The Best Netflix Dating Shows, Ranked
- 1Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey
Love Is Blind is a dating show perfectly tailored for the 21st century, where it's common for people to flirt online without meeting face-to-face. Eligible singles "meet" eachother in individual rooms called "pods", where they can talk to and hear eachother without seeing them.
Over the course of 10 days, they'll have to see if they can forge a love connection with someone without knowing what they look like. Surprisingly, this setup actually works. After the pods, five newly-engaged couples experience a romantic honeymoon, living together, and meeting each other's parents before the big day. There's unexpected revelations and dramatic fights. At the end of 38 days, who will say "I do"?
In a daring exploration of modern romance, Love Is Blind challenges the way society views relationships by putting compatibility to the test. This reality series garnered critical acclaim, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for its innovative approach to matchmaking. Contestants, separated by walls, embark on emotional journeys as they form deep connections without ever laying eyes on each other. Only after a heartfelt proposal does the veil of anonymity lift, revealing the physical appearance of their chosen partner. As the couples navigate life in the real world, the show delves into how love can transcend superficial barriers, with engaging personalities like Jessica Batten and Mark Cuevas leading the charge. - 2Reina Triendl, Azusa Babazono
Terrace House might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of reality dating shows. Its lowkey, understated approach to romance means you won't get the kind of explosive fights you'd find on The Bachelor. But it's still fascinating to watch these couples' lives unfold as they live and work alongside each other.
Watching Terrace House makes you feel like a fly on the wall in someone else's home. Because it's so chill and laidback, the contestants feel more inclined to act naturally. This is one reality show that actually feels, well... real.
Six strangers share a fabulous house in Tokyo, looking for love while living under the same roof. - 3
Back With The Ex
Back with the Ex is an Australian dating reality show that focuses on second chances. Every couple on featured in the series has at one point broken up, but they've decided to give it another go, this time on nation-wide television. As these four couples attempt to rekindle their romances, they learn that relationships can be really, really hard. Especially when you already know someone's flaws.
Love might not always lead to a happy ending, but Back with the Ex shows us that you can always try again.
- 4Erinn Hayes, Rob Huebel, Sarayu Blue
Dating can be difficult as it is, but for anyone non-neurotypical, it can be even more complicated. Love On The Spectrum follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they take the plunge into the unpredictable world of dating. Full of love and empathy, this reality series is unique in its gentle documentation of the sometimes rocky road to romance.
Young adults on the autism spectrum dip their feet into the dating pool. - 5Michelle Buteau
Social media plays such a big part of our lives. It's a major tool in how we present ourselves to the world, and that includes potential romantic partners. In The Circle, contestants are isolated in their own apartments, where they're only able to communicate with each other using a social media platform called "The Circle". On The Circle, they can be whoever they choose — a version of themselves, or someone different entirely.
Each contestant tries to be the most likable on the platform, and this often happens through flirting. Even though they're not allowed to see each other in person, that doesn't stop certain players from heating things up in the DMs.
Players must choose whether to be themselves or other people -- all while chasing a cash prize. - 6
Extreme Engagement
Tim Noonan, PJ MadamThis Australian reality show takes a more simplistic approach, following one recently engaged couple for the entirety of the season. Over the course of one year, the lovebirds will travel the world to discover a variety of marriage rituals from different cultures. The experience has the potential to bring the couple closer together, but it could also lead to the end of their relationship. After all, you learn a lot about someone after a stint with ayahuasca and polygamy.
Extreme Engagement is a good option for those who don't mind a dose of relationship drama, but also want to learn about other cultures.
- 7
Singapore Social
Singapore Social documents the lives of young Singaporeans as they strike a delicate balance between their dating lives with their careers and families. They defy societal norms and branch out beyond their boundaries. As they navigate the rocky waters of adulthood, we get to watch them learn and grow. For those who enjoy taking a peek inside the lives of strangers, Singapore Social is an engaging show that will draw you into its world.
- 8
My Hotter Half
Melvin OdoomThis British dating reality show is straight up nuts. Partners go head to head with each other in a "Battle of Hotness" as they compete to take the hottest selfie for an online dating profile. Then, their respective profiles are evaluated by strangers on the Internet. In the end, there can only be one winner. That person will then be dubbed the "hotter half" of the relationship.
Frivilous and shallow, My Hotter Half is a reality show that can be summed up in two words: guilty pleasure.
- 9
What the Love! With Karan Johar
Karan JoharThe road to love isn't always easy. Sometimes, being single just feels hopeless. That's where filmmaker Karan Johar comes in. On What the Love!, Johar mentors six lonely singles looking to make waves in the dating scene. With the help of a glam squad and celebrity guests, these contestants learn the importance of confidence when it comes to finding a match.
What the Love! is entertaining television for those who crave the excitement of adating reality show combined with the uplifting feeling of a makeover show.
- 10Becky, Audrey, Mayuko Kawakita
This dating show is great for those with a sense of wanderlust. A group of seven men and women pile into a pink bus and set out on a quest to find love. As the strangers journey throughout Asia together, they grow closer to one another. That's when the romance begins.
Filled with twists and turns, Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey is the go-to reality show for the adventurous spirit. The show returned in 2018 with a second season, this time for an African expedition.
