Television has blessed us with countless goofy dating shows and we will always be in its debt for it. Gimmick-based dating shows have given us gems like Chains of Love, Mr. Personality, and the instantly forgotten I Wanna Marry “Harry” (we’re playing fast and loose with the term “gems”), but what hot bubbling newness is coming from this TV genre? That’d be a reality show import that combines blindfolds, kissing, and dating.
The series Kiss Bang Love (which is good dating shorthand) has been picked for 10 episodes by FYI, the home of Married at First Sight. Just like Married at First Sight, Kiss Bang Love uses the formula of a Danish series that’s been used by other international markets. (Not every country that’s gotten the show has fallen in love. The Australian version was a ratings bust.) Married at First Sight relationship expert Rachel DeAlto will serve as host and presumably a bidding war will start among sponsors that want to be the official blindfold cleaners of FYI.
Here’s a bit more info on the premise: Every episode, a man or a woman will suck face while blindfolded and choose between 10 suitors. (Other factors beyond blindfolded kissing are in play, but that’s sort of the draw, now isn’t it?) The single looking for love trims their selections down to two people and dates are had. Is this how we’ll get future presidential couples? We’ll have to wait and see through our blindfold holes. (But no, that presidential couples thing is not going to happen.)
“FYI continues to pioneer and re-invent the relationship genre,” said rising behind-the-scenes FYI decision maker Gena McCarthy. “In ‘Kiss Bang Love,’ we explore whether blind physical chemistry can pre-determine romantic success.”
No word yet on if there will be a Blind Date: Uncensored style special lined up if that blind physical chemistry becomes too hot for TV.
(Via Entertainment Weekly & Deadline)