6.4 / 10 (based on 42 reviews)
Spin-off the long-running British dating show in which the First Dates restaurant opens its doors to 16-19 year old’s looking for love.
Genre: Reality-TV, Romance
Main Cast: Brian Protheroe, Fred Sirieix, CiCi Coleman, Merlin Griffiths
Creators: Ana de Moraes
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2 seasons, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like First Dates: Teens (2021)
First Dates Hotel (2017)
6.7 / 10 (based on 268 reviews)
Maître d’ Fred takes a break from the show’s restaurant to take over the running of a luxury hotel in the south of France where he will welcome singletons from the UK on a two-day dating stay.
Genre: Reality-TV, Romance
Main Cast: Brian Protheroe, Fred Sirieix, CiCi Coleman, Laura Nicole Tott
Creators:
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6 seasons, 35 episodes
First Dates (2013)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1167 reviews)
Initially an experiment in which real dates are filmed, and then viewers get the chance to apply to date the unsuccessful participants the following week. Later this aspect was removed and replaced with a cast of regular restaurant staff.
Genre: Reality-TV, Romance
Main Cast: Brian Protheroe, Fred Sirieix, CiCi Coleman, Merlin Griffiths
Creators: Ana de Moraes
Directors:
Writers:
17 seasons, 158 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back (2019)
7.1 / 10 (based on 250 reviews)
Comedian Joe Lycett and celebrity guests fight for consumer rights, campaigning on behalf of viewers who have been cheated by businesses, scammers and dodgy deals.
Genre: Documentary, Comedy
Main Cast: Joe Lycett, Mark Silcox, Stuart Whelan, Rosie Jones
Creators:
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3 seasons, 25 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
First Dates: Teens, a spin-off of the popular First Dates series, made its debut in 2021. This version brings a fresh perspective by focusing on the teenage dating scene. The show captures the awkward, sweet, and sometimes cringe-worthy moments of first dates, but with a younger cast navigating their early experiences of romance. Let’s unpack what makes First Dates: Teens stand out and why it’s worth your time.
The Concept
At its core, First Dates: Teens follows a simple yet engaging format. Teenagers from various backgrounds and with differing personalities are matched based on their interests and preferences. They meet for the first time in a restaurant, designed to offer a comfortable and safe environment for their initial interaction. Cameras discreetly capture their conversations, reactions, and the overall development of the date. The end of the episode reveals whether the pairs see a potential future together.
Why It’s Different
The Innocence of First Love
What sets First Dates: Teens apart from its adult counterpart and other dating shows is the innocence and earnestness of its participants. Teenage years are filled with firsts, and for many on the show, this is their first date ever. This innocence brings a level of authenticity and relatability that’s often missing in more seasoned dating scenarios. The awkward pauses, the nervous laughter, and the genuine surprise at discovering common interests remind viewers of their own first steps into the world of dating.
A Learning Experience
Beyond entertainment, the show serves as a learning experience, not just for the participants but also for the audience. It’s a reflection on the social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence required in the early stages of dating. For teenagers watching, it’s a valuable lesson in communication, respect, and consent. For adults, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding them of the time when love was uncharted territory.
Diversity and Inclusion
First Dates: Teens makes a conscious effort to represent a broad spectrum of experiences and backgrounds. The show includes participants from different ethnicities, cultures, and sexual orientations. This diversity is crucial, especially for a teenage audience, as it promotes inclusivity and understanding from a young age. It’s refreshing to see a dating show that mirrors the real world’s diversity, offering a platform where everyone can see themselves represented.
Memorable Moments
The charm of First Dates: Teens lies in its ability to capture moments that are universally recognizable, yet uniquely endearing. There’s the date where both participants realize they share a passion for comic books, leading to an animated conversation that completely dissolves their initial awkwardness. Then, there’s the date that starts off rocky, with visible nerves and forced conversation, but ends with a genuine connection over shared life experiences.
One particularly touching episode features a teenager who has never been on a date before due to his shyness. Watching his confidence grow throughout the evening, culminating in him asking for a second date, is a heartwarming reminder of the show’s impact beyond mere entertainment.
The Impact
On Participants
For the teenagers taking part, First Dates: Teens offers a unique opportunity. It’s not just about finding love or making a connection; it’s about personal growth. Participants often leave with more confidence, a better understanding of themselves, and what they’re looking for in a partner. The show acts as a stepping stone, preparing them for future relationships with its lessons on communication, respect, and self-awareness.
On Viewers
For viewers, the impact is twofold. Teenagers watching can see themselves reflected in the participants, learning alongside them. It’s a rare opportunity to gain insight into the dating world in a safe and relatable way. For adult viewers, the show offers a nostalgic look back at their own teenage years, reminding them of the simplicity and excitement of first love. It also provides parents a glimpse into the modern teenage dating scene, helping them understand and connect with their own children better.
Criticisms and Controversies
No show is without its criticisms. Some viewers express concern about exposing teenagers to the pressures of dating on national television. There’s a valid argument about the potential impact on participants’ mental health and the risk of cyberbullying. However, the show’s producers have been vocal about the measures in place to support the teenagers, including counseling and monitoring social media interactions.
Conclusion
First Dates: Teens is more than just a dating show. It’s a window into the awkward, exhilarating, and sometimes confusing world of teenage romance. With its focus on authenticity, learning, and inclusivity, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a teenager navigating your first love, an adult reminiscing about the past, or a parent seeking to understand your child’s world, First Dates: Teens has something valuable to offer. It’s a reminder of the universal nature of love and the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding in all relationships.