The Netflix show “Love is Blind” has gained widespread attention as an unorthodox matchmaking series. The concept of the show is to have singles connect on a purely emotional level before seeing each other, essentially being an anti-Tinder. Anytime during a ten-day “dating” period, each male contestant can choose to propose to one of the women who has chosen to keep “seeing” them. In reality, they are separated by a semi-opaque glass wall and each participant is in a dating pod across from potential matches.
Once a proposal is made, the couple meets for the first time where they continue the engagement and are sent on a vacation in Mexico to test their emotional bond to each other or decide if looks are more important than personality, ending the relationship. This popular tv show’s uniquely wholesome concept based on an intellectual connection before physical attraction lived up to some expectations.
While giving the men the power to choose a girl created a lot of drama and love triangles, one participant actually chose to reject the proposal from her man and propose herself, which was a refreshing contrast to the patriarchal norms the show perpetuated.
Another deep topic explored in the show was interracial relationships. One woman upon meeting her match in person was shocked to find he was white because she had never dated a white man and would not have done so if not in this type of situation. What seemed like it could be a large hurdle, turned out to be an opportunity to have some meaningful conversations in the show. Interspersed with the more substantial content was a lot of drama, dull conversations and wine chugging.
One of the more dramatic aspects of the show was when one participant revealed they were bisexual and had dated men in the past. While it is hard to say exactly how things went down, like on most reality shows, both sides handled this badly and it was uncomfortable to watch them being so immature.
Overall, some couples seemed strong and mature while others seemed likely to fizzle out when the cameras turned off. If wondering if it is worth it to spend 11 hours watching all the episodes of “Love is Blind,” for those who love drama and the “Bachelor,” absolutely. However, for those hoping it would be a more wholesome romantic tv show, perhaps they should pass.