Reality shows, in general, work on the premise that they are capturing human interactions in an unrehearsed, unscripted way. The subjects are “ordinary” people (if only the very attractive of the ordinary), who are put into specific situations and then filmed to capture their reactions, strategies and interactions with others. Dating has been a significant [...]

Reality shows, in general, work on the premise that they are capturing human interactions in an unrehearsed, unscripted way. The subjects are “ordinary” people (if only the very attractive of the ordinary), who are put into specific situations and then filmed to capture their reactions, strategies and interactions with others. Dating has been a significant theme in the reality shows of the 21st century. These usually involve one single person faced with having to choose just one ultimate partner out of a large group. As audiences tune in each week (or day, in some cases), they watch these singles meet, flirt, fight and fall in love (the reality TV version thereof). They go on organised dates and partake in exciting activities together. Viewers soon pick their favourites, rooting for a specific couple and enjoying the entire element of entertainment.

Some of the most popular dating and marriage reality shows over the years include:

• The Bachelor
• The Bachelorette
• Temptation Island
• Average Joe
• Beauty and the Geek
• Farmer Wants a Wife
• For Love or Money
• Paradise Hotel
• The Match Off
• Blind Date
• Millionaire Matchmaker
• Momma’s Boys
• The Marriage Refs
• The Cougar

But, how effective is this type of matchmaking? Can a couple really get to know and even love one another with a camera crew around all the time and millions of people peering into every whispered sentiment and the brushing of hands together?

Some of these require that the bachelor or bachelorette proposes at the end of the show, while others merely follow them on a date. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of the relationships based on such shows have not lasted. However, The Bachelorette has produced two lasting relationships to date. Out of all the dozens of couples that these shows have produced, however, that is a tiny fraction.

The first season of The Bachelorette was aired in the United States of America in 2003. The bachelorette was Trista Rehn, who chose Ryan Sutter out of dozens of bachelors. They got married and are now the proud (still married) parents of two gorgeous children.

The sixth season (2010) also led to the successful matching up of Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez. They have stayed together, although not married.

When choosing the contestants that are to vie for the attention of the bachelor or bachelorette, the producers consider their physical, intellectual, religious, national and cultural profiles and try to match them perfectly. While it is easy to put the lack of success down to the presence of the media, it also goes to show that a truly compatible relationship cannot always be defined or even explained. Sometimes, love just is what it is, and cannot be questioned or rationalized.

Photo Courtesy of Seat42F