The 2020 Summer series of Love Island should have started today but social distancing measures due to coronavirus have prevented the show from going ahead. Don’t worry though! I’ve rounded up the five best alternative dating shows to watch so you can get your dose of drama and escapism.
1. Too Hot To Handle
Having already been hailed ‘the new Love Island’ Too Hot To Handle is a Netflix dating show and a great watch.Much like Love Island, it features hot tubs, fire pits, shared bedrooms and hideaway rooms. Oh, and of course young, attractive and toned individuals who find themselves on a paradise island together. The plot twist, though, is that these contestants have to stay abstinent. Instead, they are to form an emotional connection if they want to win the $100,000 jackpot (which gets smaller every time two of them sleep together).
You can watch all eight episodes on Netflix now. A second series is already in the pipeline.
2. Five Guys A Week
Speaking of alternative dating shows, Channel 4's offering is Five Guys A Week, a dating shows where one woman invites five men to live in her home for a week, all at the same time.
In a bid to win the woman’s heart, the men cook meals for her, take her on night’s out and camp out in her house. Each day, she chooses who can stay and who must go. By the end of the week, she should be left with her perfect match.
You can watch the show on All4. There are a variety of episodes available, all featuring a new group of hopefuls.
3. Celebs Go Dating
This dating show sees celebrity clientele go on blind dates with ordinary members of the public.
The suspense of the show is built around whether the celebrity will be recognised and if they’ll like the other person or not. Famous faces, including Blue’s Lee Ryan, Olympian Jade Jones, Sugarbabes’ Mutya Buena, and reality star Joey Essex have all made an appearance.
Now you might have watched this show before, but as there are eight series out there, I’m sure you can find an episode or two you haven’t seen before! Check them out on All4.
4. Love is Blind
This American dating show took Netflix by storm when it was first aired in February.In case you missed the hype, allow me to fill you in: a group of single men and women go speed dating in the hope of finding the person they want to marry. The twist, though, is that these dates are held in pods where they can talk but can’t see each other. Oh, and they can’t meet until after they get engaged.
You can stream all 10 episodes on Netflix now.
5. First Dates Hotel
A slightly altered take on the original program First Dates, First Dates Hotel takes place in a luxury resort in Southern Italy.
A range of daters of all ages and all backgrounds are set up on a blind dinner date in the hope of finding their holiday romance. At the end of the date, they can decide whether to see each other again.
The fifth series is currently airing on Thurday nights at 9pm on Channel 4. You can also watch them on All4.
And there you have it, five of the best dating shows to tide you over whilst you wait for the return of Love Island. Related: The Best Shows To Watch On Netflix During LockdownSubscribe To GLOSSYBOX
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