Reality dating shows are a dime a dozen these days, and it’s pretty easy to see why, given how wildly entertaining (and bingeable) shows like Too Hot to Handle, FBoy Island and Love Is Blind have proven to be. With so many options — Netflix alone provides its fair share of dating shows — streaming services are always looking for new twists to put on the dating games. The latest offering for Netflix subscribers, Dated & Related, looks like it might be another winner with its intentionally cringe concept.
The trailer shows a bunch of sexy singles being swept away to a villa in France to search for love in the most romantic country in the world. The catch? The contestants’ siblings are along for the ride, and they're...also looking for love? Sure, why not? (Wait, I can come up with plenty of reasons why not.)
It looks like the Dated & Related cast is in for plenty of uncomfortable moments on all points of the spectrum. The double date between two brothers and a brother/sister pair looked plenty awkward, especially when the young woman appeared to offer herself up as that evening's meal. Also, sorry, but full creeper vibes from the part in the teaser that showed a man just watching (uncomfortably, but still watching) as his presumed brother or sister got hot and heavy with their partner on the couch next to him. Yeesh.
Sure, having your brother or sister by your side as you navigate the dating pool coud definitely have its advantages. The trailer appears to show at least some of the cast expressing their gratitude for having a relative there to keep them in check and weed out any bad eggs.
But there are plenty of ways this situation can go wrong (and it will — it absolutely, most definitely will). What if two of the siblings want to pursue the same person? What happens when big brother gets overprotective of his little sister? And can someone please, please, explain to me why a woman would ever feel the need to get her brother's blessing to share a bed with a man? There are just so many opportunities for the family members to overstep their boundaries, and I am absolutely here for it. That is exactly the type of drama that we can't help but binge watch on these Netflix shows.
Though not mentioned in this trailer, there appears to be some cash on the line as well, which isn't unusual for these reality dating shows (and definitely gives me more understanding as to why people would sign up for such an uncomfortable experience in the first place). The official description on Netflix (opens in new tab)'s website says that as well as love, contestants can "maybe win $100,000," so it'll definitely be interesting to see how the money aspect plays into everything.
The self-proclaimed "most awkward dating show in history," Dated & Related is set to premiere on Friday, September 2, on Netflix, and in the meantime, check out some of the other best Netflix shows to watch, and see what’s coming up with our 2022 Netflix TV Schedule.
