Are UK Romance Shows the Wildest on Global TV?

The first kiss in Netflix’s same-sex Japanese dating show “The Boyfriend” arrives eight episodes in. Two cast members, Shun (23) and Dai (22), after weeks of engaging in a “will they won’t they” dynamic, finally share a “sleepover date.” Shun moves into Dai’s single bed, leading to a scene where their faces gradually inch closer until their lips touch. The moment is electric, capturing viewers’ anticipation. I couldn’t help but scream, “Yeeessssss, Finally.”

This is quite different from the BBC’s same-sex dating shows, “I Kissed a Girl” and “I Kissed a Boy,” where participants make out immediately upon meeting. Adding to the diverse formats, the upcoming Paramount+ series “Dating Naked UK,” presented by Rylan Clark, takes it a step further by having contestants strip completely before dates. Channel 4’s “Naked Attraction” also goes unconventional, where singles choose partners based on rows of faceless naked bodies, almost like a meat counter. The distances they push these shows reflect British attitudes, right up to Channel 4’s “Sex Box,” where couples had sex in a box before discussing it with a live audience.

British dating culture is well-reflected in these shows. It’s common for Brits to kiss someone on a night out or sleep together on the first date, only to connect emotionally later. This behavior might seem dichotomous: initially diving into physical interactions while postponing emotional vulnerability. Evidently, such attitudes make extreme dating shows seem less extreme to a British audience.

“Compared to Western culture, kissing is more special in Japan,” says Durian Lollobrigida, a prominent drag queen in Japan and a host on “The Boyfriend.” The show’s first season has been notably restrained, with little overt flirting and no sex. One cast member, Kazuto (27), even feels overwhelmed at the idea of a massage. Yet, this doesn’t imply a lack of interest. Lollobrigida suggests that Japanese culture values subtlety and reading nonverbal cues—traits far from obvious to British eyes.

Another Netflix series, “Indian Matchmaking,” presents a stark contrast to British dating shows. Focused on dating to marry, this show is serious. Matchmaker Sima Taparia pairs singles with suitors based on her expertise and the preferences of contestants and their parents. This reflects India’s longstanding tradition of arranged marriage, as highlighted by a 2018 survey where 93% of married Indian couples said their marriage was arranged. Unlike Western shows like “Love Is Blind” or “Married at First Sight,” “Indian Matchmaking” isn’t a social experiment but a genuine effort aligned with Indian cultural values.

“Our cameras drop in on a real-world process, not a constructed format that gamifies romance,” asserts Aaron Saidman, executive producer of “Indian Matchmaking.” Participants genuinely seek life partners, setting them apart from other dating shows.

The US also has its share of unique dating shows like “Milf Manor” and “Dated & Related,” but typically devoid of the sexual openness found in British shows. Dani Neumann of production company Spun Gold believes American audiences prefer splashy and loud concepts but are conservative regarding sexual content. This aligns with a 2022 survey indicating that 28% of Americans find premarital sex “morally wrong.” Therefore, while the concepts may be eye-popping, US shows often are less sexually explicit compared to British ones.

British shows, however, might still not be the most sexually forward on a global scale. For example, “Too Hot to Handle: Brazil” on Netflix features contestants constantly making out and talking about sex. In comparison to “The Boyfriend,” the Brazilian contestants’ sexual openness is unparalleled. However, it’s essential to recognize that the nature of the show, which casts attractive and sexually inclined individuals, affects this dynamic.

Caio Giovani, a participant in “Too Hot to Handle: Brazil,” says Brazilians are generally very open. They are always willing to engage and get to know others, especially those in Rio de Janeiro. Castmate Brenda Paixão also notes limited differences when it comes to sexual openness between Brazil and the US, having spent some time in the States.

Given the UK’s reputation for a “stiff upper lip,” it might seem odd that British dating shows are so unconventional. But considering the inherent contradictions in British culture—more likely to kiss while drunk than engage in public displays of affection—it makes sense. Their dating shows mirror this, merging audacious sexual content with reserved social interactions.

Yet, it’s crucial to remember that a dating show can only reveal so much about a nation. Going on TV is inherently an odd experience, meaning contestants may not behave as they would in real life. Taiki Takahashi, producer of “The Boyfriend,” notes that the novelty of the concept in Japan might have made contestants cautious about their portrayal.

Sometimes, audiences might crave something less intense, a return to traditional romance. “The beauty of ‘Indian Matchmaking’ is that even though it captures a rich cultural practice, it’s highly relatable,” says Saidman, underscoring the universal desire for love and lasting partnership.

Dating Naked UK premieres on Paramount+ on 23 August. The Boyfriend and Indian Matchmaking are available on Netflix now.

Source: The Guardian