DATING AROUND ON NETFLIX IS THE DATING SERIES YOU WANT TO SEE

Dating shows… Well, I don't know. I used to be a loyal viewer of MTV’s Dismissed and Room Raiders (too bad to put into words, I know), but I have to honestly say that I have very little interest in all the naked dating that seems to be in vogue now. Adam Zkt. Eva, Undress For Love, I can't stand it. I don't understand why you would claim your 15 seconds of fame for such a program, let alone find your true love with it. I do find First Dates very enjoyable, at least the couples are presented in a nice way. Some couples are very relatable and fun, while others make you feel completely secondhand embarrassment. A nice mix when it comes to dating shows. I thought there should be more of those kinds of shows, and the Netflix gods have heard my prayers.

Dating Around is actually a really fun dating series. Super American, that it is. Each episode revolves around one single person who goes on a blind date with five dating material types. One of them is chosen for a second date. Sounds simple, right? It is. Netflix even only needs two shots at the beginning of each episode to explain the concept. A child could do it.

All dates take place in New York, in the trendiest spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn (I assume Netflix pays for the dinners, because eating out five times a week is quite a hit to your wallet). A nice detail is that all dates take place within one week and also in the same restaurant. A case of trying out the entire menu, I think. In terms of the types participating, it is very diverse: heterosexual couples, lesbian and gay couples.

Refreshing is that in Dating Around it sometimes happens that the other party is not interested. In Dismissed, the two always fought to get the second date, but in Dating Around, it is thankfully just said if they ‘don't feel it‘. What is quite blunt, though, is that more than once someone just walks away – once even during the appetizer. Now, each episode is only half an hour, so some things have probably been cut, but for me, a date has to be really disastrous for me to leave my food behind. There is also walking away during the after-dinner cocktails because the couple gets into a heated argument (’Jerry! Jerry!’). So there’s enough drama here and there, after all, it remains an American show.

So yes, believe me, you want to see this series. Even if you, like me, are absolutely not a dater. It's not that I've suddenly converted and started serial dating, but maybe not all dates are awkward. Especially not that one date in Dating Around where the couple starts with a few rounds of tequila shots – that does sound like a date I would want. Apparently, those guys do exist too. Anyway, watch it and then surf the internet to see which couples are still together (like I did) and what juicy things have happened afterward. I won't spoil those for you.

Written by: Wieke Veenboer