Matched in Manhattan - TV-PG

Dating guru's trite tips aren't much of a turn on.

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Common Sense rates it
2
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: Lifetime Television
  • Cast: Matt Titus, Tamsen Fadel, Eddie Varley
  • Genre: Reality TV

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this dating show deals with adults' relationship issues, from low self-esteem to communication problems. The series addresses the fact that many adults have sex while dating -- one part of the show involves a bedroom makeover. Like most dating shows, it focuses on the premise that people's flaws -- both physical and psychological -- need to be hidden or disguised in order to attract a mate.

Families can talk about the messages this show sends about dating. Do people really need to change who they are in order to find a boyfriend or girlfriend? Teens: Would you change your appearance in order to attract someone? What would you not do to attract someone? What's the best advice anyone has ever given you about relationships?

Message

Social Behavior:

Perpetuates the idea that people's flaws can and should be fixed in order to attract a mate. Some gender-role stereotypes -- men love electronics, women are maneaters who only want to talk about having kids, etc.

Consumerism:

Lots of scenes take place on the street, so billboards and ads sometimes appear in the background. The show is clearly a promotional device for Titus' company.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some social drinking with dinner.

Violence

Sex

Addresses the fact that many adults have sex while dating. References to spending the night with a date, not taking someone home on the first date, making a bedroom "man friendly," etc.

Language

Talk about body parts includes terms like "booty."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Sierra Filucci

On the reality show MATCHED IN MANHATTAN, New York City-based matchmaker Matt Titus bombards the dating-challenged with all sorts of "Matt-isms" until they meet the man of their dreams. The cameras follow Titus as he works with straight women and gay men to find the perfect guy. He meets with clients to assess their strengths and weaknesses, then he gives them a pep talk, puts them through a whirlwind makeover, and matches them up for a date. He teaches his clients where to look for eligible men -- waiting for morning coffee, for one -- with catchphrases like "You've got to be in line, not online." A supposed expert on men, he also makes sure women don't do things like talk about wanting kids on the first date or turn a guy off with an out-of-date TV set.

Is it any good?

2

While his clients prepare to make their F.V.I. (First Visual Impression), Titus interacts with his business partner/wife Tamsen Fadel in awkwardly staged encounters. In one episode, for example, Fadel playfully nags him to complete thank-you cards, and he just as playfully procrastinates. It's meant to show that Titus really knows how relationships work, but it feels silly and out of context plopped into the middle of the dating content.

Plus, expert or no, Titus is hard to take seriously. He's groomed to the teeth -- bronzed skin, glossy hair, pressed shirts -- and his over-eager attitude (oops, "Matt-i-tude") is, frankly, a real turn-off. Teens won't get any really useful relationship advice here, but there's nothing potentially damaging either. The worst that Titus does is perpetuate banal stereotypes about men (they like technology) and women (calling one a "maneater").

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5

Posted on 05/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Its EXACTLY what we go through!

i love matt titus and his matt-isms! if yo u have ever been on a bad date in your life or met crazy men while out...you will totally love this series. matt gets real with his clients and is hilarious, but serious when he needs to be. his wife, tamsen fadal, is lovely and i have rewatched it over and over for dating tips! MATT COME MATCH ME!!!!
5

Posted on 02/05/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Matched In Manhattan Marathon on Lifetime TV

Hi...i am so excited ...i read a post on lifetime tv's website that says "matched in manhattan" is going to be on ALL DAY LONG ON VALENTINE'S DAY! it starts at 4 pm and goes in 8 pm. I have my TIVO set and am especially excited since I live in manhattan and have dated all the men on this island! anyone know how to get in touch with matt titus. I want to meet him in person and have him work with me to meet my Mr. Right!!!!
5

Posted on 01/09/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Matchmaking Show A Great Step For Lifetime

Lifetime has lots of family-friendly fare, but let's be honest-- those made for TV movies are a little bland to say the least, especially when the kids go to bed and you want something a little more juicy. "Matched in Manhattan," blows those programs out of the water with a fun, snappy format that rivals the reality offerings found on Bravo and TLC. It has it's flaws, to be sure, but this is the first show about a real-life matchmaking team that is actually watchable. And if you follow their tips, who knows, you might find a little love yourself.
5

Posted on 01/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Dating Show Matched In Manhattan...You'll Fall In Love!

This was hilarious...cannot wait to see another show. Saw it on lifetime's website and couldnt stop watching! you gotta check it out...look at the love shack! i want matt to love shack my pad! thanks lifetime

Adult Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5

Posted on 05/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Its EXACTLY what we go through!

i love matt titus and his matt-isms! if yo u have ever been on a bad date in your life or met crazy men while out...you will totally love this series. matt gets real with his clients and is hilarious, but serious when he needs to be. his wife, tamsen fadal, is lovely and i have rewatched it over and over for dating tips! MATT COME MATCH ME!!!!
5

Posted on 02/05/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Matched In Manhattan Marathon on Lifetime TV

Hi...i am so excited ...i read a post on lifetime tv's website that says "matched in manhattan" is going to be on ALL DAY LONG ON VALENTINE'S DAY! it starts at 4 pm and goes in 8 pm. I have my TIVO set and am especially excited since I live in manhattan and have dated all the men on this island! anyone know how to get in touch with matt titus. I want to meet him in person and have him work with me to meet my Mr. Right!!!!
5

Posted on 01/09/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Matchmaking Show A Great Step For Lifetime

Lifetime has lots of family-friendly fare, but let's be honest-- those made for TV movies are a little bland to say the least, especially when the kids go to bed and you want something a little more juicy. "Matched in Manhattan," blows those programs out of the water with a fun, snappy format that rivals the reality offerings found on Bravo and TLC. It has it's flaws, to be sure, but this is the first show about a real-life matchmaking team that is actually watchable. And if you follow their tips, who knows, you might find a little love yourself.
5

Posted on 01/04/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Dating Show Matched In Manhattan...You'll Fall In Love!

This was hilarious...cannot wait to see another show. Saw it on lifetime's website and couldnt stop watching! you gotta check it out...look at the love shack! i want matt to love shack my pad! thanks lifetime

Kids Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no kids reviews.

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