From the days of the first Dating Game, we've been eager to watch how others hook up. Most of us wouldn't be caught dead on a television program trying to find a date. I'd much rather be alone on a Saturday night watching Anne of Green Gables than strutting around for an experience with a fella which would equal to no more than a one night stand. Leave that to the frat boys and hoochie mamas.
The dating show has evolved... or devolved over the past ten years or so. First we had the Dating Game, where a girl could select her match from three unseen eligible bachelors. The Love Connection and Chuck Woolery gave us the dirty details and results of dates. Thank goodness for audience voting or else some people would've made some horrible dating errors. Then we were given a wide variety of dating programs, Studs, the New Dating Game, and Singled Out. Singled Out upped the chances of finding Mr. or Ms. Right by putting 50 guys and 50 girls into the pool. If only they had drowned Jenny McCarthy in it when they had the chance... but I digress.
For a while, the dating show disappeared into the inky abyss of late night television with the infomercials for Jose Eber's clip in hair extensions.
Now, you can't escape these shows. Producers trying to capitalize on exhibitionist frats boys and hoochie mamas have flooded the market. Again, we're faced with a variety of dating shows. If you're looking for a date, try Elimidate or Fifth Wheel, where you're given choices of potential bedfellows. Tired of your lady? Take her on Change of Heart and give someone else a whirl, then come back and brag about it in front of her. Or drag a camera crew with you on a first date with Blind Date or Rendez-View and allow others to provide commentary for you.
I don't recommend going on one of these fine syndicated shows in search of true love. I do recommend watching these shows for a good laugh at two in the morning. You'll change the channel feeling refreshed and not quite as desperate.
Check your local listings for the programs listed here.
