Ranking the Top Reality TV Dating Shows of 2023
(So far)
Although it's just April, the world of reality television dating shows has offered viewers compelling television in 2023. Whether contestants meet in pods or villas, we've seen hookups, makeups, and breakups. I've only managed to watch four shows this year, and I've decided to rank them based on my level of enjoyment.
Season 27 of The Bachelor
While this season of The Bachelor gave us one of the most routine and happy couples to date, the season wasn't enjoyable to watch, especially in the middle. While the lead, Zach Shallcross, had moments of vulnerability and a great cast, much of the season wasn’t that memorable. Despite the season delivering drama, a love story, and moments of fun, it’s not a season that will go down in history; however, I will give Zach his credit for having a rose ceremony at the end of every episode. I am excited about the direction of the next season of The Bachelorette, and this season's women were made for paradise. Watching this season felt like doing the homework you didn’t want to do so that you could be prepared for the test later in the semester.
The standout moment of the season: Sex Week
Season 1 of Perfect Match
The Netflix/Lachey universe offered viewers a paradise-style show, Perfect Match. On this show, contestants from Netflix series including Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, The Ultimatum, and more and competed in challenges and coupled up throughout the season to search for their perfect match. The couples who won challenges were then given the power to bring new people in for themselves or their cast mates. While I’ve already recapped my issues with the show, it was a fun binge-watch. I liked that the participants fully leaned into the competition aspect of the show, but as usual, Black women deserve better. For these reasons, Perfect Match lands at number three.
The standout moment of the season: The post-show fallout between Georgia and Dom
Season 9 of Love Island (UK)
Love Island UK is probably my favorite reality dating show, but I’m putting it at number two due to the sheer volume of episodes. Because you spend so much time with the islanders, you see them grow and change as the season progresses. I loved having my standing appointment with Love Island every day. The cheeky challenges, Casa Amor, and British slang will infiltrate your psyche in no time. While there were some unlikable cast members, I am obsessed with the final two couples. I am genuinely rooting for all of their happiness. Love Island truly delivers on drama, friendship, and feelings.
The standout moment of the season: the announcement of the winners of the season
Season 4 of Love is Blind
Live reunion debacle notwithstanding, season four of Love is Blind was genuinely compelling television. We had villains, endgame couples, and copious amounts of gold chalices. Similar to Love Island, I like the growth and maturity that we witness as we embark on the journey of love with these contestants. There’s something to be said for the incorporation of both the fantasy of the pods and the reality of their daily lives and possibly joining their lives together at the altar. Three of the four final couples are still married, and I’m genuinely looking forward to following these couples in the future, hopefully without the involvement of the Lachey family banter.
The standout moment of the season: The epic reunion fail
Let me know if your rankings are the same! What has been your favorite reality show so far in 2023?
I’m thinking of tackling Farmer Wants a Wife and Love Trip: Paris, so let me know if you’ve watched those as well!
Okay so your summary of Zach’s season amounting to “homework you don’t want to do” to be prepared for paradise…sigh. Okay I’ll go back and watch! Lol. Couldn’t agree more re Perfect Match. Love Island UK is in the queue now! And I wasn’t going to watch the newest LIB but I’m looking forward to it now!