Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gimmicky format ups dating show's risqué factor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dating Naked
What's the Story?
Breaking the ice on any blind date is tough -- particularly if both parties are totally nude. That's the wild setup of DATING NAKED, where on each episode a man and a woman are brought to a secluded tropical island to have dates with three people, each taking place in the nude. Contestants kayak, boat, bird-watch, and boogie board in their birthday suits, while asking first-date questions to see if there's a connection. At the end of each episode, participants analyze their experiences and decide whether they want to see any of their matches again. If two participants choose each other, they get a final date on the island, plus the chance to see each other back in the real world.
Is It Any Good?
The gimmick of watching people cavort on boogie boards and boat decks without a stitch on fades quickly (with one notable exception, which we'll go into in a minute). At its heart, this is a dating show like many others you've seen before: Blind Date, Dating in the Dark, all the way back to Love Connection in the 1980s. Two people meet, make awkward conversation, and talk about their expectations and desires.
The nude thing is a twist, but not much of one. That is, until things get physical, and the sight of two adults kissing when they're totally nude is rather jarring to watch and will almost definitely make parents uncomfortable if they're watching with younger teens. Participants are thoughtful and genuinely looking for love, but some of the antics that are fine on other dating shows look mighty naughty when everyone's in the buff. This one is for mature teens only, and parents may want to watch before allowing kids to watch alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why this dating show got a place on VH1's schedule. What would be more appealing or interesting about a show on which people date in the nude rather than clothed?
Why do you suppose the dates on Dating Naked take place on a secluded island? Why couldn't these dates take place anywhere?
How do you think participants for this show are screened? Do you think they take any type of contestant or ask for a particular type? What type would that be?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 17, 2014
- Network : VH1
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2022
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