Seven men and women board a pink bus in search of true love. - 11
Cheapest Weddings
Weddings shown on reality shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Diva Brides are often times ridiculously expensive. With lavish decorations and coture dresses, everything really adds up. But on Australia's reality show Cheapest Weddings, it's the exact opposite. These couples are getting married on a shoestring budget, cutting down on costs in any ways possible. This, of course, adds another layer of stress to an already stressful occasion. When it comes to wedding prices, how low can they go?
- 12
Diva Brides
If you love watching Bridezillas, then the U.K. reality show Diva Brides will tickle your fancy. These brides-to-be dream of having their perfect day go off without a hitch, and they'll stop at nothing to make that happen. Not enough money? No problem. Friendship-ending fights? Who cares! An absent groom? Okay, now that's a problem. These Diva Brides consider themselves to be "perfectionists", but when does it go too far? That's for you, the viewer, to decide.
- 13Gurki Basra, Kate Burr, Graig Couton
If you prefer your dating reality shows more drama-free, Netflix's original series Dating Around is for you. Each episode focuses on a different bachelor or bachelorette who goes on a series of first dates. There's no hidden catch — just two humans learning more about each other in an intimate setting.
The excellent cinematography and authentic tone set this series apart from the others. In fact, you may have to remind yourself that these people are in fact real and not scripted characters in a romantic comedy. It's that good.
Dating Around, a reality television series on Netflix, offers an authentic glimpse into the modern world of dating. Each episode follows a single individual as they embark on five blind dates in search of a potential love connection. The show's unpretentious approach and diverse cast have garnered critical acclaim, with many praising its relatability and genuine portrayal of human connection. Among the memorable participants is Gurki (Gurki Basra), whose candid conversation about her past experiences resonated with viewers. Steering clear of the usual drama and theatrics, Dating Around provides a refreshing take on the often chaotic realm of romantic pursuits. - 14Chris Harrison, Brad Womack, Sean Lowe
Oh, The Bachelor. You either love to hate it, or hate to love it. It's messy, theatrical, and totally addicting. Each season, one lucky dude moves into a mansion with a pool of single ladies all vying for his attention. As the season progresses, the bachelor gives roses to the women he would like to get to know better, eliminating the others. In the finale, he gives his "final rose" to the woman of his choice, whom he then proposes to.
It's an outlandish concept, but one that's ripe for drama. This highly popular show has been running for 24 seasons, and has prompted spinoffs such as The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise.
An eligible bachelor dates multiple women over several weeks in hopes of finding true love. - 15Desiree Burch
This is basically Netflix's version of Love Island, but with a huge twist. A group of 10 gorgeous singles are placed together in paradise, with only one catch: they're not allowed to hook up with each other. Or kiss each other, period. Say what? With the help of a virtual assistant named Lana, these singles will have to peacefully co-exist without any funny business. If they can follow the rules four weeks, they'll win $10,000 each. Of course, that's easier said than done. Engaging in these forbidden acts results in a drop in the prize money. Let the mind games begin.
Too Hot to Handle, a reality television series, explores the complexities of modern dating by challenging attractive singles to find genuine connections amid tempting distractions. Set in a luxurious tropical paradise, contestants are faced with a twist: physical contact is forbidden, and rule-breaking results in prize money deductions. Through challenges, the show encourages personal growth and emotional development among participants. With its diverse cast with big personalities, including Chloe Veitch and Harry Jowsey, the series has garnered attention from viewers around the world. Too Hot to Handle offers an intriguing examination of contemporary relationships and the value of intimacy beyond physical attraction. - 16Atsushi Tamura, Mari Yaguchi
REA(L)OVE is a raunchy, scandalous dating show hailing from Japan. Hosted by reformed playboy Atsushi Tamura, the show follows 18 singles who participate in group challenges and individual dates to get to know one another. Sounds pretty normal, right? Not quite. As it turns out, each contestant carries a dark secret from their past that has prevented them from finding love. Throughout the season, these truth bombs are dropped one by one, resulting in some epic arguments.
If you're tired of watching dating shows filled with beautiful people with seemingly perfect lives, REA(L)OVE is just the show you need to put things in perspective.
REA(L)OVE (Netflix, 2018) is a Japanese dating reality show. A group of men and women, each burdened with a dark secret, look for love in this dating show with a twist. - 17Rob Delaney
Sexy Beasts has everything you want and expect from a dating show - unique dates (making bouquets, gondolas, ice sculpting!), very singular people (everything from party professionals to cowboys), and plenty of chemistry between contestants. What this adaptation of a 2014 British dating series has that no other dating show has is fanciful prosthetics that obscure everyone's features, meaning these folks who are looking for love will have to follow their hearts, not their eyes.
Sexy Beasts is a reality dating series with an unconventional twist where singles looking for love are completely disguised with elaborate makeup and prosthetics. This ensures that first impressions are purely based on personality, not appearance. The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2021, gained attention for its surreal visuals as contestants dress as dolphins, devils, or pandas, among other fantastical creatures, navigating dates and seeking a genuine connection. The show is voiced by the British comedian Rob Delaney, who adds a humorous commentary to the show. Sexy Beasts plays with the themes of superficiality in modern dating and the age-old adage that true beauty lies within. It has garnered critical attention for its bizarre yet endearing concept, and its bold attempt to redefine the standards of attraction in the reality TV landscape. - A six-way partner-swap sparks wild attractions and tearful betrayals.
