As long as you don’t live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Netflix show Love Is Blind. Coming off the success of the relatively popular The Circle (still haven’t tuned in to that one yet, should I?), Netflix has again invested in the concept of competing behind closed doors, but this time the stakes are a bit higher with people’s hearts (and livelihoods) on the line and marriage proposals based on emotional connection alone impending.
Oh, yeah, hence the title: Love Is Blind.
No Comparison
As a female millennial, I’ve been privy to the shenanigans publicized by The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and all related properties for more than a decade now. As someone who has selectively watched seasons of these shows (Sean and Catherine are #goals and that is all), and observed the other seasons from afar, I can say with confidence that these shows, for the most part, are absolute garbage.
But alas, I’m telling you something that you already know, though it’s necessary to establish the innate difference between The Bachelor and all of its incarnations.
Love is Blind is the real deal, people. Or at least as close to the “real deal” as you can get on a TV show. Or should I say, “social experiment”?
…I can say with confidence that these shows, for the most part, are absolute garbage.
While there are dramatic moments that were likely stoked to some degree by producers and camera crew (i.e. social gatherings where alcohol is provided as a sort of social lubricant), or surely edited in such a way that capitalizes on the tension between the couples, the intent behind Love Is Blind is plain and simple: people who want to get married and settle down, all get together and date each other.
The Real Deal
Unlike those other dating shows-that-shall-not-be-named, everyone on Love Is Blind is there for the same reason. The only ever-present source of drama are the awkward moments when people realize they might be falling for the same disembodied voice they’ve been told belongs to a genuine, living and breathing human being.
Yeah, it’s a weird concept. But an interesting one that flips the “dating” apps that we’ve come to know and love/hate that encourage users to focus solely on appearance when searching for a mate (or a hookup, we don’t judge here) on their head.
…the show tackles some serious subjects that affect couples in the real world such as race, finances, and culture.
While some dating shows seek out individuals who stand out in a crowd or covet those who provide viewers with the quirky or gasp-inducing traits, ticks, or hangups they so desperately desire, Netflix’s attempt to foster long-lasting relationships is successful because Love Is Blind features relatively normal people that transition into relatively normal couples that viewers can relate to and see themselves reflected in.
Not to mention, the show tackles some serious subjects that affect couples in the real world such as race, finances, and culture.
Love Is Blind 4Ever
They must be doing something right, seeing as (no spoilers!) two of the couples did end up saying “I do” this time around and are still married (not a spoiler).
General takeaway: Avert your eyes from the dumpster fire that are the aforementioned programming, sit your tush down for an hour or eleven, and binge the beautiful journey that is Love Is Blind.
You might just start believing in love again.
Maybe.
