The adage goes: Love is patient, love is kind. Based on what we know, love is also highly entertaining under specific circumstances—that is, when it is televised. It’s safe to say that dating reality shows are certainly having a moment in 2022, with Single’s Inferno being the first-ever Korean reality show to break into Netflix’s prestigious Global Top 10 Shows list.
The series that just saw its finale two weeks ago, won the hearts of many as we witnessed 12 attractive individuals’ attempts to find love on a desolated island—dubbed ‘Inferno’. Of course, it wasn’t anything like Survivor; especially since the female contestants had their own glam tent, which looked like a familiar scene from Love Island. The rule while living in Inferno, is that participants aren’t allowed to exchange information about their ages and professions. During the course of the show, a couple of matching ceremonies will take place, with successful male-female pairings heading off to a one-night stay at ‘Paradise’. Essentially a luxurious hotel suite where they can spend one-on-one time with each other, and at the same time, to reveal their ages and professions. The show quickly made headlines with the intriguing personalities and relationships developed from the participants, but unfortunately, the first season only lasted eight episodes. While a second season isn’t confirmed just yet, we’re pretty hopeful to get another renewal given the show’s roaring success.
Lucky for us, there is already an existing bank of dating reality shows on Netflix to chase after. We’ll see the return of popularised franchises in the coming months, including Love is Blind Japan (February). Rather than sit idly by in the meantime, we recommend delving deeper into the genre by exploring more untapped gems within the field. Without further ado, we present a list of options, below.
1 / 4
Love On The Spectrum
Based in Australia, the series is centered on the lives of individuals with autism—offering an intimate glimpse to people on the spectrum and how they seek to find love in their own way. It dispels misconceptions that autistic people can’t or aren’t willing to form meaningful romantic connections with others. Beyond dating, the show also makes sure to focus on each individual’s inner thoughts and quips—aiding the audience in learning more about the spectrum.
Watch the trailer here.
2 / 4
Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey
If you’re looking for a show that successfully melds the wonders of travel and the drama of reality programming, look no further than Ainori Love Wagon. The premise is centered around seven young singles looking for love. Said group is made to travel the world in a pink bus, stopping at tourist attractions and pit stops along the way until they’ve found a match. At this point, they’ll then request for a return ticket back to Japan with their partner of choice. Hey, they do say that travel is a great way to get to know your S.O.—warts and all. So, why not?
Watch the trailer here.
3 / 4
Terrace House
Touted as an “unscripted” series, Terrace House follows the lives of six individuals living under the same roof. Unlike conventional reality-show formats, there are no cash prizes, games, or strict restrictions that prevent contestants from leaving the show. Designed with no regimented aim in mind, the show garnered praise for its fluid, natural ambiance that is reflective of real life—teeming with spouts of romantic drama that comes with cohabitating with strangers. However not without its controversy, it was later pulled off air in 2020 after a wave of online bullying resulted in a participant’s death.
Watch the trailer here.
4 / 4
Love Is Blind
It’s exactly what it says on the tin: Thirty men and women follow a speed-dating format, where they are isolated in “pods” right off this bat. This allows them to speak without seeing each other. Based on these conversations alone, male participants can propose to interested parties, after which they’ll be able to meet for the first time and get to know each other better at a couples retreat. Yes, this is all supposed to culminate in marriage by the end of it. Expect varying results on this front. We are also keeping our eyes peeled for Japan’s iteration, coming soon on Netflix.
Watch the trailer here.
