a candid and often humorous look at the matchmaking process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of finding love within the framework of traditional customs.
Love Island USA.Netflix
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Love Island USAbrings the wildly popular British dating show format to America. Set in an idyllic villa, singles — known as Islanders — must couple up to avoid elimination and have a shot at the cash prize.
Throughout their stay, Islanders face various challenges and “recouplings” — where pairings are changed up in the villa — that test their relationships and spark drama.
Married at First Sight.Netflix
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The current host of U.S.Married at First Sightis Kevin Frazier, who guides the couples through their journey. The panel includes relationship experts like Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson and Dr. Viviana Coles, who all provide insights and support to the couples throughout the process.
The showfollows the couplesfrom their wedding day through their honeymoon and the early days of married life, resulting in a decision about whether to stay together or get a divorce.
This reality series offers an in-depth look at the highs and lows of arranged marriages, capturing the emotional experience of each couple as they journey through uncharted territory together.
source: people.com