Unlike most of the TV programs we're to believe are reality-based, "First Dates" is genuinely one of those shows! Brought to life by the great Ellen DeGeneres, this show pairs up couples who have never met before, having their blind date at a restaurant in front of the cameras. This allows the viewer to be legally voyeuristic, seeing the couples as they see each other for the first time.
What struck me immediately is how you find yourself rooting for certain people, and instantly turned off by others. Although purposefully matched by the producers as having similar likes and interests, it's obvious from the jump that these couples have no guarantee for compatibility ~ and it's shown at the end of each episode if a second date is warranted!
Although the first show had couples from different age groups and ethnicities, not all of them turned out successful (just like real life) ~ although I did find it heartwarming that the pair I was rooting for lasted long after the filming ended!
All in all, a very entertaining show!
