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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think First Dates is shit

18 replies

PartyRingFan · 27/06/2023 23:39

What happened? This show used to be so juicy, but I just watched 2 episodes and it felt really flat.
Have I just been desensitised by MAFS?

OP posts:
Maraudingmarauders · 27/06/2023 23:42

I think the same thing that always happens when these shows go on too long. They become too famous and so people go on the show to be on the show rather than for the actual reason of the show. Also the writers/pickers start to pick for 'good' TV rather than because they think they are good and valid contestants/participants.
Its happened to GBBO, Love Island etc etc.

Marchintospring · 27/06/2023 23:45

And MAFS actually.

PartyRingFan · 27/06/2023 23:49

@Maraudingmarauders
So it's not in my head then! I was thinking maybe it's something to do with how its edited but that hasn't changed I don't think, same number of people and length. But it's like there's not as much texture or depth to the interactions now, maybe less "conflict" in the dynamics or something

OP posts:
Allmyghosts · 27/06/2023 23:49

Same with any reality type crap. First couple of seasons of big brother were great, then just soid attention whores.

Skatingwaiting · 28/06/2023 00:02

Yeah it’s all about the sob story these days. If they don’t have a sob story they have to make a mountain into a molehill ,which makes for cringey tv. It used to be so good. I suspect a lot of the participants are just recruited from casting agencies these days (you do see a few first dates contestants with small parts on adverts etc).

LoopyLoo1991 · 28/06/2023 02:49

Last one I watched properly was that Georgette/Georgina one with the fake scratchcard.

Tried watching others but all potential couples seem dire or mismatched. Soon turn over.

At least you can laugh at Naked Attraction, you learn stuff and presenter is funny. Plus seeing 'bits'.
It's more honest than the pussyfooting about on First dates.

Allmyghosts · 28/06/2023 02:55

Oh god yeah scratchcard woman was a sociopath. Fucking hate things like that.

PartyRingFan · 28/06/2023 11:55

Looks like I need to see this scratchcard woman, I don't remember her!

There just used to be a few tense discussions or a clash of values or behaviours and stuff that made it interesting to analyse. But now it's like non descript nice woman meets non descript nice man, they're both like "I'm mad me!" have a chuckle and it's over. I think for some reason they've started choosing more "linear" personalities

OP posts:
Needmoresleepmorecoffee · 28/06/2023 12:02

I think as well they put people on who have sad or tragic back stories so they can do the following 'story line'.

Talks to the camera about sad thing

'my dad died in a car crash when I was 11'

Then they say I hope my date understands - never sure how to bring it up.

They tell the date, sad music plays. Date says;

'that is sad, but it doesn't bother me I accept you".

Every episode has a date like that.

I would rather see two people who really get on, have a good date and then meet up after.

LoopyLoo1991 · 28/06/2023 13:12

PartyRingFan · 28/06/2023 11:55

Looks like I need to see this scratchcard woman, I don't remember her!

There just used to be a few tense discussions or a clash of values or behaviours and stuff that made it interesting to analyse. But now it's like non descript nice woman meets non descript nice man, they're both like "I'm mad me!" have a chuckle and it's over. I think for some reason they've started choosing more "linear" personalities

Georgia and former Arsenal footballer Georga. Georgia had previously dated Georga's niece & they recognised each other!
Lesbian dating pool was a bit limited in their area apparently...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8879522/first-dates-girl-won-100k-fake-scratchcard/amp/

First Dates fans' disbelief as girl fools date into thinking she won £100k on fake scratchcard

FIRST Dates viewers were appalled after a woman gave her date a fake scratchcard, allowing them to think they had won a life-changing sum of £100,000. Georga – a former Arsenal footballer …

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8879522/first-dates-girl-won-100k-fake-scratchcard/amp

Comedycook · 28/06/2023 13:18

Skatingwaiting · 28/06/2023 00:02

Yeah it’s all about the sob story these days. If they don’t have a sob story they have to make a mountain into a molehill ,which makes for cringey tv. It used to be so good. I suspect a lot of the participants are just recruited from casting agencies these days (you do see a few first dates contestants with small parts on adverts etc).

Some of the sob stories aren't even particularly sad...just standard life shit most of us go through.

yellowsmileyface · 28/06/2023 13:22

I've noticed this too. It's just become very samey.

I love MAFS and have been catching up on some previous seasons of the Australian one. That show is a wild ride. Plus on MAFS you become very emotionally invested and it really explores the relationships. Whereas with First Dates you don't have that same chance to become invested with the people on it. They get about 10 minutes of airtime and then that's it.

ShakeYourFeathers · 28/06/2023 13:32

Allmyghosts · 28/06/2023 02:55

Oh god yeah scratchcard woman was a sociopath. Fucking hate things like that.

Oh she is awful

Honestly why would you mention some of the conversations/ sob stories on a first date. Some of them are very much 3rd-5th date territory

Deadringer · 28/06/2023 13:34

It used to be good but it's boring and really cringey now.

burnoutbabe · 28/06/2023 13:54

Scratch card ladies were on a special pride edition last week.

I actually thought they were cute! Would have liked them to work out.

LoopyLoo1991 · 28/06/2023 16:01

burnoutbabe · 28/06/2023 13:54

Scratch card ladies were on a special pride edition last week.

I actually thought they were cute! Would have liked them to work out.

Same.
Back in the day I probably would've dated both of them.
Or had a made threesome or two with both! lol

LoopyLoo1991 · 28/06/2023 16:03

•mad threesome 😂

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